- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
13 reviews for Boyce Thompson Arboretum
This is a really special place to enjoy the beauty of all different desert plant life. The drive out there is very scenic, it's worth the trek. I took friends from out-of-state, one of who is a Horticulturalist. Since he's from California, he wasn't as familiar with all the plant life in Arizona but he absolutely loved it here.
The beauty of it was just magnificent. I think we spent at least 2 or 3 hours going down all the winding paths. It seemed never ending.
Most of the state parks in Arizona charge you a set price per vehicle but this one is $7.50 per adult. If you buy an Arizona annual state park pass ($50) you can get yourself + 3 adults into the Arboretum (or any state park for that matter) for free. This is a really good deal if you plan on hitting up other state parks throughout the year.
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (4)
Their summer hours are in effect so that's something to consider before making the trek from CenPho. Closing at 3 p.m. isn't such a bad thing as long as you get here more than an hour and a half before closing. But, it is what it is.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is just fantastic! I was completely blown away with everything that was offered: we hiked part of a mountain, crossed a dry riverbed, walked over a suspension bridge, saw a couple snakes, took in the fresh air and witnessed the amazing ecosystem in which we live. BTA is easily a destination location, where several hours should be spent slowly working through the different sections. Albeit rushed, we were still capable of experiencing this natural wonder.
Pack a lunch, get there early, stay until they close. Don't forget plenty of water.
Most definately, we'll be going back in the future. Especially with out-of-towners.
People thought this was:
- Useful (7)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (6)
Great place to enjoy the outdoors. If you like beautiful Desert Plants and picturesque walks , this is your place! Put on some good shoes , bring a water bottle and take a walk. Lots of paths all over with desert plants from all over the world.
I think this would have been great for romantic time or picnic. The family enjoyed the time and the various wildlife. The wildflowers and butterflies were in full effect, nice.
While not a terribly hard walk it could be difficult for some or small children . Dogs are allowed but please be courteous and pick up after your pet.
People thought this was:
- Useful (13)
- Funny (5)
- Cool (13)
Beautiful place to visit in the Spring, and only about an hour's drive from Phoenix. In a wet year, be prepared to stop along the way to enjoy the wildflowers blanketing the saguaro-covered hillsides as well. Last year was unbelievable, this year not as spectacular, but still a nice drive.
The Arboretum offers about 100 acres of gardens which include roses, wildflowers, cacti, and trees, including HUGE eucalyptus trees. They have foliage from all over the world. There are numerous paths and trails. and even the most difficult trail will be accessible by most. A visit here will remind you of why you live, or want to live, in Arizona. We just went yesterday and all the wildflowers are in full bloom and some of the cacti are starting to bloom as well.
The park does allow dogs on leashes. There's a nice gift shop with a few snacks (refrigerated sandwiches, chips, drinks), but no cafe. They have a nice picnic area, so definitely pack a lunch or plan to eat in Superior, a few miles up Highway 60.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
This is the time to visit this place. The weather is still mild and everything is blooming. And there's actually some water in the stream right now. Lot's of humming birds and butterflies too, even squirrels running around. I never knew so many different types of cacti existed. This was the perfect place to take a nice walk and have a picnic after.
The cactus garden and herb garden (it smelled so good) were my favorites. You'll even get to see Boyce Thompson's home from one of the trails, but it's up on a cliff so you can't actually get to it.
Dogs are allowed and there were quite a few out. Don't forget to pick up after them and bring water too.
It's no more that a 30 minute drive outside of east Mesa, not too far from where the Renaissance Festival is held. It's $7.50 per person. They had a plant sale going on this weekend and I've heard that they have them quite often. My boyfriend's dad and girlfriend found some beautiful plants for some great prices.
I'll upload some pics later.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
The beauty of the Sonoran desert can be appreciated more fully if one knows more about the diverse plant life that constantly deals with, and triumphs over, the dry environment. This is why the Boyce Thompson arboretum is such a valuable resource. Though not exactly near Phoenix, it nevertheless is easily accessible via a straight drive through Highway 60. Whether you explore the area on your own or join one of the guided tours, your visit is sure to be an enlightening, and at the same time relaxing and refreshing, experience. Several trails lead to diverse outdoor exhibits that include medicinal plants, a cactus garden (of course!), an herb garden, a eucalyptus forest, a heritage rose garden, and demonstration gardens that will inspire you to create your own drought-tolerant garden at home. I especially enjoyed the medicinal plant garden with signs explaining the historic and medicinal use of various plants in our region.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
You can experience this place by hiking, by strolling, by picnicing, by studying the plants, or by birdwatching, to name a few. Get in your car and drive up Highway 60 this weekend and check it out. Better yet--join as a member and then go up. When you get there, ask the guy in the ticket booth for a token to open the gate to the picnic area. And picnic. Cheap fun in trying times and you might help keep this park open.
People thought this was:
- Useful (13)
- Funny (9)
- Cool (11)
Burn your books, buy yourself stout shoes. Get away to the mountains, the deserts and the deepest recesses of the earth. In this way and no other will you gain a true knowledge of things.
-Seter Severinus, 1571 A.D.
City shocked day trippers will find Boyce Thompson to be a welcome and refreshing sanctuary with it's innumerable leisurely winding trails and exquisitely landscaped gardens. With over 800 species of cacti, showcases of Palo Verde's, Ironwoods, abundant varieties of herbs, as well as serene stands of pines and eucalyptus each garden presents a unique feast to the senses. You can easily spend a day here learning a great deal as you catalog the flora or simply drifting through the pathways doing nothing in particular except being here.
http://arboretum.ag.ar.../
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
I really, REALLY, like this place. They have vegetation that grows in arid climates from all over the world. Quite a few miles of easy trails and 1 moderate trail where you might want to wear something other than flip flops.
They have an herb garden, cactus garden, legume garden and a demonstration garden. They also have a eucalyptus forest with some pretty big trees.
It's a park so they charge you as you drive in. If I remember correctly, it's $7 a person.
It's about an hour from my apartment near the airport, so plan accordingly!
If you like nature and all that it has to offer this is a great place to experience it. You can learn a lot or just relax and enjoy the day. It too is often a bit more cool than here in Phoenix.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Went here on Memorial Day, wasn't very crowded and the weather was warm but not the stifling heat that Arizona usually has this time of year.. I just loved this place, every species of cactus you can imagine as well as other desert plant life. Some of the cactus were blooming and the colors were so beautiful.. Acres of walking trails so you can wander off in just about any direction. This place is just outside of Superior and for a shock you should drive through the old part of town as it looks like a ghost town....abandoned buildings everywhere and no people to be seen.... it reminded me of a scene from a scary movie..
Take your camera and a picnic and head east on highway 60 for about 50 miles to one of Arizona's best-kept secrets. With over 300 acres to explore, Boyce-Thompson is a nature-lover's paradise. The gardens house 600 kinds of cacti, as well as rare and endangered plant species from around the world. Choose pathways leading through shaded dry stream bottoms or climb a rocky ouutcropping for a great view of the surrounding area.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
If you want to take a short day trip, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a fantastic option. I went here with my mom for mother's day one year and we had a lot of fun. The weather was still in the in-between time, so it wasn't toooo hot and it wasn't too cold.
The Arboretum is 300 acres of beautiful plants and flowers. I know their mission is to educate and they definitely do that with all of the information they give you on each plant.
You get to take a long, beautiful nature trail through the Arboretum, where you'll see plants of every shape and size and gorgeous birds and hummingbirds. Be sure to visit the hummingbird garden and bring your camera.
It will cost you $7.50 for adults, but it's a really special and unique activity to do with your children, family, friends or by yourself.