Tickets Donate Join

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!
Find More

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.
Read More

Classes & Programs

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

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.…

Summer Golf Cart Tour

August 1st, 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

The Povonia hastatas are in bloom! These flowers can be found in the Demonstration Garden, working hard to attract nearby pollinators.

Plan your visit today for a chance to see them in person!

#povonia #aznature #plantlovers #natureeducation #naturelovers
...

28 0

We love seeing our furry friends at Boyce Thompson Arboretum! Here are some quick tips to combat the heat during outdoor excursions with your pet:

🌄Start Early. Take advantage of our early summer hours and visit before it gets too hot! This summer we open at 6:00 am and offer a discounted admission price of $16.

💧Stay Hydrated. Make sure to bring plenty of water for yourself and your dog! We have drinking fountains throughout the gardens you can use to refill your bottles.

💚Take Frequent Breaks. Don`t push yourself too hard in the heat! Enjoy shaded benches throughout the garden where you can observe desert plants, birds, and a variety of other critters up close.

⚠Watch for Signs. If your pet is excessively panting, seems disorientated, or is moving slower than normal, get them water and shade as quickly as possible. Make sure you are paying attention to your own body as well! Headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion are all symptoms of heat exhaustion. Be extra aware when temperatures exceed 105° F.

If you have any additional tips for combatting the hot weather, please feel free to drop them in the comments below! We hope to see you and your furry companions soon.

#heatwave #ArizonaHeat #HeatTips #arizonatrails #ThingsToDoAZ #naturelovers #dogfriendly
...

97 2

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
...

297 2

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
...

60 0
Tucson Web Design by Anchor Wave