Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Park Arizona arboretum showcasing desert plants and research
Desert arboretum near Superior, Arizona, with extensive desert plant collections, themed trails and birding opportunities; visitors come for plant displays, hiking and seasonal events.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a public arboretum near the town of Superior in Arizona, established in 1924 by William Boyce Thompson and covering more than 300 acres of cultivated gardens and natural desert.
The arboretum displays collections of plants from arid and semi-arid regions worldwide, with multiple themed gardens and several miles of walking trails through landscaped and native areas. On-site signage and a visitor center provide identification and ecological context for the collections.
Founded in 1924 by mining entrepreneur William Boyce Thompson as a private botanical research and demonstration site, the property later became a publicly accessible arboretum and research resource focused on dryland horticulture.
The property lies in the Sonoran Desert foothills near Superior, Arizona, amid rugged terrain and desert vegetation east of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
- Collections: Focuses on plants adapted to dry climates, with species from North America, Australia, South Africa and South America represented in the collections.
- When to visit: Best visited in spring and fall when temperatures are cooler and many plants are in active growth or bloom.
How to Get to Boyce Thompson Arboretum #
The arboretum is on US-60 near Superior, AZ. From Phoenix, take US-60 east toward Superior and follow signs to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park; parking is available on site. Confirm hours and admission on the official website before visiting.
Tips for Visiting Boyce Thompson Arboretum #
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid the hottest parts of the day and to see wildlife such as hummingbirds and desert mammals.
- Don't miss the Sonoran Desert loop trail for good views of native cacti and interpretive signage.
- Check the arboretum's calendar - seasonal plant sales, lectures and birding walks are regular.
Best Time to Visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum #
Late winter through spring is best for comfortable weather and peak plant activity; mornings are cooler and less crowded.
Weather & Climate near Boyce Thompson Arboretum #
Boyce Thompson Arboretum's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 39°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 39°C and lows of 24°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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August
August is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with 53 mm of rain.
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September
September is hot with highs of 35°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
