12 Ways You're Completely Wrong About The Desert

You may think you know the desert. But you're probably wrong.

1. There's *actually* water here.

Courtesy of Scottsdale Visitors Bureau

Between the Salt River, Verde River, Saguaro Lake, Bartlettt Lake, Lake Pleasant, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and Roosevelt Lake, there's definitely no shortage of water adventures to be had!

2. It's far from drab.

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Scottsdale has a strong architectural community and features stunning structural works of art like Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West.

3. It's not just some barren wasteland.

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The desert is actually gorgeous year-round, especially during the spring wildflower season.

4. Plenty of things actually do grow.

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The desert isn't as harsh as it may seem. In fact, there are healing properties found in many desert plants that are widely used as part of local spa treatments.

5. There's an incredible local food scene.

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Like, really incredible. Scottsdale was actually named the number-two "foodie city" in the nation in 2014. You can definitely cheers to that!

6. It isn't scorching hot year-round.

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The desert can be very mild. In fact, Scottsdale boasts a pleasant average temperature of 72 degrees year-round -- which some might call...perfect. Not gonna argue with that.

7. There aren't dangerous animals everywhere you turn.

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Sure, there are coyotes and snakes, but you'll most likely never encounter them. The only critters you'll probably see are cute, harmless lizards.

8. It's not just sand.

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So you know by now that plenty of things grow in the desert, but did you know that there's actually very little sand? That's right -- the desert is actually mostly rock, gravel, and clay.

9. The desert isn't just for retired people.

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With so much to do, see, and taste, the desert isn't just a place where older folks go to live out their golden years.

10. You can't fry an egg on the sidewalk.

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OK, this one might actually true. But don't fret -- it's definitely not always hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk.

11. You can't just cut open any cactus and drink the water.

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Careful! Although the desert is a nurturing environment that's full of life, not every cactus contains potable water.

12. The desert actually gets rain.

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And when it does, it's truly magical.

The desert is so much more than you imagined! Visit Scottsdale this winter and experience the magic of the desert for yourself.