October – April: Open daily 8am – 5pm. Last admission 1 hour before closing.

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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

Adventure Awaits at Tails and Trails!

Dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, this day is for you! Bring your furry friend and join us for a paws-itively fun event where the great outdoors meets wagging tails.

Date: February 15, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: 37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ

What’s Happening:

🐾Guided Hikes designed for you and your four-legged companion.
🐾Engaging Animal Safety Talks to keep your pup safe and happy.
🐾Shop Local Pet Vendors for unique products and treats.
🐾Delicious Food and Drinks available for purchase.
🐾Meet Adorable Pups for Adoption and find your next best friend!

Activities are included with your admission ticket, with additional items available for purchase.

Save Time and Skip the Lines!
Purchase your admission tickets in advance:
https://bit.ly/3ZJD1gI

If you are an animal rescue who would like a free space at the event please reach out to [email protected]
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Crested saguaros are nature’s ultimate mystery! With only 1 in 200,000 growing into this rare, fan-like shape, even scientists are puzzled by its beauty. Is it caused by genetics? A lightning strike? No one knows for sure!

Want to see one for yourself? Plan your visit to Boyce Thompson Arboretum and experience this desert enigma up close.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever spotted one in the wild!

#crestedsaguaro #arizonanature #explorearizona #sonorandesert #instanature #saguarocactus
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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