Boyce Thompson Arboretum
4.9(4.9K)google
4.8(236)yelp
Exotic PlantsHikingPhoto Spot
Overview
Boyce Thompson Arboretum, nestled near Superior just east of Phoenix, is the oldest and largest public botanical garden in the state of Arizona. Spanning over 340 acres of rugged canyon terrain beneath the breathtaking backdrop of Picketpost Mountain, the arboretum features an incredible global collection of over 4,000 species of desert plants from Earth's arid regions. Visitors explore miles of scenic dirt paths winding through a dramatic grove of towering eucalyptus trees, hidden canyon oases, and dense Wallace Desert gardens. It provides an exceptional, deeply tranquil outdoor environment for comprehensive ecological education, hiking, and viewing unique desert bird life.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 3-5 hours
Best TimeHighly recommended from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM between late autumn and early spring (November to March). As Arizona's oldest botanical institution, the massive arid trees offer great shade, and the mild winter climate is perfect for walking the main trail to admire rare global desert flora and wild red-tailed hawks.
Getting ThereLocated about 60 miles east of downtown Phoenix in the outer desert. No public transit is available, making driving mandatory: take US-60 East all the way past Apache Junction toward the town of Superior. The arboretum entrance sits right off the highway with an expansive, free on-site gravel lot.
Travel Tips
- Summer Extreme Heat Early Closures: The arboretum's schedule changes drastically. From May 1 to September 30, to protect guests from dangerous desert temperatures, hours are strictly limited to 6:00 AM–11:00 AM (last entry at 10:00 AM). The site is fully closed in the afternoon.
- Zero Trailside Water & Strict Pet Rules: The trail network spans miles, but beyond the main visitor center entrance, there are no drinking fountains or vending machines. You must carry 1–2 liters of water. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
- Remote Zero-Signal Dead Zone & Cash Backup: Located far east in Superior, cellular service drops to zero inside the canyons; download offline maps beforehand. While the box office accepts credit cards, regular network outages occur, making a physical cash backup highly recommended.
Reviews
Positive
- Arizona's oldest and largest arboretum! It collects tens of thousands of desert plants globally against a breathtaking red rock cliff backdrop.
- The trail system layout is flawless; the Wallace Desert Garden is gorgeous, and the suspension bridge and hidden creek add fun to the hike.
- An absolute oasis for wildlife; hikers can view wild northern cardinals, hummingbirds, and lizards up close in an untouched natural setting.
- The visitor center is modern, housing a professional plant nursery and helpful maps, with spotless restrooms and great main trail accessibility.
Heads up
- The location is highly remote, located off Highway 60 near an hour's drive east of the city, requiring a high transit time investment.
- Admission fees have climbed in recent years, making it pricey for big families, and there is no full-service restaurant serving hot meals inside.
- The arboretum size is daunting (hundreds of acres); trekking the main loop requires solid stamina, which is too tiring for small kids or seniors.
- Because the wilderness is so well-preserved, unpaved outer tracks have loose rocks, and snakes can hide in deep brush during summer, requiring caution.