ARIZONA – BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM STATE PARK

Photo Experience:   If you are interested in desert flora, this place is definitely worth a visit. I spent a day at this state park, exploring the trails and photographing what I saw. Expect to have full sun here. I found that photographs of individual plants (rather than broad desert scenes) worked well.

Other Info:   Boyce Thompson S.P. is located about an hour’s drive east of Mesa, Arizona, on US 60, just before you reach the town of Superior. An admission fee is charged. Although drinks, sandwiches, and snacks are available for purchase at the gift shop, you can also bring your own picnic (which is what I did). Restrooms are available at the gift shop and the Smith Interpretive Center. There is a bit of shade here and there along the trails, but I would encourage you to wear a hat and put on sunscreen. Taking some water along with you is also a good idea.


&spsp.;Prickly Pear Cactus bloom and buds  -  Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Arizona&spspspsp;Giant Yucca  -  Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Arizona

Echinopsis huascha  -  Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Arizona


&spsp.;Desert plants in the Demonstration Garden  -  Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Arizona&spspspsp;Prickly Pear Cactus bloom with bee  -  Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Arizona