text: A great place, no doubt, but with admission at $18 per adult, it has the feel of an expensive tourist trap.  Why pay so much for someone to \"show you nature\"?\n\nMy suggestion: Go out and explore the desert on your own.\n\n-Hike in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve area. (One of many parks.)\n-Explore the saguaros and lush desert outside the city. (My favorite region is toward Florence Junction & Superior along US Highway 60.)\n-Visit a retail cactus farm. (There are many!)\n\nThen again, if you're a tourist and don't mind spending the money, go for it.