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Sunrise Hike

Get outside this summer with our staff on a family friendly educational hike! On this sunrise hike, learn about our unique collection plants, Sonoran Desert ecology, and meet our resident Sonoran Desert Tortoises. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes, sun protective clothing, and bring plenty of water.
Sign up for this free hike at the admissions booth on the day of the walk. Sunrise Hikes are first-come, first-served and limited to 15 guests. Reservations are NOT accepted.
What to bring/wear: Close-toed shoes, plenty of water (minimum of 32oz), clothing comfortable for warm weather, hat, sunscreen, and snacks (if needed). Our gift shop will be open to purchase water bottles and snacks.
Distance: Approximately 1 mile
Duration: 1 hour
Type: Out and back
Trail conditions: Mostly flat, hard packed dirt with small portions of sand and
cobblestone. Our trails are not leveled and contain uneven terrain, humps, and dips. Trail
width is at minimum 2 ft across.
Restrooms: Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located in the Visitor’s Center.
Questions? Please email [email protected] or call (520) 689-4525
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Back in March, our team rescued cacti from a construction site in El Paso, Texas. 🌵Now, just a few months later, the relocated Echinocactus horizonthalonius are in full bloom. We hope you enjoy the sight of these vibrant, pink flowers just as much as we do!
#rescuedplants #endangeredplants #echinocactushorizonthalonius #cactusbloom #desertbloom #naturelovers #cactusrescue
Even in September, cacti are blooming! No matter what time of year you visit the Arboretum, there will always be something new to see.
The Ferocactus wislizeni, also known as Fishhook Barrel Cactus, grows best in soil with good drainage with access to plenty of sunlight. It`s a low maintenance plant, perfect for gardeners of any level! If you keep it happy and healthy, you`ll get to enjoy its vibrant blooms.
#fishhookbarrelcactus #ferocactus #barrelcactus #desertplants #desertgardens #cactusblooms
Imagine exchanging vows with your partner in the middle of a blooming desert garden. Tree branches sway gently in the wind and birds sing from above in a moment that feels calm and intimate. Surrounded by your closest family and friends, you feel a deep sense of peace that carries right into your new life together.
If this sounds like your dream wedding, send us a message! We`d love to be part of your special day. We offer a variety of elopement, ceremony, and reception spaces carefully selected to best match your needs. You can learn more at https://btarboretum.org/weddings/
Photo credit: @laurenschneiderphoto
It`s almost September - which means our hours are increasing! We`ll be open DAILY from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm. Last admission at 2:00 pm. As the weather gets (hopefully) a little cooler, we hope you get the chance to enjoy the Arboretum a little longer.
#boycethompsonarboretum #btarboretum #outdoorfun #thingstodoaz #familyactivities #getoutside #aznature
Exploring the Arboretum can be a ribbiting experience! 🐸
These leopard frogs can be found cooling off in the Taylor Family Desert Legume Garden`s mini pond! If you get too close, they`ll dive into the water to hide, but if you`re patient enough, you may see one poking out from under a waterlily. Take some time to visit the Arboretum and say hello before they move on!
#leopardfrogs #amphibians #froglovers #herping #herpingarizona #azwildlife
Collecting and directing stormwater is essential for a desert garden`s survival. If left unmanaged, pooling rain can damage plants and nearby buildings. Thanks to the generous support of Water Wise Arboretum donors, we now have several stormwater features around the Smith Greenhouses! It helps protect our historic buildings and guides the water to plants that need it most.
You can spot one of these water capture systems in front of the Smith Greenhouses. Arizona poppies are currently blooming inside, a living proof of its success!
#WaterConservation #stormwaterdrain #waterflow #desertgarden #arizonapoppy
It`s time for another bird walk! Join us Wednesday, September 2 from 6:15 - 7:45 am for a guided walk through the Arboretum with a birding expert. During last month`s walk, we saw more than 30 unique bird species! You won`t believe how much life can be found in the desert.
Our bird walks are free with admission! We hope to see you there.
#birdwalk #birding #AZBirding #birdlovers #naturelovers #birdphotography
It`s National Dog Day! Celebrate this special occasion by giving your dog the spotlight they deserve. We are debuting a calendar highlighting our furry visitors and will fill it with pictures of YOUR DOGS!
Does your furry friend love visiting the Arboretum? Submit your favorite photo of them exploring our garden! We will select 12 of the best photos to be featured in the 2027 Dogs of Boyce Thompson Arboretum Calendar.
If your photo is selected, you will receive a FREE calendar. Anyone will be able to purchase them from our gift shop. They`ll make great keepsakes or holiday gifts to friends and family!
You can find the rules and submission link in our bio. Let us know if you have any questions! We are excited to share your photos with all our visitors.
#nationaldogday #dogcalendar #callforentries #dogphotography #photosubmissions #ArizonaDogs #doglovers