Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park sits at the base of the Picketpost Mountains in southeastern Arizona, at an elevation of 2,400 feet. While growing into a major center for plant research, it has also blossomed into a lush desert garden. Arid-region plants and trees from around the world line scenic walks through the garden's 35-acre grounds. The arboretum's shaded picnic area is ideal for a leisurely lunch. Visitors can purchase cacti, succulents, and water-efficient trees and shrubs at the garden's visitor center.
The park was established in the early 1920s by botanical enthusiast William Boyce Thompson, and has since developed into a major center for plant research and a haven for plant-lovers and enthusiasts alike. Here you will find countless examples of native vegetation from the Sonoran Desert, in addition to vegetation from arid and semi-arid regions of North America, South America, the Near East, Africa, Central Asia and Australia.
More than the 800 different kinds of cacti can be found in the Cactus Garden and the Cactus Greenhouse at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. And if the cacti don't sharpen your senses, you can always meander along the interconnecting trail system in the Arboretum to view wildflowers (Desert Bluebells, Lupines, and Scarlet Flax to name a few), Ayer Lake, the Demonstration Garden, the Wing Memorial Garden, or any of the local animal inhabitants that call the Arboretum their home. Over 300 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians are found here.
Queen Creek cuts through the Arboretum's bottomlands, and supports the water-loving trees that take root there, including Fremont Cottonwood, Arizona Ash, Black Willow and Arizona Black Walnut. Take a look at the spiny branched Ocotillo, the green-stemmed Palo Verde, the thorny acacias, the low-growing mesquite, and the golden-flowered agaves that are dotted across the lands.
Lecture series and workshops are available
Location
The arboretum is three miles west of Superior along U.S. Route 60.
Seasons & Hours
Visitor Center open daily except Christmas,
8 am - 5 pm Sept. 1 through April 30 MST
6 am - 3 pm through the summer.
Daily admission fee of $7.50 adult/ $3 ages 5-12.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park
Superior, Arizona 85273
Park Phone Number: 520-689-2723
Park Information: 520-689-2811Website: Click Here
