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Arboretum
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
9 reviews for Arboretum
9 reviews in English
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Review from Jaime M.
7/24/2010
Really nice way to spend an afternoon. I won't ruin it, but do try to get there for the noon or 2 p.m. raptor show. It's not a thriller, but it is fun.
Go in the warm season only (that's when it's open). Pretty plants, though not necessarily wow-me rose gardens. It's still a work in progress, but they've made a lot of it in a short time.
Bring your 4WD vehicle to get down the ridiculously bumpy (scalloped!) road to the entrance. It's tough and long!Listed in: All About Arizona.
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Review from Seana S.
Chandler, AZ
10/5/2011
Cute little arboretum, plenty of trees, a small greenhouse, some pretty flowers, little streams and tiny waterfalls, a little pond. it's all small sized stuff, but enough to keep you busy for an afternoon, especially if you're taking pictures. i saw some chipmunks and interesting yellow birds when i was there in the summer. plenty of really big sunflowers too! the view of the mountains is beautiful too across an open meadow.
be prepared to drive 4 miles on a dirt road to get there though! -
Review from Julie P.
8/15/2008 1 photo
I first went to the Arboretum at Flagstaff in the late 80's. At that time is was impressive, yet small. Originally the Arboretum began as a private year-round residence of Frances McAllister who had a dream of turning it in to something more meaningful. She started a foundation, donated the land and the Arboretum was born. The grounds house more than 2,500 species of plants and some of the most amazing wildlife than many never get the opportunity to see up close and personal.
The site is a little over 200 acres and consists of research facilities, solar green-houses, and intern residences which have been added throughout the years to accommodate the Arboretum's primary two missions: education and conservation. In addition there are several beautiful hiking trails (resulting in multiple miles) representing the finest of the Colorado Plateau. Docent's conduct free daily tours twice a day and are eager to share their knowledge. They even have a golf cart to take around people that may have limited mobility!
They have partnered with NAU and offer several educational programs for both the University and the public at large. And from April through October of each year, have a multitude of activities, festivals, concerts, etc., all for little or no cost.
If you are looking for something a little different and enjoy such things as the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, I know you would enjoy an afternoon here. Spend some time soaking up the incredible atmosphere, stop at the gift shop on the way home to grab that just have to have plant, and relax in one of the most beautiful areas in the state.Listed in: The College Years - Flagstaff…
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Review from patty t.
Chicago, IL
7/30/2008
So when they say that the Flagstaff Arboretum is on Woody Mountain Road, they damn well mean it. When you turn onto the road, it devolves from pavement to a dusty red, slightly but not really graveled corrugated back road. 4 MILES of this to get to the Arboretum. It's like driving on a friggin washboard. Expect your car to be a dusty mess and don't take folks who get motion sickness.
I digress. It is not the Arboretum's fault that Flagstaff doesn't consider them an asset enough to pave the darn road to get there. WHICH THEY ARE. The Arboretum has guided nature walks through their grounds, kid's programming throughout the summer, and even a "Raptor" Show (raptor meaning bird of prey, rather than dinosaur). All the folks working or volunteering there know their goods and are pleased to share with you if you walk up to them.
There are plenty of tables and shaded benches to sit and bring a book after taking a jaunt through the grounds. It costs 6 bucks a person to get in...which if you are a nature lover you'll find well spent. If you are like me, someone who can appreciate the information and view, but doesn't want to spend all day taking pictures of flowers or gawking at the shrubbery, reading a book in a beautiful setting is a pleasant alternative. No there aren't AAA or senior discounts. There is a pleasant gift shop and plenty of paved parking. -
Review from Kyle M.
Denver, CO
2/12/2011
We stopped here on a road trip around the four corner states last summer. The road leading to the Arboretum was in need of a thick layer of asphalt. We finally just went for it and sped up to about 40mph in our old Chevy Cobalt. Fun!
Our particular day of arrival was June 21. It seems things were still trying to blossom around this time as we weren't wow'd by much -- except the view of the Flagstaff wildfire off in the distance.
We caught the tail end of a Raptor show, which was pretty cool. Be sure to have cash on-hand for a NEAT trick! We may go back at another time of the season. -
Review from Mike H.
North Highlands, CA
1/21/2010
Colorado Plateau. Penstemon.
If you're a plant geek, that should be more than enough to get you down the road and into the Arboretum. All kinds of interesting native plants thrive here. The staff are super friendly, and this is a great place to walk around and enjoy nature.
If you live anywhere where these plants are native and are considering a new garden, the Arboretum is a great source of information. They'll also steer you away from invasive alien species (nasty weedy plants that don't mind their manners, escape and smother out native plants).
If you're lucky, the grader will have just finished the road and it'll be as smooth as silk. If you're not, it'll be a classic washboad road. Either way, don't expect to come back with a clean car. A small price to pay for seeing one of the most interesting nature related attractions in Flagstaff.
Check their web site for opening and closing dates before going. -
Review from LINDA R.
Paradise Valley, AZ
1/3/2009 3 photos
We visited @ winter (Jan 2). Everything covered in over 1' snow - very pretty. The 3M drive through the forest was beautiful. They have just aquired several owls, hawks & falcons & incorporated this into an extremely educational & informative Raptor centre. Susan was extremly inspirational & knowledgable, as well as whole-heartedly dedicated to her feathered friends. My 16 year old was in awe, & our 8 yr old luved it. Walking in the snow trails being followed by a hawk above you was amazing. Holding an European Eagle Owl was a 1-in-a-lifetime experience. This was a fantastic experience to get up close to birds we rarely even see in the distance, not to mention touch & hold!
Keep in mind, this is a non-profit organization & depend on us for donations, since they do not get any state or federal assistance! These gorgeous birds absolutly deserve our charitable donations. -
Review from Caroline K.
Mission Viejo, CA
6/3/2011
This could be really nice, but I think with the weather challenges and perhaps too few employees the arboretum is kind of lack luster. I would guess that at least 1/3 of the plant plaques had no plant to describe. The butterfly area had no plants at all. It might still be worth it, but the 4+ miles of completely washboarded dirt road tips the scales to, not so much.
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Review from bobby d.
River Edge, NJ
10/30/2010
After leaving the Arboretum, I realized I had one of the best times of my life. I grew up and lived 5 miles outside of NYC for 25 years of my life. Ive seen and done many incredible things. So, to say the Arboretum was one of the best times of my life is a lot! Tucked away 4 miles off the main road, you get a real sense of being outdoors. Walking the trails, you feel totally at ease and carefree. Along these trails, you come across scattered buildings, each with its own purpose. And best of all, you can walk into and experience each one through a guided tour or simply on your own! At scheduled times, they also feature a live showing of predator type birds. This show seals the deal on the Arboretum being something you have to experience. Orchestrated by a knowledgeable and friendly staff, onlookers get up close and personal with some of planet earth's most interesting birds of prey. These enormous and gorgeous birds actually fly through the crowd to multiple destinations around the crowd allowing people to experience something rarely offered. The audience even gets involved in the show when the ring master asks for volunteers from the crowd to help illustrate some of the finer attributes of the birds! The show runs about an hour but time "flys" during this incredible show. You can do all this for $7, but don't be afraid to donate anything additional. Blueberry The Crow will gladly take any donations you may offer, directly from your hand! After which, she will provide you with some more entertainment.
