I hit the road myself on Sunday and took a drive with my girlfriend to Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park in Superior. If you’re a fan of Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden, you’re likely to enjoy the arboretum.
Located an hour east of the Tempe campus, the park is home to over 3,000 different types of plants and over 14,000 total individual plants representing various desert locales throughout the world. There are about three miles of trails and paths throughout the park that take you through 100 acres of natural areas.
The park makes for a nice, leisurely stroll like the one we took Sunday. They also have various classes, events and guided tours scheduled throughout the year. The trails are easy to walk and mostly flat, but there are a few short sections that are steep.
It was a pretty relaxed day while we were there. There were never more than a few people around us on the trails. The foliage and scenery were enjoyable but it didn’t seem like too many plants were in bloom. Not too much wildlife out and about except for a few lizards and butterflies here and there. They also had a big plant sale going on, in case you’re looking to spruce up your backyard or dorm room.
I’d like to go again in the spring when more of the cactus and flowers are in bloom. Queen Creek, which runs through the park, was dried up too. Not to say the park wasn’t nice as it was on Sunday, but I’d like to see it when it’s more alive with blooming plants and a flowing creek.
It still made for a pleasant day and a nice drive and I’d recommend checking it out when you’re looking for a lazy day out of town.
