Bridges in Arizona are truly beautiful things. From natural bridges 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.
Tucked away in the desert lowlands an hour east of Phoenix, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers a year-round escape into the peace and quiet of the natural world.
AllTrails/Sharon Holt
Our state’s oldest and largest botanical garden, the arboretum offers several relaxing trails that showcase the beautiful flora and fauna native to southern Arizona.
AllTrails/Brian Jenkins
Among these trails is the Boyce Thompson Arboretum Main Trail, an easy stroll that takes you across not one, but TWO stunning bridges in a matter of just 1.5 miles.
AllTrails/Kym Kirk
One of the bridges is a beautiful wooden suspension bridge reminiscent of those found deep within the Grand Canyon. Walking across it is a truly magical experience - the feeling is a bit like traversing a drawbridge that leads to a stately castle.
AllTrails/Bonnie Grove
The suspension bridge is worth crossing year-round, as it showcases the lush and vibrant surroundings (and towering canyon walls) in a way you’ve likely never seen them before.
Wikimedia Commons/Terry Stone If you have the opportunity to visit during autumn, however, the splendor is amplified tenfold, thanks to the eye-popping colors the trees take on.
Bridge number two is a simple, elevated walkway that takes you past Ayer Lake and over Silver King Wash: two bodies of water located in the botanical garden.
AllTrails/Rock S Standing by the railing and gazing out at the sights and sounds of nature is such a memorable experience.
You even get to walk through a tunnel of trees that looks like something straight from a fairytale!
AllTrails/Sara Cobian
The arboretum boasts a dozen different themed gardens and exhibits, so there’s plenty more to see along the trail. Ogle unique rock formations…
AllTrails/Deborah Chase
…and marvel at an entire collection of cacti, from the rarest succulents to the majestic Saguaros that define the Arizona desert.
AllTrails/Chris Eytalis
Visit the Boyce Thompson Arboretum website or Facebook page for more information, including current hours and entrance fees.
AllTrails/Sharon Holt
AllTrails/Brian Jenkins
AllTrails/Kym Kirk
AllTrails/Bonnie Grove
Wikimedia Commons/Terry Stone
If you have the opportunity to visit during autumn, however, the splendor is amplified tenfold, thanks to the eye-popping colors the trees take on.
AllTrails/Rock S
Standing by the railing and gazing out at the sights and sounds of nature is such a memorable experience.
AllTrails/Sara Cobian
AllTrails/Deborah Chase
AllTrails/Chris Eytalis
Have you ever been to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum? If so, did you embark on the Main Trail? Tell us all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another botanical garden in Arizona with over 100 acres to explore.
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Address: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173, USA
