To active individuals who love nature, adventure, and history…

Superior offers top-notch hiking and outdoor adventure, unique annual festivals, and a budding culinary and art scene.

Superior, Arizona has a rich legacy as an important center of mining. Located 60 miles east of Phoenix and 2,888 feet up in elevation, it sits in an impressive natural setting with a remarkable scenic backdrop that includes Apache Leap and Picketpost Mountain. Access to the surrounding desert and Tonto National Forest is provided by a convenient system of forest roads and trails including the Arizona National Scenic Trail and the newly completed Legends of Superior Trail.

Things to do in Superior:

Adventure

Take a deep breath and begin your next adventure among the rugged, natural beauty of Superior. The Legends of Superior Trail is an 11.65-mile-long hiking, biking and equestrian recreational trail that connects Queen Creek Canyon, the Town of Superior and the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
Superior's annual Prickly Pear Festival

Community

Founded in 1882 by prospectors, Superior is currently in the midst of a renaissance. Discover authentic art, great food, and live music every Second Saturday downtown, or attend one of the many unique annual festivals that celebrate the prickly pear cactus, race burros, and local history.

Culture

Superior’s heritage is rich in mining and being home to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Stay the night at the Historic Hotel Magma, a cultural gem that has been lovingly restored from its glory days. From its fascinating history to its budding arts and culinary scene — Superior is in full bloom.

Stay & Play

Make your visit to Boyce Thompson Arboretum part of a weekend event! Stay and explore this picturesque, largely undiscovered destination that offers outstanding outdoor adventure, unique annual festivals, fascinating history, and a welcoming food, shopping and arts scene.

Tag us on Instagram with
@btarboretum #1Arb

Watch out for this dangerous cousin of the cucumber.

Gila manroot (Marah gilensis) is a perennial vine in the gourd family. The long vines grow from tubers underground that can weigh up to 50 lbs. While its unique, spikey fruits may look enticing, they are toxic to humans. It`s best to leave these sprawling vines as decoration.

Plan your visit and explore fascinating native plants at the link in bio.

#btarboretu #boycethompsonarboretum #desertplants #nativeplants
...

119 1

Looking for something to do over Spring Break? Plan a trip to the Arboretum!

Explore desert wonders from all over the world. Plan your visit at the link in bio.

#thingstodoaz #boycethompsonarboretum #superioraz #springbreak
...

166 0

What are you hoping to pick up at Boyce Thompson Arboretum`s Spring Plant Sale?

Spring Plant Sale begins March 14th and runs through March 29th, 8 am – 5 pm daily. BTA Members receive 20% off during plant sales and get early access to the sale on March 13! Become a member at the link in bio.

#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #springplantsale #desertplants #springplanting
...

201 5

See beautiful and unique floral and horticultural displays at SPRING FEVER 🌺

Desert Designers & Gold Canyon Garden Club present SPRING FEVER 2026, A National Garden Club Small Standard Flower Show. Members of Desert Designers & Gold Canyon Garden Club come together to expand and exhibit their knowledge and skill of Floral design.

Open to the public – 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.

This flower show is held in honor of Kim Gray, Executive Director of Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona’s largest and oldest botanical garden.

Plan your visit at the link in bio.

#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #floraldesign #flowershow
...

104 0

Penstemon parryi is in bloom across the gardens. Native to the Sonoran Desert, this wildflower is adding stunning pops of pink across our desert landscape.

Come see what`s blooming. Plan your visit at the link in bio.

#btarborteum #boycethompsonarboretum #springblooms #nativewildflowers
...

370 1

March is daffodil month! Symbolizing spring, new beginnings, and happiness, these flowers are definitely adding joy to our gardens.

Every season has something new to offer. Plan your visit at the link in bio.

#btarborteum #boycethompsonarboretum #SpringBlooms #DesertBloom #daffodils
...

137 0
Tucson Web Design by Anchor Wave