Boyce Thompson ArboretumAbout Boyce Thompson Arboretum
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 4° - 16° | 10° | 41 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 6° - 19° | 12° | 40 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 7° - 21° | 14° | 49 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 10° - 26° | 18° | 15 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 15° - 31° | 23° | 8 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 20° - 36° | 28° | 4 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 24° - 39° | 31° | 42 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 24° - 37° | 30° | 53 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 21° - 35° | 28° | 34 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 16° - 30° | 23° | 34 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 8° - 22° | 15° | 34 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 5° - 18° | 11° | 48 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
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.