NEWS ARTICLES

Just 60 miles east of Phoenix, Superior’s Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers perhaps Phoenicians’ closest and most convenient option for autumn leaf-peeping. Spanning over 300 acres near the foot of the Superstition Mountains, this arboretum is Arizona’s oldest, operating since the 1920s. Moreover, it may have one of the broadest selection of desert-friendly plants from all around the world. There’s no bad time to visit the arboretum, but fall is the most splendid time, thanks to the explosion of vibrant orange and golden hues on the gardens’ deciduous trees.

An Oasis in the Desert: Superior, Arizona (pop. 2,571) - It’s been 100 years since American engineer and philanthropist Colonel William Boyce Thompson founded Superior’s Boyce Thompson Arboretum on 372 acres of upland Sonoran Desert. Today, this world-renowned botanical garden is home to 20,000 desert plants from around the planet—including places like Madagascar, Japan and Israel.

Bridges in Arizona are truly beautiful things. From natural bridges in Arizona to historic suspension bridges to covered bridges, our state has a bit of everything. Two beautiful bridges are hiding in the beautiful Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, and a short and easy hike takes you across both of them. The Boyce Thompson Arboretum bridges are so awesome that they’re worth a trip or two on their own – so come out and explore!

Notoriously overgrown, unmarked and insanely steep, getting to the top of Picketpost Mountain is a make-it-up-as-you-go prospect. Located outside the Town of Superior, the adventure starts with a hike south on the Alamo Canyon Passage 17 of the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is celebrating 100 years since it was founded with special events and additions this year! Boyce Thompson Arboretum, east of Mesa along US 60 in Superior, was founded by Colonel William Boyce Thompson in 1924. During his time with the American Red Cross Thompson grew passionate about agriculture, food supply, and social justice. As a result he began many projects surrounding philanthropy, specifically plants and plant science. In the early 1920s, he built a winter home overlooking Queen Creek Canyon, now known as the Picket Post House, because of his love for the outdoors and the Superior area. The home still stands to this day inside the arboretum.

The Copper Corridor, a region steeped in rich history and natural beauty, just outside of the Phoenix Metro, is inviting all to check out the area. The Copper Corridor Crawl Adventure Passport will provide adventurers, history enthusiasts, and travelers of all kinds with an opportunity to explore the hidden gems, captivating stories, and historic communities of the Copper Corridor.

Superior is the oldest town in Pinal County, worth visiting for its natural beauty, peacefulness, and friendly, close-knit community. This lovely town provides a respite from the bustling city life with its rugged mountainous landscape offering exciting recreational activities.

Home to one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, the Grand Canyon, Arizona is also home to some of the friendliest towns to visit in 2024, starting with the legendary enclaves of Superior and Winslow.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers tours, classes and events. Check ahead for their summer hours and events. Visit btarboretum.org

These days, Superior touts the Prickly Pear Festival. At the festival, visitors can learn how to forage for prickly pears and enjoy a variety of food made from them, including baked goods and main courses. Local restaurants also participate, offering dishes that incorporate prickly pears.

As an outdoor-loving newbie to the Copper Corridor, I’ve been asking long-time locals about their favorite hikes in the area. One of my coworkers suggested the Apache Tears Mine Trail in Superior as an easy walk that combined great scenery, Wild West history and opportunities for rockhounding.

...the first day of 2024 called for a relaxing solo road trip. My destination of choice was an old mining town about 60 miles east of Phoenix called Superior. Its history dates back to 1875, and for a lot of reasons, the town has remained frozen in time for at least the last several decades. One of the reasons for that is the fact that a primary source of copper, the Magma Mine, closed in 1984. Today, Main Street has been bypassed by U.S. Highway 60, and perhaps that is one of the reasons why it remains so well preserved. Driving it is taking a step back in time.

Santa Claus is coming to Boyce Thompson Arboretum on December 2nd and 3rd from 10 am – 1 pm . Families are welcome on Saturday and well-behaved dogs on Sunday for fun holiday photos at the Arboretum. After your photo with jolly old St. Nick, stay to decorate a wooden ornament souvenir, explore the gardens, and enjoy holiday treats available for purchase.

Arizona is home to small and underrated towns that are great alternatives to Flagstaff, offering incredible outdoor adventures and fascinating historical attractions that keep tourists glued for days. Although they have fewer residents than Flagstaff, they house mind-blowing attractions, and some are also home to the most beautiful hikes in Arizona. So, escape the crowds in the next getaway by visiting Arizona’s small and underrated towns that are worth skipping Flagstaff for.

Mila Besich, Mayor of Superior, shows us around the heart of Superior and shares fun activities, events and restaurants to check out while in the small town.

Earth Day is every day for the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, but this year is especially significant as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. Arizona State University is working with the arboretum on several innovative projects to document Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden.

If you've never been to Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, spring is the perfect time to go. Check out the gardens and the flowers in bloom before heading to your remarkably charming Airbnb in town. The 2 Tiny Homes offer a fun getaway close to shops, restaurants, and hiking while feeling like a world of their own. This rental comes with two tiny homes, each with a full bed and a shared space. While this particular listing comes with both homes, you can inquire about renting just one.

Nestled in the heart of Arizona, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is a botanical haven spanning 392 acres. Established in the 1920s, this living museum showcases a diverse collection of arid plants from around the world. Visitors can embark on winding trails, encountering towering cacti, vibrant wildflowers, and unique desert flora.

After missing the last hike due to snow on Mount Graham, the club going a little farther afield for the next outing — hiking the Legends of Superior Trail on Saturday, Dec. 16.

You've heard of horse racing and dog racing, but what about burro racing? Each year in Superior, Arizona, an adorable race filled with the fuzzy donkeys (the name is interchangeable) takes place.