Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers a wide range of guided tours and walks year-round, from plants and wildlife to history and ecology.
Our tours and walks include:
Arboretum Discovery Tour
November 2024- April 2025
Every Saturday & Sunday | 10 am – 11 am
Discover Arizona’s first and oldest botanical garden with this docent-led tour on our Main Trail. Explore our diverse gardens which are home to plants from many of the world’s deserts. You will learn what makes desert plants unique and the adaptations that allow them to grow in challenging environments. This introduction to Boyce Thompson Arboretum is enjoyable for first-time and return visitors alike.
Tours are subject to availability. Registration is first come, first serve. To register for a tour or walk, please sign up at admission window. Please note: this tour lasts approximately one (1) hour, covers 0.5 miles, and follows paved, unpaved, and uneven pathways.
Tour size: 15 people
Cost: Free with admission
Bird Walk
First Saturday & Sunday of the month November – April | 8:30 am – 10 am
● November 2nd & 3rd, 2024
● December 7th & 8th, 2024
● January 4th & 5th, 2025
● February 1st & 2nd, 2025
● March 1st & 2nd, 2025
● April 5th & 6th, 2025
Boyce Thompson Arboretum has been named an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, serving as a habitat for numerous species of birds. Join our guided walk to explore this unique landscape, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birdwatcher.
Walks are subject to availability. Registration is first come, first serve. To register for a tour or walk, please sign up at admission window. No binoculars? No problem! Loaner binoculars are available at our admissions window.
Walk size: 15 people
Cost: Free with admission
Butterfly Walk
● October 26th, 2024: 9:30 am-10:30 am
● March 22nd, 2025: 9:30 am-10:30 am
● April 26th, 2025: 9:30 am-10:30 am
● May 24th, 2025: 9 am- 10 am
Learn about commonly found butterfly species and their host plants with a butterfly expert from Central Arizona Butterfly Association.
Walks are subject to availability. Registration is first come, first serve. To register for a tour or walk, please sign up at admission window
Walk size: 15 people
Cost: Free with admission
Edible & Medicinal Plant Tour
Second Saturday & Sunday of the month November-April | 10:30 am – 11:30 am
● November 9th & 10th, 2024
● December 14th & 15th, 2024
● January 11th & 12th, 2024
● February 8th & 9th, 2025
● March 8th & 9th, 2025
● April 12th & 13th, 2025
Boyce Thompson Arboretum cultivates hundreds of edible and medicinal plants from all over the world. Join us to explore the usefulness of these plants, focusing on what you can find in our Sonoran Desert. This is an informational tour, guests will not harvest or sample plants.
Tours are subject to availability. Registration is first come, first serve. To register for a tour or walk, please sign up at admission window . Please note: this guided tour may include the Sonoran Desert Trail, which has steep sections that are not suitable for visitors who use wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.
Tour size: 15 people
Cost: Free with admission
Geology Walk
Select dates | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
● November 24, 2024
● February 23, 2025
Uncover the geological mysteries of Boyce Thompson Arboretum with an experienced geologist. Answer questions like: “How was Picketpost Mountain formed?” within the stunning beauty of BTA.
Tours are subject to availability. Registration is first come, first serve. To register for a tour or walk, sign up at admission window .
Tour size: 15 people
Cost: Free with admission
PRIVATE TOURS
Experience a private walking tour with one of Boyce Thompson Arboretum’s experienced docents!
- Tours are available for adults 13 years and up from October- April from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (holiday exclusion days apply)
- At least four weeks’ notice is required for private tours.
- Plan to spend approximately one hour on the tour.
- Minimum number of guests is 2 and the maximum is 75.
- Admission is not included with the private tour fee.
- For groups of 10 or more, group admission rates are available
- Bus parking is available in the main lot.
- Tours are $10 per person, plus the cost of admission
Private tours require a minimum of $100, regardless of how many people are booked.
Available Tours include:
Arboretum Discovery Tour
Wallace Desert Garden Tour
Edible and Medicinal Plants Tour
Interested in a custom tour?
Let us know and we will work with you! Price can vary based on availability.
GROUP ADMISSION
Group admission rates are available from October – April, with at least 1 week’s notice.
The group discount is $3 off the regular price of admission
A minimum of 10 paid guests is required to receive the discount.
Admission must be paid in one transaction at the Visitor’s Center.
Planning a Class or Program at the Arboretum?
Please reach out to our Events Department. Kindly note that class and program bookings that are not pre-arranged with the Events Department are not allowed.
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The Eucalyptus caesia is a true showstopper in bloom! Native to Western Australia, this small and graceful tree enchants with its silvery, powdery bark, and cascading pink or red flowers. These blossoms aren’t just a feast for the eyes—they’re also essential to pollinators like bees and birds, playing a vital role in their ecosystem.
#gilbert #mesa #desertbeauty #visitarizona #queencreek #exploreaz #aznature #chandleraz #tempeaz #santanvalley #arizonatrails #visitphoenix #arizonahiking #arizonahikes #explorenature #ExploreAZ #sonorandesert #thingstodoAZ #visitmesa
See What Everyone’s Talking About! The Wallace Desert Garden at Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a 13-acre masterpiece featuring over 5,000 plants from the world’s most arid regions.
Visitors say it’s “breathtaking” and “a must-see for nature lovers.” Walk among towering saguaros, vibrant succulents, and rare, endangered plants carefully curated to showcase the beauty and resilience of desert life.
Did You Know? This garden preserves plants that are vital to global desert ecosystems and offers a glimpse into sustainable landscaping for the future.
Don’t just wonder what it’s like, plan your visit today, and experience why this garden is one of the most talked-about attractions in the region.
Start your journey at btarboretum.org
#desertbeauty #visitarizona #arizona #mesa #queencreek #gilbert
The hedgehog cactus, particularly species like Echinocereus fasciculatus var. boyce-thompsonii, holds a rich legacy deeply intertwined with the history of Boyce Thompson Arboretum. This cactus was among the first planted at the arboretum in the 1920s and remains a symbol of our dedication to the preservation and appreciation of desert plants. Native to arid regions, these cacti are renowned for their stunning blooms and unique adaptations to survive harsh environments.
At the Arboretum, we take pride in conserving these iconic plants. Many species of hedgehog cactus, such as Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. arizonicus, are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and illegal harvesting. Our propagated plant sales program serves as a crucial initiative to combat this issue, providing sustainably grown cacti for the public while protecting wild populations. Additionally, cacti salvaged from construction sites are nurtured and given a new lease on life within our collections.
By supporting ethical propagation, research, and education, we aim to prevent further exploitation of these desert treasures. However, the challenges of conservation require a collective effort.
You can play a vital role in protecting the hedgehog cactus and other desert plants:
1. Avoid purchasing plants taken from the wild. Support organizations like ours that offer sustainably propagated specimens.
2. Contribute your time or resources to help our conservation programs thrive.
3. Educate others about the importance of desert plant conservation and the threats posed by habitat destruction and illegal harvesting.
Let’s ensure the beauty and resilience of the hedgehog cactus continue to inspire generations to come. Visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum to experience these marvels firsthand and join us in safeguarding our desert`s biodiversity!
Explore More & Get Involved Today at btarboretum.org
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a sanctuary for birds. Recognized as one of Arizona’s top Audubon Important Bird Areas. On #nationalbirdday, celebrate the incredible biodiversity we protect every day.
Together, we’re making a difference.
Photos by Tim Lee
Did you know our resident coatis LOVE the myrtle tunnel in the canyon? These skilled foragers might take over the tunnel for a short feast because, hey, even wildlife deserves a lunch break!
If you see them snacking, please be patient and enjoy the show from a safe distance. The trail under the tunnel may be briefly closed, but the sight of these adorable creatures in action is totally worth it!
🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉
We’re open today, 8 AM–5 PM (last admission 4 PM).
Start 2025 surrounded by nature. Don’t miss out!
#desertbeauty #arizonatrails #exploreaz #aznature #queencreek #santanvalley #gilbert #chandleraz #tempeaz #mesa
A world of hiking and discovery is waiting. Plan your visit at btarboretum.org today!
Photos by Tim Lee
#birdingphotography #azbirding #birdinghotspot #naturelovers #ThingsToDoAZ #hikingarizona
Why do lizards do push-ups?