Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park
Rate this placeNearby: Sonoran Hills Park Pinnacle Peak Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park is a nature preserve and outdoor recreation area located in the state of Arizona.
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Summary
The park offers visitors an opportunity to experience the unique flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert while enjoying various recreational activities.
There are several good reasons to visit the park, including hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the stunning desert landscape. The park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including saguaro cacti, desert wildflowers, and various species of birds, lizards, and snakes.
Some specific points of interest within the park include the park's interpretive trail, which provides visitors with information about the park's ecology and history, and the park's picnic area, which offers a great spot for enjoying a meal or a snack amidst the beautiful desert scenery.
Interesting facts about the park include its history as a former homestead, and the use of the park's plants by indigenous peoples for medicinal and cultural purposes.
The best time of year to visit the park is during the cooler months of the year, typically from October through April. During this time, the park's temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities.
Overall, Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and diversity of Arizona's Sonoran Desert.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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McDowell Mountain
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Ironwood Campground
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Cave Creek Rec Area
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Sonoran Hills Park
Pinnacle Peak Park
Grathawk Park
Thompson Peak Park
DC Ranch Park