Whether you're enrolled in-state, out-of-state, in a community college or university—bring your ID and explore the colorful gardens and hiking paths which crisscross the 300-acre collection of forested areas and botanical gardens near the historic copper-mining town of Superior (about a 30-minute drive due east of Apache Junction on U.S. Highway 60, near milepost No. 223).
BTA earns a five-star rating at Yelp.com, where Christine M. from Phoenix wrote: “This place is amazing! I went for a class field trip (ornithology) and had a good ol’ time.”
BTA earns five stars and even allows leashed and well-behaved dogs. Speaking of which, nearby Porter’s Cafe, just a five-minute drive farther and in downtown Superior, boasts a “five-bone review” for being Superior’s most pet-friendly restaurant (that’s on the “Dog Friendly Restaurants” page at bringfido.com).
BTA guided weekend nature walks during August include a dragonfly walk Aug. 4, bird walk Aug. 12 and Plants of the Bible Aug. 18, the same day the Arboretum offers a unique “how to juice prickly pears” cactus fruit class. These events and more are included with daily admission; show that college ID and get a free day’s education about desert plants, critters and ecology. Confirm event times, view photo galleries and check out videos at ag.arizona.edu/bta or connect with 3,000 people who love BTA at facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum
