Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior

About Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden, spanning 135 acres of gardens within 372 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape. Visitors explore nearly five miles of trails through the Wallace Desert Garden, a 13-acre space with 1.5 miles of pathways and 5,000 new plantings showcasing desert species from around the world. The arboretum holds 4,025 plant taxa and 20,000 individual plants collected from the United States, Mexico, Australia, Madagascar, India, China, Japan, Israel, South America, Africa, and the Mediterranean region. Guided activities include daily general tours, specialty walks focused on birds or ethnobotany, and golf cart tours to scenic spots. The arboretum also offers classes in gardening, photography, and gourd art, plus a Photography Club that meets regularly. An Important Bird Area designated by the National Audubon Society, the grounds support numerous bird species. Leashed pets are welcome on trails, and families can enjoy seasonal events throughout the year.