Our Mission

The mission of Boyce Thompson Arboretum is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through education, research and conservation.”

Every visit supports research, environmental education, and directly benefits the mission and success of Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

Donate & Support

Adult

$24.95

Summer: $16

Youth (Ages 13-17)

$24.95

Summer: $16

Child (Ages 5-12)

$10

Members & Children under 5

$0

Walks & Tours

From daily general tours to specialty walks focusing on birds, ethnobotany or geology, you’ll find the perfect tour for you!
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Wallace Desert Garden

Now open, the new Wallace Desert Garden encompasses 13 acres, 1.5 miles of trails, and 5,000 new plantings in an incomparable setting.
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Classes & Programs

Enjoy classes ranging from gardening tips to gourd art and photography. Some classes and activities have fees.
Learn More

Critter Crawl Night Tour

July 10th, 7:30 pm9:00 pm

Join us after dark on a night-time adventure with our Education Staff and Docents! Discover the amazing world of nocturnal life in the Sonoran Desert on this family friendly ‘crawl’. Guests will learn about Sonoran Desert ecology while taking a closer look at the local critters. Plus, you will get the knowledge you…

Summer Golf Cart Tour

July 17th, 7:30 am8:30 am

Explore the arboretum this summer with our Docents on a golf cart tour! We invite you to join us for an hour long cart ride to some of our most scenic spots of the arboretum.…

Summer Golf Cart Tour

July 18th, 7:30 am8:30 am

Explore the arboretum this summer with our Docents on a golf cart tour! We invite you to join us for an hour long cart ride to some of our most scenic spots of the arboretum.…

Critter Crawl Night Tour

July 24th, 7:30 pm9:00 pm

Join us after dark on a night-time adventure with our Education Staff and Docents! Discover the amazing world of nocturnal life in the Sonoran Desert on this family friendly ‘crawl’. Guests will learn about Sonoran Desert ecology while taking a closer look at the local critters. Plus, you will get the knowledge you…

Summer Golf Cart Tour

July 31st, 7:30 am8:30 am

Explore the arboretum this summer with our Docents on a golf cart tour! We invite you to join us for an hour long cart ride to some of our most scenic spots of the arboretum.…

Events

See what’s coming up

Each season brings exciting events and activities, from Family programs to specialty walks!

Check out our webinars, too!

Tag us on Instagram with
@btarboretum #1Arb

Seeing a monocarpic succulent bloom is a special event! These plants only bloom once, right before they die. Next time you visit the Arboretum, take a moment to appreciate these beautiful, fleeting blooms before they`re gone.

#deathbloom #monocarpicplant #aznature #plantlovers #plantfacts #natureeducation
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Happy World Chocolate Day! 🍫

Did you know one of nature`s chocolate substitutes grows right here at Boyce Thompson Arboretum?

The carob tree is native to the Mediterranean region and grows best in hot, arid climates. Once the carob pods ripen, they can be boiled, seeded, dried, and ground into a powder for baking.

Carob is known for its rich flavor, which is often compared to chocolate. Unlike cocoa powder, carob is naturally sweet and caffeine-free.

So, when you celebrate World Chocolate Day, make sure you take some time to appreciate the carob tree! You can spot our trees near the Visitors Center Patio, Mediterranean Garden, and Taylor Family Desert Legume Garden.

#WorldChocolateDay #carobtree #carobchocolate #carobpod #chocolatesubstitute #legumes #aznature #plantlovers #plantfacts
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Happy Independence Day! We hope you have a safe holiday and take time to appreciate the natural beauty of our country.

We are closed today in observance of the holiday, but will reopen tomorrow, July 5th from 6 am to 12 pm. Hope to see you there!

#IndependenceDay2026 #aznature #America250 #btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #1Arb
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Our early summer hours and discounted admission continues in July!

🕕6:00 am – 12:00 pm
📆Open Wednesday – Monday
⚠️Closed Tuesdays
🎟$16 Admission

Hope to see you soon!

#btarboretum #VisitSuperior #1Arb #ThingsToDoAZ #naturelovers
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