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The location for literally thousands of cowboy movies, the Sonoran desert straddles the US-Mexico border and stretches from Baja California to Arizona. Even though it is the hottest, driest place in North America, it hosts an amazing diversity of plant and animal life. And now you can experience it right here in the UAE.
Your journey begins with a walk through a grove of strangely shaped mesquite trees, which look remarkably like our own native ghaf tree. An even more fascinating sight, and a truly distinctive symbol of the American desert, is the giant, spiny saguaro cactus.
Next is a viewing pavilion where you have an unforgettable opportunity to see the reclusive puma up close, as he drinks from the stream beside the viewing window, apparently oblivious to his visitors. The pavilion also hosts a fabulous jaguar who lies on a ledge above the steam, staring directly back at you as you stand in awe of his beauty and strength. After one last look at this incredible creature, you step outside and make your way along a winding wadi - or an "arroyo" as they call it in Sonora.
The arroyo leads you through an aviary filled with mourning doves and hummingbirds that dart across your path so fast and so close, you might notice nothing more than a light breeze and the hum of their wings. Coming out of the aviary and crossing a bridge, you walk beside rock walls with Mexican wolves on the other side of the stream. The wolves are active and appear to be following the leader at a trot through the habitat. The trail climbs, taking you through a rock arch that Bighorn sheep are crossing overhead.
The path opens out to a wide plain with Pronghorn antelopes, Desert bighorn sheep and whole family groups of quail that dart across the ground in single file from bush to bush. The route then gives you one last view of the puma and a band of raccoon-like coatimundi on your left before you exit and find yourself back in Al Ain.
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