Posted in Arizona Nature April 30, 2021 by

Take A Suspension Bridge Hike Through Boyce Thompson Arboretum, A 392-Acre Botanical Garden In Arizona

Arizona has several botanical gardens, but one, in particular, tends to fly tragically under the radar. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, located in beautiful Superior, Arizona, is actually the largest garden of its kind in the state, boasting more than 4,000 plants and many different types of terrain. These gardens also feature a suspension bridge that leads to some truly incredible creek and canyon views! The best part of all? This suspension bridge hike in Arizona is not scary, or even intimidating, at all. In fact, it’s pretty nice!

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Founded in 1924, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the largest and oldest botanical garden in Arizona.
Taryn O./TripAdvisor
Over 4,000 species of arid land plants from all over the world grow here, including one of the largest red gum Eucalyptus trees in the United States!
A 1.5-mile loop trail meanders through the 392-acre park, leading visitors through various unique landscapes.
Bill G./TripAdvisor
One such exhibit is a cactus garden with over 800 species, ranging from iconic, majestic ancient saguaros to the tiniest little pincushion cacti that you'll miss if you don't look down at least once.
Springtime brings eye-popping wildflowers in every color of the rainbow.
CJ S/TripAdvisor
Stop and smell the roses, so to speak, as you take in the pleasant fragrances of the Sonoran Desert and embrace the season of growth, vibrancy, and starting anew.
One of the neatest things about this arboretum is the striking terrain diversity you'll enjoy without ever leaving the main walkway.
Paige T./TripAdvisor
Awe-inspiringly beautiful tree tunnels, a man-made lake, a few herb gardens, and palm tree grove all effortlessly flow into each other despite being from differing regions of the planet. There are also three side trails that provide a greater challenge and more educational opportunities to all who dare trek it. It's not THAT hard, we swear!
At the farthest end of the park is a wooden suspension bridge that, in traditional fashion, sways precariously as you walk across.
William Herron/Flickr
It spans across a quiet, gentle creek, imparting simply gorgeous views in all directions. Bring a camera, otherwise you'll really wish you'd thought to bring one. Of course, anything you take on your camera phone is sure to be lovely, too.
Nature shows up differently each season, from brilliantly-hued cactus fruits in the summer to the most intense fall foliage you've ever laid eyes on.
Terry stone/Wikimedia
No matter what the time of year you visit, rest assured: this bridge is a perfect vantage point for the impressive scenery.
How incredibly breathtaking is all that lush greenery on the other side?
CJ S/TripAdvisor
A picture-perfect scene at its finest.

Visit the arboretum’s website or Facebook page to learn more about visiting hours, current events, sales, and admission.

Have you ever taken this suspension bridge hike in Arizona? If so, what was your favorite piece of scenery along the way? Let us know!

Address: 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Suspension Bridge Hike in Arizona

May 04, 2021
Tori Jane

Which Arizona arboretum should I visit?

Currently, Arizona is home to at least three designated arboretums, so we say why not check out all three? One is the Desert Arboretum Park at Arizona State University in Tempe, which also serves as the research gardens for the university on top of being a lovely place to go unwind. There’s also the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, in Superior, which is home to more than 4,000 desert plants, various biomes and types of ecosystems, and so much more. There’s a lot to learn there, and we recommend a whole day just for that one! Finally, there’s the Flagstaff Arboretum in the northern part of the state, which is a conservatory for native plants and several species of well-kept critters, many of whom help educate visitors in the forms of interesting live shows. 

What is the best adventure hike in Arizona?

The “best” ones are highly subjective, of course, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have some favorites. One of the most incredible adventure hikes in the entire state is easily the insane trek to Havasu Falls, at the Grand Canyon. It’s located on tribal lands and a permit is required to hike or camp this particular trail. It’s a lengthy one – ten miles, one way – but trust us when we say the reward at the end is so beyond worth it. “Havasupai” means “people of the blue water”, and the water here that cascades down from a stunning red cliffside is indeed a cerulean blue like you’ve probably never seen before. There are no filters needed here – the natural beauty is so astonishing that this one probably takes the cake in terms of our pick for the best adventure hike in the state. For a list of some slightly (okay, a lot) easier Arizona hikes, this article can be used for inspiration. 

Where is the desert botanical garden in Arizona?

The world-famous Desert Botanical Garden is in Phoenix, Arizona, in the heart of the beautiful Sonoran Desert. This 140-acre botanical garden teaches visitors much ado about desert life, be it in the form of plants or animals. It’s nestled inside Papago Park, which is an intriguing spot on its own thanks to its unique geology and interesting mountain formations. You can find it at 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona, 85008.

Address: 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173, USA