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
October 2025 – March 2026
Every Friday & Saturday | 11 am – 12 pm
Every Saturday | 1 pm – 2 pm
April 2026
Every Friday & Saturday | 11 am – 12 pm
Every Saturday | 9 am – 10 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, sign up at the Welcome Center. Reservations are NOT accepted. 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
Wallace Garden Tour
October 2025 – March 2026
Every Friday | 1 pm – 2 pm
April 2026
Every Friday | 9 am – 10 am
Explore the Wallace Desert Garden on this docent-led walking tour. You will learn about the legacy of Henry B. Wallace, unique geography, and collection plants that make this part of our garden so special. Of the 1,223 taxa (species, cultivars, hybrids, varieties) in the garden, 861 are new to Boyce Thompson Arboretum, and 62 species are rare or endangered.
Tours are subject to availability. Registration is first come, first serve. To register for a tour or walk, sign up at the Welcome Center. Reservations are NOT accepted. Please note: this tour lasts approximately one (1) hour, covers 1.25 miles, and follows paved, unpaved, and uneven pathways.
Tour size: 15 people
Cost: Free with admission
Bird Walk
December 2025 – April 2026: First Wednesday & Saturday of the month | 9 am – 10 am
June 2026 – September 2026: First Wednesday of the month | 6:15 am – 7:45 am
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 beginner-friendly guided walk to explore this unique landscape with a variety of bird species.
Tours are subject to availability. Registration is first come, first serve. To register for a tour or walk, sign up at the Welcome Center. Reservations are NOT accepted. No binoculars? No problem! Loaner binoculars are available at our admissions window.
Walk size: 15 people
Cost: Free with admission
Edible & Medicinal Plant Tour
November 2025 – April 2026
Third Wednesday & Saturday of the month | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- March 18th & 21st, 2026
- April 15th & 18th, 2026
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, sign up at the Welcome Center. Reservations are NOT accepted. 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
Butterfly Walk
October 2025 – May 2026
Select dates and times
- March 28th, 2026: 10:30 am-11:30 am
- April 11th, 2026: 10:00 am-11:00 am
- April 25th, 2026: 10:00 am-11:00 am
- May 9th, 2026: 9:00 am-10:00 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, sign up at the Welcome Center. Reservations are NOT accepted.
Walk size: 15 people
Cost: Free with admission
Sunrise Hike
Wednesdays & Saturdays in May | 6:30 am – 7:30 am
Start your summer with our Docents on a family friendly educational hike! On this sunrise hike, learn about our unique collection plants, Sonoran Desert ecology, and how our plants survive in extreme conditions. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes, sun protective clothing, and bring plenty of water.
Tours are subject to availability. Registration is first come, first serve. To register for a tour or walk, sign up at the Welcome Center. Reservations are NOT accepted.
Tour size: 15 people
Cost: Free with admission
Summer Golf Cart Tour
1st, 3rd, & 5th Fridays & Saturdays, June-August | 7:30 am – 8:30 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. Our knowledgeable Docents will give you insights into our collections and take you to the best photo ops the gardens have to offer.
Cart tours are limited to 5 guests per tour. Due to limited space pre-registration is highly recommended. Purchase your tickets at our Welcome Center Gift Shop or Online.
Tour size: 5 people
Cost: $20 per person, plus admission
Private Tours
Join us for a private tour with one of Boyce Thompson Arboretum’s experienced docents! Explore our diverse gardens—home to plants from deserts across the globe—on a one-hour guided tour.
Availability
October – April, from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (some date exclusions apply).
Please book at least four weeks in advance.
Tour Details
- Tour duration: Approximately one hour
- Minimum group size: 2 guests
- Maximum group size: 75 guests
- Bus parking available in main lot
- Group rates available for 10+ guests
Pricing
- Monday–Friday: $10 per person + admission
- Saturday & Sunday: $15 per person + admission
- Golf Cart Tour: $20 per person + admission (max 5 guests)
- Minimum fee: $100 + admission (covers first 10 guests on weekdays, first 6 on weekends)
- No deposit required
Available Tours
-
- Arboretum Discovery Tour
- Golf Cart Tour (max 5 guests)
Special Interest Groups
Have a theme or area of focus? Let us know on the request form and we’ll tailor the tour! Our docents love to engage with your interests.
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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Last week, cacti were relocated to Boyce Thompson Arboretum from a site in El Paso, Texas. Members of our fantastic horticulture team made the trip to Texas to meet with the @epcactusandrockclub and @keystoneheritagepark that saved over 300 Echinocactus horizonthalonius and Pelecyphora macromeris cacti from a construction site.
Half of the rescued cacti were brought back to Boyce Thompson Arboretum and will be added to the Arboretum`s Chihuahuan Desert collection.
Echinocactus horizonthalonius - Sometimes called Eagle`s Claw, this cactus is native to Southwestern states and Northern Mexico.
Pelecyphora macromeris - This species is native and common in the Chihuahuan Desert. In spring and summer this species blooms vibrant pink and purple flowers.
Plan your visit to see these new additions to the Arboretum. Link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #desertplants #DesertConservation #cactus
Have you been back to see the coati yet?
The coati seem to be making their summer home near the Arboretum. Time to grab your camera, and plan a visit!
Get tickets to Boyce Thompson Arboretum at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #wildlife #coati #coatimundi
There`s still time to save on your garden and landscape updates! Now through March 29th, shop Boyce Thompson Arboretum`s Spring Plant Sale for new plants, perfect for your desert garden or landscape.
The Spring Plant Sale is open to the public 8 am – 5 pm, daily.
BTA Members receive 20% off during plant sales! Not yet a member? Sign up today to shop the sale early and save time in line! 🔗in bio
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #springplantsale #desertplants
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a hummingbird wonderland
Get your binoculars out for guided bird walks on April 1st and 4th. 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 beginner-friendly guided walk to explore this unique landscape with a variety of bird species.
Bird walks are from 9 am - 10 am on April 1st and 4th. Tours are free with Arboretum admission. Registration is first come, first serve (limit 15 per walk). To register for a tour or walk, sign up at the Welcome Center.
🔭 No binoculars? No problem! Loaner binoculars are available at our admissions window
Photos by Tim Lee
#btarboretum #birding #birdwatching #guidedtours
Good food and gorgeous views? There`s nothing better!
Flavor of Arizona returns to Boyce Thompson Arboretum this April as a two day event! Celebrate all of the amazing food, beverages, and locally crafted items Arizona has to offer with vendors from across the state.
Date: Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Location: 37615 E. Arboretum Way
Superior, Arizona 85173
Taste, sip, and shop all things AZ while surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Arboretum. Flavor of Arizona is included with Arboretum admission (free for members!). Get tickets and plan your visit at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #superioraz #foodevent #arizonafoodtrucks
Spring is officially here and the Arboretum is bursting with blooms. Celebrate the beginning of the season at SPRING FEVER, A National Garden Club Small Standard Flower Show. The show is open to the public and free with Arboretum’s standard admission.
Viewing Hours:
Saturday March 21st, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday March 22nd, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Get Arboretum tickets at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #firstdayofspring #springfever
Guess who`s back at Boyce Thompson Arboretum?
The coati have been showing up in the gardens again! Have you spotted them?
Get your tickets at the link in bio.
Photos by @randinajacphotography
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #coati #coatimundi #WildlifeSighting
Visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum for cooler temperatures and plenty of shade!
Did you know the Arboretum stays 5-10 degrees cooler than Phoenix and the valley? Keep the outdoor fun going with our shaded trails and remember these tips for outdoor adventures in the spring and summer:
- Start early: plan your visit during the coolest part of the day
- Bring plenty of water
- Wear light-weight, light-colored clothing
- Bring sun protection: sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc.
Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #superioraz #thingstodoaz #summerhikes