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 40 miles east of the Phoenix Metro area 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
Community
Culture
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.
#1Arb
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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
The vibrant color on this caterpillar is a warning sign to any predators: do not eat!
The Pipevine Swallowtail feeds on Pipevine plants as larvae. Because Pipevine leaves are toxic to many animals, consuming them makes the caterpillars toxic as well. Their eating habits make the perfect defense mechanism!
#pipevineswallowtail #pipevineswallowtailcaterpillar #catterpillar #arizonabugs #buglover
The coatis are back!
This family of coatis has recently been spotted exploring the Canyon Region. We`re happy to report that in all our observations of them, they seem happy, healthy, and safe.
As a reminder, if you see coatis (or any wildlife) on the trails, keep a distance of at least 50 feet and refrain from giving them any food. They have plenty of delicious snacks growing right here at the Arboretum. By respecting their space, we can ensure safety for the coati, humans and pets enjoying nature.
And of course - if you take any photos, don`t forget to tag us so we can see them!
#coati #coatimundi #arizonawildlife #desertlife🌵 #jujube #boycethompsonarboretum
There`s nothing quite like walking through our hummingbird garden on a quiet summer morning. Flowers are in bloom, butterflies flutter across your path, and hummingbirds stop to sip nectar from nearby firecracker plants. It feels like walking through a magical portal that leads you deeper into the Arboretum.
When you visit us next, we hope you pause to really take in your surroundings. Observe the plant life growing around you and notice how the wildlife interacts with it. See what flowers are in bloom and notice their vibrant color. Let your curiosity guide you to the next wonder of the garden.
Check the link in our bio to plan your visit today!
#boycethompsonarboretum #1Arb #hummingbirdgarden #desertbutterflies #natureimmersion #aznature #plantlovers
This kettle of vultures wants to remind you that Saturday, September 5th is Vulture Awareness Day!
Celebrate with us from 6:30 am - 12:00 pm. We`ll be doing vulture themed activities, bird watching, and more. We`d love to see you there!
#VultureAwarenessDay #turkeyvultures #familyactivities #birdingevents #azbirding
This is the last month to take advantage of our summer pricing! From now until the end of August, enjoy the Arboretum for only $16 a person.
Tickets go back up to $24.95 in September.
See the link in our bio to plan your visit!
#btarboretum #familyactivities #1Arb #summeractivities #thingstodoaz #aznature