While Arizona may not be a world-renowned leaf-peeping destination, some places in the Grand Canyon State look exactly like New England in the fall. Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior is one of them, with autumn foliage so striking, you’ll feel like you’re anywhere besides the desert.

Despite being Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden, Boyce Thompson Arboretum doesn't enjoy nearly the amount of celebration it deserves.
Facebook/Boyce Thompson Arboretum
The garden is home to a wide variety of plant species that all bloom at differing points throughout the year, so the landscape is ever-changing.
While the arboretum is a bucket list destination all year, nothing compares to watching the leaves change during autumn.
Facebook/Boyce Thompson Arboretum
A sea of green in the spring and summer, the garden takes on magical orange, honey, and deep red hues when the temperature starts to dip.
Pull on a cozy scarf, grab a pumpkin spice latte on the way, and set off on the nearly five miles of trails that meander around the garden.
Facebook/Boyce Thompson Arboretum
The crisp fall air blows through the trees, their branches gently swaying to and fro as leaves rustle in the wind. You definitely won't feel like you're in Arizona anymore!

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One of the trails leads across an old-fashioned suspension bridge. It offers an entirely different perspective on the vibrant fall foliage.
Wikimedia Commons/Terry Stone
As you make your way across the wooden planks, gnarled branches form a canopy overhead. They frame the mountainous surroundings in the most beautiful way possible.
Plenty of benches are scattered throughout the arboretum. If your legs need a break, rest assured there are opportunities at every turn.
Facebook/Boyce Thompson Arboretum
The foliage is visible from almost anywhere in the garden, so you can soak up the views while sitting in blissful stillness.
The fall foliage in southern Arizona typically peaks between late November and early December. That's well after the high desert regions of the state!
Facebook/Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Plan a trip up north in October, then head to the arboretum after Thanksgiving for a leaf-peeping adventure that lasts the entire season.

Address: 37615 East Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173. Hours are 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. from May through September, and 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. from October through April.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum charges an entrance fee of $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Members and healthcare workers get in free. To learn more, visit the arboretum’s website or Facebook page.

Have you ever been to Boyce Thompson Arboretum in the fall? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section below. Tell us how it went, then check out our previous article for more places in Arizona that are absolutely magical during autumn.

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Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173, USA