Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Desert Life

2024-04

I really loved the concept of Paradise in the desert. We went on an afternoon hike in early March, so the weather was perfect. We spent about 3 hours walking around and enjoying everything and I bought some amazing plants for my garden! They are actually doing very well and going strong. They were reasonably priced, so don't forget to check out the nursery.Things you will need or need to know:*Bring plenty of bottled water or snacks if you have children*Make sure to use the restroom before beginning the walk or hike.*It is dog friendly*Wear tennis shoes or hiking boots*Probably not a great idea to go when it is too hot as the walk or hikes won't be as fun. If you do go in the summer, I would advise first thing in the morning. I would go either February, March, April, or October.I have included beautiful photos! It's definitely a once in a lifetime kind of place that you will remember. I probably would go back for a quick hike and more plants

Charlotte Alexander

2024-04

I love the arboretum! It is an absolutely lovely way to spend the afternoon. The plants are interesting and are well marked, if you're into that. I just love a good nature walk, so that's my favorite thing about it. I love walking the loop trail, especially the side along the river. Two tips: take the loop trail counter clockwise, (much less uphill), and try the high trail sometime. And all the little side gardens are really interesting!

Victoria Bischoff

2024-04

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Jillian Davis

2024-04

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Melissa Eisner

2024-05

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Cheryl Price

2024-04

This Arboretum is gift to all that visit.Located just east of Phoenix, the beautiful drive on Highway 60 is a perfect addition to your visit.The Arboretum has the perfect blend of regional desert natives along with unique plants from other regions (such as Australia). There is also beautiful artwork, sculptures and memorials that provide a unique touch.The Arboretum is set up in a loop, with great shaded areas to escape the sun. Signage is very informative. There is a small gift shop, weekend food vending and water fountains for filling your water bottle! Just be careful not to drink too much water as there are few bathrooms.You won't be disappointed with this great venue.

Laura L

2024-04

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Aimee S

2024-04

This place is well organized and gorgeous but marking it 3 stars because it’s $25/pp to get in; and no it’s not free during the plant sale. I used to work for the fullerton arboretum and it was free to get in. Granted, that one is smaller but $25 feels like way too much.I would definitely come back but at this price point I can’t afford to come back that often. Perhaps consider offering cheaper admission in the summer or discounts for off hours/weekdays.

Nico Madrid

2024-04

First time going to Boyce Thompson and I didn’t expect to have such a great time. The drive there was also great. We walked the main trail and then veered off and did the high trail, not too bad but definitely not good for strollers if taking the high trail. We got there at 8 and found parking right away and the whole place was really peaceful.

Jenni L.

2024-05

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Jerry Ball

2024-01

Awesome hidden gem in AZ. About an hour east of Phoenix, but well worth the drive. Take water and a good pair of shoes. Arrive early as the crowds grow quickly. There is a lot of parking but it fills up and you will then have to walk a ways. Access to trails is easy, and they are well maintained. There are numerous offshoots to different gardens, and you can spend a lot of time exploring the different spots. Elevation change is moderate. Some trails are narrow, but most are generous enough to come and go with one up and one down spacing. Prepare to spend half a day or more.

Diane C

2024-04

This place is amazing! The paths are beautiful and it truly is a walk in the desert! They have seating everywhere, so you can take a break. We bought a family membership this year and we take visiting family. We walk every couple weeks there to take in the beauty and changing foliage. The history behind Boyce Thompsons vision for this arboretum is also captivating. There's an area for picnics and they also have a small coffee area. I'm unsure of the time it's open. If you like work camping you could check with them. They often are looking for some and it's a pretty place to park your RV. The town of Superior is close so you can even grab a meal.

Suzy

2024-05

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Dar la

2024-03

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Victoria Walsh

2024-02

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Brady Thomason

2024-03

Phenomenal garden in the form of a piece of the desert that's well-manicured and watered so that even more trees and plants that wouldn't normally thrive in this Sonoran landscape can be enjoyed. You can walk a small amount, or get upwards of 5 miles of hiking in or anything in-between! I highly recommend the earlier hours as the cool temps are the best and zero crowds.

Micah Kyler

2024-01

This is an awesome place and shows how beautiful the desert can be, especially when desert plants have better, more consistent access to water and appropriate conditions. There is an enormous variety of plants, and you will not regret taking a little day trip out to explore the arboretum, even if you have to drive a bit longer than you normally would. There were so many plants blooming, even though it was December. Highly recommend!

Pam Myhra

2023-12

We visited Boyce Thompson Arboretum on an October, Wednesday afternoon. There were only a few people there. It was an incredibly beautiful day and rather cool by AZ standards in the high 70’s. The vegetation was amazing, exotic, and carefully maintained. My husband and I loved our walk through the Arboretum. I strongly suggest wearing a sun hat and taking water to drink along the way. The Arboretum offers an annual membership which is a good deal and I understand has a reciprocal agreement with other arboretums around the country. It’s about an hour out from Phoenix, nevertheless, I consider it a must see if you visit AZ. ❤️

Brandon Sheets

2024-02

Boyce Thompson Arboretum has become one of our favorite family spots to go for a walk on the weekends first thing in the morning. There are many birds and other wildlife along many of the trails. It’s great to have such an amazing garden in our backyard. Everyone who works here is very friendly, and they have amazing gifts at the store, and also a very good wide variety of plants to purchase

Mel Mar

2024-03

Such a beautiful place to visitSo many wonderful viewsUnlimited rest areaBeautiful bridgesTrails are clearly markedThe labyrinth was so peacefulThe trail on the opposite side of the stream was a great pathCheck the woodpecker in my video!!!!So many birds and animals to see , it was so peacefulThe gift shop was so adorableThere’s even a coffee shop behind the gift shopFree parkingDefinitely recommend

Tricia

2024-04

Such a beautiful experience! Became members after our visit. It was absolutely worth the additional 25 dollars. We can't wait to go back and try different trails!!!

Meredith Oehler

2024-03

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Angela A.

2024-01

Amazing place. The employees are so, so friendly and clearly want you to fall in love with the arboretum, which isn’t a hard sell anyway. They were so willing to stop and talk to us, give tips on what to see (including a family of coatis), even offering umbrellas from Guest Services (it was raining when we went, but honestly it was magical to see in light rain and fog). Would definitely visit again, here’s to another 100 years for this Arizona gem!

Michael Hafkey

2024-01

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Matt Z

2023-12

We love visiting the Boyce Thompson Aboretum! It's a great place to bring family who are not hikers. Very easy walking paths, beautiful scenery, and friendly staff. It's a great place to enjoy the scenery and lots of great shaded areas for a picnic. Buy the year pass if you go it's paid for after two visits.

Leigh Szymanski

2024-04

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Patrick Shaw

2024-03

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Jason Moser

2024-03

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Laurie Chavez

2023-12

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Katelyn Harris Lange

2023-12

Loved the natural feeling of the park. It was easy to push our stroller around & we even took the high trail with our kids. We did the entire loop around & enjoyed the suspension bridge. Beautiful mountain views from the path. They sell desert plants as well!