Boyce Thompson was a quick drive from the Phoenix valley! It was such a beautiful park. Plenty of parking and they do charge an entry fee but well worth it for the trails. We will be back to visit for sure! Xo -BB read more

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A lovely place to walk around and enjoy varied desert plants and nature. We stopped here on a Sunday during a food festival event and had a nice time. They have many paths to walk around, some with a little shade and others completely exposed to the sun. They had a few fun food trucks and vendors on that day. There are also volunteers in various areas open to chatting and answering questions, some very loquacious. They're open even earlier in the summer which is essential to avoid the inevitable heat. A common spot for engagement or wedding photos, on this day there was surprisingly a group that got a little tipsy and were gently and firmly encouraged to leave. If you and another come here twice a year at least, it's worth an annual membership at $79. You also then get guests in for $5 and a 10% discount at the store. And it's a cute little store. You also get reciprocal membership to some other places and special events throughout the year. read more

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I have been here many times with friends and on my own. My compañero wanted to do the flower show that was happening this weekend and I said that I'd go if we do the hike. There was a lot more added to the Arboretum since my last visit a few years ago. It just gets better and better! There is a Drovers Wool Shed and an audio button. If able to, I highly recommend the higher hike in the mountain. Scenic views and very tranquil! We bought a membership so I will be back! read more

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I'm not very outdoorsy but love the arboretum. I don't hike but there's alot to see without having to actually hike. They also have golf cart tours on certain days and times for an additional fee which is also a nice option for people who maybe aren't as mobile, I personally have MS so some days are better then others and I like knowing i can still plan on going. Its also one of the few places where there are fall leaves around Thanksgiving every year. They announce when the leaves are turning on Instagram and Facebook, so you can plan a little. They also now do cool events with vendors abs they're open in the evenings right now. I recommend a membership if you plan on going more then once, it pays for itself and even if you don't is a great place to have donated to. read more

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We went to Boyce Thompson Arboretum over the weekend. It is located in Superior, Arizona which is about an hour away from us. We live in the East Valley. You can bring your dogs to explore with you. Reminder to bring your own poop bags, water and a secure leash. We enjoyed the hiking trails along with the gardens with different region themes such as South America, and a garden with plants that attract butterflies and humming birds. They offer shaded areas and seating through out which helped us take breaks and enjoy the views. It is truly an experience that provides many opportunities to stop and take in beautiful landscape and photos. We plan on coming back since there is more left to explore. The admission to enter is $24.95 for adults and youth (13-17) $10 for children (5-12), and free for members and children under 5 yrs old. read more

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Recently stopped by, was hoping to see some fall leaves, but it's not quite looking like fall yet. Found a single tree going yellow. No coati's this time, who are in my opinion the star of the place! Mosquitos were so-so, we just didn't stop much, especially in the shade. Certainly saw a few getting ideas about biting, but I moved along quickly. The gardens were in decent shape in spite of the storms we had last month, but it was clear there was a lot of erosion that had to be cleaned up. Paths were still very walkable. They had plants for sale as part of their fall plant sale. Was interested in finding something unique, but things weren't labelled well - gave up and left. Maybe next year. read more

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My wife signed up for the annual membership of $79.00. Plus discounts at their gift shop and restaurant. Well worth it! Cost per person can cost between $25.00 for adults to $5.00 for children. The park is so cool and refreshing during the Spring. Fragrant flowers everywhere. Birds are abundant. Walking is very gentle. Easily traverse for electric scooters and wheelchair . Professional staff. Very courteous and knowledgeable. The historical information of the park from the cacti family to the people who help create the park is very educational. read more

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We came out for the Arboretum's Tails & Trails event...so much fun! Our babies love hiking around the trails and there were so many new friends to meet along the way! They picnic area was set up with several dog-related booths including dog treats, vets, a rescue with dogs for adoption and a couple of food trucks. We always bring our lunch and enjoy claiming a table in the picnic area and being out in nature. The coatimundi were out and about behind the area and there was some concern about them with lots of dogs around but people were gracious and considerate about staying away from where they were. The staff is always on alert as well so they monitor the comings and goings of the different family groups. Another great day out here! So worth the cost of membership and it never gets old visiting! read more

Worth the drive to see amazing plants and the Pickett Post House. The trail is easy to navigate and not challenging making it accessible for most people. read more

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A great way to see how the cactus are doing here .. Each visit is a bit different because of new flowers or bee's or a change you have forgot. The Wallace Family donation from a personal inground collection added a whole new huge area to explore. Just Finished last year. That collection was so big they had to bring in equipment and crews and now the area is on its own and designated Wallace. If you join as a annual pass, Your admission is included and a free pass for A guest. Just the entry for three would be a C Note. So, it's special .. And another 20 pct discount on your plants in the garden shop area and the gift shop. By the time you have wandered and shopped it can be a five hour visit. And for us, it's a hundred mile round trip past the Arizona copper mines in Hayden and Wickenburg. You may pass a mining dump truck the size of a small Cottage Home. A day for exploring Arizona on a dime. read more

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We decided to walk through the arboretum and WOW, everyone needs to see this hidden gem! Great walking trails with loads of exotic plants as well as art installations. We saw the Coatimundi (they have two bands roaming the grounds!) and the scenery is just amazing! Check this place out!! read more

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We went for the first time this past February and bought memberships instead of simply paying the entrance fee. We are so happy we did so, we just went this Saturday to the Flavor of Arizona event. We stopped in at the vendors first to see if there was anything there and there were several vendors with some very cool items. Cactus Works was there with some very cool jumping cholla cactus bone wind chimes and luminaries. A couple jam/jelly vendors we went to Carol's Delectables and picked up a jar of the Habanero pepper jelly, so good and so spicy! We had eaten breakfast before we left so we decide to walk the arboretum and eat before leaving. We walked the Northern path up to the viewing point of the Thompson house and then back down through the chihuahuan exhibit area, so many cool things and we followed our noses into the children's area to see the Jasmin, sweet peas and rosemary all fantastic fragrances. When we came back to eat we decided on "guac on up" and we split a Cubano. Sorry no pic, but it was very nice! read more

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Man, it's cold in Superior, AZ. The polar vortex did NOT miss Arizona, and we absolutely felt it Monday morning. My family and I arrived an hour after they opened where there was plenty of parking! Walking toward the ticket booth, there were plenty of cacti for sale and gardening decor. We bought our tickets, got a map (but take a photo - it lasts longer!), and made our way through all of the gardens. All the trails were fairly easy, with no crazy steep hills. We managed to make our way to all of the gardens I believe. The morning dew and the rising sun really added to the beauty that is the desert. My little one stayed warm and cozy in his stroller, and we got to see a family quails running and hiding, listen to the bird, and see a set of rabbits! This is fantastic for kids, as long as you watch them. Our little one was able to run around along the paved trail and exhaust himself for his mid-morning nap. There is a children's garden, next to the greenhouses, and the rose garden which is very cute. We also walked toward the lake which was not too big, but still very pretty and relaxing to look at. We would love to come back again when the native flowers are in full bloom, and when the leaves start to turn color again for autumn. I highly recommend! read more

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What a beautiful place to visit. Parking was a sinch and offered both motorhome parking as well as typical spots. I noticed a camping area as well. Walking up I noticed they offer cacti and such for sale near their welcome center and store. Service was friendly when buying our tickets , we were given a map and told of the favorite spots and thanked for our visit. It is a bit pricy considering I took my High School aged son. $50 for us both to get in. I was bummed they don't even offer a student discount. I will say as someone who loves not only history, but beautiful views, nature and a bit of history I felt it was still worth the price to atleast visit once. I say that because we spent hours inside. There are so many native as well as transplanted plants that were so beautiful. The art exhibits were a plus for me as well. I had originally came to check out the suspension bridge, but quickly fell in love with the smells and sounds of the wind in the trees. The Clevenger house was cool built into the mountain rock. Fun fact it was built in 1913 by of course Robert Clevengerca farmer who cultivated nearby. Thr fun factor for me however was finding out it was later a playhouse for William Boyce Thompson's grand children. How cool is that? I could feel all the memories it holds. If you take a farther walk through the tunnel of trees and around the mountain, look up and see the beauty of the Thompson Mansion also known as the Picket Post House. You can not get to it from the Arberorum, but looks so beautiful. It has been empty for a very long time. Apparently the Arberorum offers tours etc once in a while which would be awesome, but last I saw was almost a decade ago. You think it would be a money maker for wedding and such, but who knows. The Suspension Bridge has amazing views of the mountains and I was pleased to see Queen Creek flowing under though very low. My sixteen year old son loved the old truck near the wool shed. Something we almost missed, but decided to walk over the white bridge heading towards the exit. There is no shortage of animals and other wildlife here. You may see javelinas, white nosed coatis, hummingbirds, butterflies, cardinals hawks, eagles and of course your lizards, snakes etc depending on time of year. There are about five miles in trails if you did them all. If you're a lover of the outdoors, beautiful plants and peaceful nature it's well worth the visit. It was a beautiful place. read more

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Beautiful! Large botanical garden, we started on the main trail and decided to advance to the high trail for better views. The main trail has all of the special gardens and exhibits but the high trail has better views. I wore cowboy boots but I recommend trail or hiking boots. It's a couple of miles. We came around 3pm on a Saturday which was perfect, by the end (5pm) the sun was setting and it was gorgeous. They recommend coming in November for the autumn colors which was perfect, we came right after Thanksgiving, and it was gorgeous. $25 per person, parking on site. You take the 60 East past the Ren Fair in Gold Canyon, it's about 10 more minutes East. About 1 hour & 15 minutes from Phoenix. read more

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This is such a beautiful place to visit, you can easily spend a whole day here and not scratch the surface of creation that is everywhere around you. If you are into photography this place is a must! They have a butterfly area, trees, plants, cactuses, birds, "other animals that will show up unannounced that you have to search for " trails, an old homestead, a you suspension bridge and more! This place is a hiker's paradise as well. So much beauty to see here. You can buy season tickets. General admission is $24.95. My friend was a member so I received a five dollar discount. They have a huge parking lot as well. If you are within 50 miles of the Arboretum I highly recommend going. read more

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Just loved my visit here! Not to be missed and well worth the over an hour drive to Superior from Scottsdale. My friend couldn't walk a lot but their trails are well groomed and benches along to sit and enjoy the views or rest. This was the best of both worlds for us: I who wanted a more scenic trail and my friend who needed an easier trail. The easy walk was about 2 hours with pit stops. Suggest you start the walk of your left side as it will lead to less hills. We bumped into a volunteer who was most helpful. We got lucky and saw the coatimundis. Free parking, gift store, washrooms, and a picnic area. There is also a garden shop out front and can buy plants/Catus. read more

Boyce Thompson Arboretum - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Superior, Arizona

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I was really impressed with the arboretum. They built it in a place with such natural beautiful scenery and there are lots of different trails to walk. I easily spent a couple of hours walking around and could have spent more time. The paths are relatively flat so it is suitable for all ages. The only downside is it is an hour drive from Phoenix. read more

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This has always been on my list of sites to visit and today finally did it. The weather was nice which was good otherwise it would be too hot in middle of May. The grounds are pristine, few, well up-kept. We hiked the loop and it was nice. Not hard. There were rocky areas though. Overall would recommend. It's $50 for two people. read more

Boyce Thompson Arboretum - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Superior, Arizona

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What a beautiful place. So many great options for trails. We took the loop trail to start, however Nita thought we should take one more difficult. The high trail was delicious hard. If you come to Arizona this is a must stop read more

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We can't wait to come back for their events. We made a day trip out of it and enjoyed slowly walking through the arboretum. Lots of photo opportunities and SMELLS of trees and plants. Great experience for people of all ages. read more

One of my favorite places to go with the kids! This place is great if you're looking for an easy hike or just stroll around. They got all the nice views of the desert, the mountains, all the native Arizona plants and sometimes you'll see some wild birds and animals. Our kids did the one and half mile around the whole thing and we had a great time just exploring and taking pictures. read more

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"The most beautiful gift of nature is that it gives one pleasure to look around and try to comprehend what we see." -- Albert Einstein Boyce Thompson Arboretum has been on my list of places I want to see since I moved to Arizona 23 years ago! I am so happy I was finally able to do so in early spring! We loved it here! Beautiful plants, beautiful views, and just a nice peaceful and calm to visit. We were delighted with songs from a cardinal and a cactus wren, and even though it was only around 70° for our visit, I loved seeing the abundance of shady areas, and even a few lush areas with water features. The grounds are kept up beautifully, and there are many unique gardens, full of variety for your eyes to absorb! They have a great little gift shop too! Even though this was our first visit, I am hoping it is not our last. Our day here was so full of surprises! read more

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This is THE place for stunning fall colors! We happened to be able to check it out in its prime. This is the second time I've visited and brought out of town guests. Everyone really enjoyed the day. There's currently a family of coatimundis as well which we enjoyed watching eating in the trees. read more

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This is a hidden gem. If you're a fan of the botanical garden, this is a nice little spot to hit up. It's cool to go on a hike and see all types of plants that look integrated into the environment. It's surprisingly green and they have a lot of shaded paths. It's dog friendly if your dog well behaved. I drive by this all the time on my way from Gilbert to New Mexico and never seen a sign about it. It really isn't too far if you're in the East Valley. Being in AZ for close to 20 years, I never knew about this place. We went early Saturday morning and parking wasn't bad at all. I think it was about an hour and a half to do the basic loop, taking our time looking at the different sections and areas. It was $25 for an adult. I would have paid a year membership, if I wasn't moving out of AZ in a few weeks. We would come back here again no questions asked. read more

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Spectacular views! Perfect place for photography and hiking. Great place for viewing and photographing broad-tailed hummingbirds!

This place is located about 45 - 60 minutes east of Phoenix. It is just off Highway 60. We arrive just after they opened at 10 a.m. on a Monday (holiday). Perhaps due to the holiday, it seemed more crowded than I'd have expected, but the crowd was not overwhelming. My wife had purchased some American Horticultural pass before the trip that got us in for free here (on the assumption that we can use it elsewhere later in the year). There were some shaded areas and plenty of sunny ones, so if you visit in the warmer months, bring sufficient water, a hat, and sunscreen. When we first started out, a couple of the volunteers / docents engaged us in two separate incidents for several minutes of interesting conversation / explanations. Our only worry was that if they kept popping up at that pace, we'd never complete the loop. The density of volunteers thinned out quickly, though. They did provide some good background, though. The layout is mostly around a large loop trail that circles behind a rocky hill and then returns along Queen Creek. It took us almost 2 hours to complete the loop, but we could have stayed in some areas longer. They had areas dedicated to regions (such as Australia) and sections given over to particular species or sub-species of plants (cactus, eucalyptus, etc.). The signs were informative. At one point you pass near a house on a clifftop that was built by the guy who founded the arboretum in the 1920s (Boyce Thompson). It is not open to tours, but was interesting to view even from a distance. There was an alternate route on one side across Queen Creek that was billed as the 'high trail' or something similar. We didn't have time to explore it but it looked interesting. They appeared to have some sort of food vending on the weekends, but as we visited on Monday we had to venture a couple of miles further into Superior for lunch afterwards. If you have much interest in plants generally or just want to have a couple of hours relaxing on a nature walk, this is a great venue. read more

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Located in Superior (about 45 minutes east of Phoenix), this is a hidden gem. I now bring most of my friends who visit to Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA) over the Desert Botanical Garden (DBG). For one -- it's less "curated" than DBG and IMHO more authentic of an experience. You can also bring leashed dogs. There's 2 mile loop around the aboretum which can be shortened to any length. And while the trail is dirt, it is wheelchair friendly. We were there this weekend and there was fall foliage aplenty. Also -- bonus - in additional to Hummingbirds, I saw cardinals (which I haven't seen since moving out west from Upstate New York. Don't pass this up! read more

Beautiful surroundings with easy access to walk around the property. Love the different areas showing plants from different deserts of world. read more

A warm and breezy day at the Arboretum. As you walk to the entry area, cacti and succulents are for sale. You're given a map of the facility if you are new to the area or haven't been there in awhile. We found the map somewhat hard to read. There are many pathways and forks in the road to follow yet not marked clearly. The walking trails are dusty. I advise good walking or hiking shoes. There are a few shady spots to rest. I saw two water stops and restrooms so take advantage of those. I also suggest wearing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, carry water and hydrate often. The Arboretum is separated into different area and those are marked. Many of the cacti were either about to bloom, blooming or just completed their blooms. The gift store is small. It has many souvenirs to take home. A nice visit. Private parking lot and WiFi in areas. read more

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Nice place to get lost in the shade (!!) year round. Where else can you see 100 year old trees like this in the desert .. ok, the Phx Botanical Garden, but this is closer to E Mesa. Summer hours are limited to mornings. What's nice is you can bring your DOG !! .. unlike some Nat'l Parks. Last fall when we were here they had an expansive colorful garden art exhibition .. wish it was still here. We did see a few coatimundis along the trail. Adorable. We got the family membership and hope to spend many more days in this low-key natural experience. read more

Boyce Thompson Arboretum - coatimundi - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Superior, Arizona

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What a great place to spend the afternoon. My parents visit from out of state every spring. We have adventured through most of the local attractions and activities around the Phoenix and Tucson Metro areas. However, I had recently started hearing more and more people talk about Boyce Thompson Arboretum. We drove out from Scottsdale and thoroughly enjoyed walking around the arboretum. It takes several hours to walk the trails. We particularly liked the historical cabin and windmill. All of the old growth trees and other plants were also a treat to take in and photograph. My only dislike has nothing to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum itself. It is the fact that there is little to do in the area in addition to exploring the arboretum. One does drive by the Renaissance Festival grounds on the way, but that is a full day activity in itself. BTA is also a participant in the Culture Pass program at the local libraries. read more

Fabulous! The 75 minute drive was well worth it. Water and good walking shoes are a must as you walk through a number of different ecosystems from lush to desert to mountainous to water. Easy to navigate with informative signs all over, we probably walked 3 miles and could've done more. This place is a gem. Great to bring out of towners to. read more

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If you have not been here, what on earth are you waiting for?!? This is your sign! This place is Arizona's largest and oldest desert botanical. From beautiful cacti to roses to a greenhouse and a suspension bridge, this is a must see and do. The arboretum is pet friendly so you can bring your fue baby, water stations and fountains can also be found along the trail. You can easily spend an hour or more just exploring. This is definitely worth more than one visit as the staff informed us experiencing the colors and beauty in the spring versus the fall is worth it so I will be back come fall. Side note, the first Tuesday of every month, they offer free admission during a certain season. If you do take advantage of this, be sure to register online in advance before it's sold out. We landed the last free Tuesday of the season in May. Be sure to check the website. read more

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Off the beaten path but a great stop for several Hours of amazing views and wonderful walking trails. This place is a hidden gem about an hour out of Phoenix - I can't recommend this enough.... read more

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My daughter and I recently spent a day exploring the many gardens & trails at arboretum. It was a gray and overcast day in December but the AZ desert did not disappoint. We took the free 1-hour guided tour and we learned so much from the guide, I recommend this on your first visit. My favorite discovery was the Clevenger House built on the side of the mountain with an herb garden out front and dwarf pomegranates trees used to create a fence around the yard. The stream with water flowing was steps away. There are plenty of benches to sit and catch your breath or just enjoy the birds & butterflies. The trails are mostly dirt so wear comfy shoes. You would have to visit this place several times to see it all, buy the annual pass and come back often. There are picnic areas where you can enjoy a packed lunch. Currently no restaurant on site. Definitely bring water and a snack. Plenty of free parking. read more

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What a beautiful and amazing day to share with my friend Kathleen. There was so much to see, to learn, and experience the spectacular landscapes of Gods creation in nature. It's hard to imagine the diversity of the landscapes and climate of Arizona. Next year they will be celebrating their bicentennial. They have a white gum tree known as a eucalyptus there, it was planted in 1925. It could be the biggest eucalyptus tree in North America, and even the biggest eucalyptus tree in the world. It was a gentle giant, a must see. I WOULD RECOMMEND read more

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6 stars across the board. Easy parking, reasonable prices and a wonderful selection of plants/trees/animals and open walking paths throughout the park. It is worth it for us to get a membership providing a great place for a morning walk. Bring water and good shoes and enjoy a great place to explore. read more

Beautiful walk, gorgeous scenery, unkept very well. Plants are well taken care of and easily marked. A variety of different plants. You can spent anywhere from a quick 20 minutes to hours here. It is an easy drive from Phoenix and well worth the trip. Highly recommend. $25 to get in and worth every penny. Recommend going at fall when the leaves change, you can even leave with a plant from their green house for your home! read more

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Loved every foot of this place! Worth the $25 ticket price. Come prepared to spend several hours wandering all the trails and looking at all the labeled flora. We even saw some fauna! A troupe of coati, which I had never heard of, crossed the main trail. So exciting!!! read more

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