What Desert Wildlife Can You See in Scottsdale

Scottsdale sits in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, one of the most biologically diverse deserts in the world and that makes it great for sightseeing.

Far from being barren, the Sonoran Desert is home to an impressive array of wildlife that thrives in its warm climate, rocky terrain, and lush desert vegetation. Whether you’re hiking a scenic trail, enjoying a sunrise golf course view, or exploring nearby preserves, Scottsdale offers countless opportunities to encounter native desert animals in their natural habitat.

We will go through some of the desert wildlife that you can see when you visit the area.

Cacti in the Desert

Sonora Desert Wildlife

The Cactus Dwellers

One of the most iconic sights in the Sonoran Desert is the saguaro cactus, which provides shelter and food for many species. You’ll often see Gila woodpeckers and elf owls nesting inside these towering cacti. Birdlife is especially abundant in Scottsdale, with more than 200 species recorded in the region. Look for red-tailed hawks soaring overhead, roadrunners darting across trails, and cactus wrens, Arizona’s state bird, hopping between shrubs and cacti.

Meet the Mammals

Mammals are common as well, though many are most active during early mornings and evenings to avoid the midday heat. Desert cottontail rabbits and black-tailed jackrabbits are frequently spotted near trails and residential areas. Coyotes are widespread and often heard howling at dusk, while javelinas, collared peccaries that resemble wild pigs, travel in small groups through washes and desert neighborhoods. In more remote areas, visitors may even catch a glimpse of bobcats or desert foxes, though these animals are typically elusive.

“The desert is the most perfect place that exists. The temperature, the light, the colors, all hang and linger at some unflawed precipice, like the cars of a roller coaster ticking ever so slowly over their apex before the crash.”

― Jeanine Cummins, American Dirt

Reptiles

Reptiles are another hallmark of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. Scottsdale is home to several species of lizards, including the colorful desert spiny lizard and zebra-tailed lizard, often seen basking on rocks. Rattlesnakes, such as the western diamondback, are also native to the area. While encounters are uncommon, hikers should remain alert and stay on marked trails, especially during warmer months when snakes are more active.

Smaller Wildlife

The desert also comes alive with smaller creatures that play a vital role in the ecosystem. Kangaroo rats, pack rats, and various insects emerge at night, supporting a complex food chain. During certain times of year, visitors may spot tarantulas, particularly during mating season, as they slowly cross desert paths.

A Wild Coyote

Where to Head

For the best wildlife viewing, head to places like McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Papago Park, or South Mountain Park, where protected land allows animals to thrive. Guided nature walks and early-morning hikes offer the greatest chance to see wildlife while learning about how these species have adapted to the desert environment.

Scottsdale’s wildlife is a reminder that the Sonoran Desert is vibrant, resilient, and full of life. With a little patience and respect for nature, visitors can experience a side of the desert that’s both surprising and unforgettable. To get the most out of your visit, you should go for a rental near the area.

The desert is something truly unique and special and so are the animals that dwell there.