Trailblazers are ready to brave Boyce Thompson Arboretum. [photo by Li]

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is located west of Superior, Arizona, just a 30-minute drive from Mesa. Founded in 1924 as a desert plant research facility, it is the oldest and largest botanical garden in Arizona. The arboretum sits next to Picketpost Mountain along Queen Creek in the Sonoran Desert and spans approximately 392 acres. The park showcases more than 2,600 species of living plants from around the world—truly a living museum.

On the suspension bridge.

Looking down on the arboretum.

Very green.

Queen Creek is dry next to the arboretum.

The arboretum was named after Boyce Thompson, an American mining engineer, financier, and philanthropist. Thompson partnered with George Gunn to discover several copper mines in Utah and Arizona. Their most prosperous venture was the large-scale Magma and Inspiration copper mines near Miami, Superior, Arizona, during the 1910s. These made Thompson both rich and famous. In 1920, he built his winter mansion in Superior, Arizona, which later became the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. The beautiful Picket Post House, perched on a hill overlooking the gardens and surrounding desert landscape he envisioned, still stands today and can be visited.

Picket Post House.

Picket Post House with Tom.

Picket Post House with Lin.

Picket Post House other side.

Nine Trailblazers participated in this event. Some group members had visited the park many times before, but it was my first visit. I was surprised by the size of the park. Although it wasn’t a strenuous hike, the arboretum offered a fascinating mix of history and diverse plant life along the perimeter of the majestic Picketpost Mountain. I was truly glad to be there.

Trailblazers by the pond.

The pond is used to store water for the arboretum.

Why have a lake.

Bill, a longtime park volunteer, guided us through many areas of the garden. His extensive knowledge and engaging stories—many of which are not widely known—were highlights of our trip. We even spotted two Gila monsters, which Bill said have lived in the park for years. A red cardinal followed us throughout the walk, adding a magical touch to the experience.

Bill.

Our cardinal.

What time is it?

Fuzzy catus.

Everyone had a great time, especially the first-time visitors. We’ve already decided to return in the fall to explore even more of this massive and beautiful garden.

One of many catus.

One of many catus.

They have trees also.

Agnes house, also used for a movie set.

The tunnel.

Barrels of fun.

One of the resident Gila monsters.

About time to leave. [photo by Li]