Adventures in Nature – Travel to Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Posted in Family Fun, Scenery, Southwest, Travel | By Shelley Gillespie | Tags: Botanical Garden, Desert, Hiking, Travel
A visit to 80-year-old Boyce Thompson Arboretum will inspire and delight nature enthusiasts.
If you are in the vicinity of Phoenix, it is well worth the drive. Located 55 miles east of Phoenix, just after mile marker 223 on US 60 before reaching Superior, Boyce Thompson Arboretum demonstrates the labor of love that Colonel Boyce Thompson began in the 1920s. He considered it a place to “instill in humanity an appreciation of plants.”
Breathtaking view at Boyce Thompson
Years have been good to the arboretum, as the many paths and exhibits show a diversity of flora, and some fauna, which are a pleasure to experience.
Scented like "mildly fermented grape soda," the mescal bean tree in full flower
Three hours will give a visitor the opportunity to see most of the park. An herb garden, demonstration garden, desert garden, Ayer Lake, indoor exhibits, greenhouse displays with rarer cacti and succulents, a legume garden, rose garden, medicinal plants and much more are sensory treats.
Ducks paddle in Ayer Lake
In the herb garden, seasonal herbs are very fragrant and a visual delight. Varieties of herbs include sage, rosemary, fennel, thyme, lemon balm and lemon grass, cardoon, chocolate flowers, marjoram and yarrow.
One bed in the herb garden
Near the visitor center, a demonstration garden shows plants that are best for low water usage. A soap tree yucca, Mexican redbud and other plants are unusual, with a refreshing water feature displayed nearby in a pavilion.
Hikers can also enjoy the “High Trail,” the more inaccessible parts of the 1,000-acre park, although the botanical garden itself only comprises about 100 acres. Picturesque paths with views of mountains and a suspension bridge make it a welcome challenge.
Picturesque hiking path
Desert Views
Probably the most beautiful views are in and from the Desert Garden. An array of cacti and plants, larger than most people will ever see, looks out over stunning mountain views rampant with saguaro.
Cacti in Desert Garden
To show all aspects of nature in many environments, the arboretum even has an “Australian Walkabout” section with appropriate plants.
Ayer Lake, a man-made reservoir with a gazebo for shade, allows visitors a chance to enjoy the water denizens (a few ducks are typically paddling) and coolness.
Family Facility
Picnic areas with grills give families a chance to commune with nature and enjoy a meal. The visitor center also has a limited supply of sandwiches and drinks available in a refrigerated case.
Daily tours are available as well as special events such as plant and herb sales scheduled periodically. Bird, butterfly, edible plant and other guided walks are available with knowledgeable tour guides. (See the schedule and other details at www.btarboretum.org, (520) 689-2723)
If you go…
Be looking for the entrance, which is just east of US 60 mile marker 223 and is easy to miss. Plan your visit for early in the day. During the summer season, Boyce Thompson Arboretum opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 3:00 p.m.; winter hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $7.50 for adults; $3 for ages 5-12 and children under five are admitted free.
Much of the park is handicap accessible, so those in wheelchairs can enjoy the views as well.
Bring water, since you will be out among nature. Shade is available periodically and a cooler with bottled water on the honor system is near the end of the handicap accessible segment of the main trail. Wear comfortable shoes, sun block and a hat.
Tags: Botanical Garden, Desert, Hiking, Travel