Early civilizations, the Old West, and the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert attract RV-goers of all kinds. In the wide open desert surrounding Desert Gardens RV Oasis, one can imagine the irrigated fields of the ancient Hohokam civilization, tribes of Apaches led by Geronimo and Cochise, and, if lucky, may observe the twilight blooming of the Saguaro cactus flower. (Although each Saguaro produces hundreds of blooms, only a few open each day and last less than 24 hours.)

Teeming with hardy plants and animals that have adapted to nature’s extremes, the Sonoran Desert fascinates those who visit on foot, on horseback, by mountain bike, and in motorized vehicles. As a symbol of the southwest, the Saguaro can exceed 10’ in height and weigh up to 10 tons. Arizona’s state bird, the cactus wren, makes its home in the holes of the great cactus. Protected by these enormous sentinels of the sand, wrens, coyotes, and rodents depend on its bright red fruit for food.

Perhaps one of the most peculiar animals of the Sonoran is the ringtail cat. Although more akin to raccoons than cats, this fox-faced predator is best known for its ability to rid mines of rodents. Hence, the name “miner’s cat” is sometimes used.

With its roots in gold, silver, copper, and turquoise mining, towns like Tombstone grew to become the biggest in the region. Ghost towns now stand where mining towns once proliferated although a few working mines still exist. No journey to this area would be complete without visiting the O.K. Corral, the gallows at the Tombstone County Courthouse, or Cochise’s hide-out in the rocks.