The Arboretum at Flagstaff is the highest elevation botanical research garden in the US, at an elevation of 7,150 feet. The non-profit Arboretum created in 1981 occupies 200 acres of Ponderosa Pine forest and is dedicated to helping visitors understand the plants and plant communities of the Colorado Plateau.
There are 10 gardens at The Arboretum. Visitors can experience 250 varieties of herbs in the Herb Garden, find out about gardening in a limited amount of space in the Square Foot Garden and discover how native plants purify water in the Constructed Wetlands. Other points of interest are the Courtyard Garden, Shade Garden, Butterfly Garden, Turf Grass Demonstration, Ground Cover Demonstration, Mixed Conifer Habitat, Wildflower Meadow and Organic Vegetable Garden.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a member of The Center for Plant Conservation (CPC), a national aconsortium of botanical institutions that are working together to build a national collection of rare and endangered plant species. As one of 25 member institutions in the United States working with CPC, The Arboretum is making a significant contribution toward conserving rare species endemic to the Colorado Plateau.
The Arboretum currently studies and maintains 29 rare species as part of its Threatened and Endangered Plant Conservation Program. You will find a part of this special collection of plants displayed within our gardens and passive solar greenhouse. Some of the rare and endangered plants that can be found on the Arboretum's grounds include the Arizona Willow, San Francisco Peaks Groundsel, Sunset Crater Penstemon and Holy Ghost Ipomopsis.
In addition to plant conservation, The Arboretum has recently installed a state-of-the-art constructed wetlands. This experimental water treatment facility consists of three shallow ponds and uses native plant species for secondary treatment of effluent. The water reclaimed by this system is utilized for irrigation of the gardens. A display at the edge of the wetlands provides detailed information.
Before completing your visit, you won't want to miss the breath-taking view of the San Francisco Peaks as you enjoy a relaxing walk on our 1.2-mile nature trail. Wander through the ponderosa pine forest and enjoy the quiet while sitting at one of the many "benches of solitude" along the trail.
The Arboretum also offers a variety of workshops, seminars and classes year-round for all ages. Classes are created in response to requests for information and training. Topics include grafting, herb usage, landscaping, composting, pruning and more.
Location
The Arboretum is located just minutes from the heart of Flagstaff. To get there, travel Route 66
West to Woody Mountain Road. Turn left. The Arboretum is 3.8 miles South on Woody Mountain Road on the right.
Seasons & Hours
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, April 1 through October 15.
Hour-long guided tours daily at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Included with admission.
Closed October 16 through March.
Raptor shows at 12 and 2 p.m. every weekend
Please note that the Arboretum does not allow pets or smoking on the grounds.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
4001 Woody Mountain Road
Flagstaff AZ 86001-8775
(928) 774-1442
(FAX) 774-1441
Website: http://www.thearb.org/
