It’s amazing what can grow in a desert landscape. Just check out the gorgeous Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, a place I occasionally visit and walk around in amazement. While this is certainly the best-known and most-visited botanical garden in the state, there’s one hidden gem destination a bit further up north worth checking out. With more than 750 plants that can withstand arid, drought-like conditions, The Arboretum At Flagstaff in Arizona is an underrated botanical garden we think you should visit.

The Arboretum at Flagstaff is quite a hidden gem -- literally! It's located three miles down a Forest Service Road off of S. Woody Mountain Road.
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Established in 1981 by Frances McAllister, a philanthropist, it was first known as The Transition Zone Horticultural Institute.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff/Facebook
Today, it's called The Arboretum at Flagstaff and is home to a gift shop, a visitor center, and rental space.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff/Facebook

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Sitting at 7,000 feet, the property the Arboretum sits on was gardened by Frances McAllister after she built a home here. She took to planting native species that could withstand high altitudes and dry conditions.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff/Google Local
Today, visitors can marvel at more than 750 plant species that thrive in the high and dry climate of Arizona.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff/Facebook
You can explore The Arboretum and its well-manicured gardens on a self-guided hike or participate in a wildflower walk held on the first Friday of every month.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff/Facebook
Birds are also abundant here -- in fact, over 130 species have been spotted over the years! Informative bird walks are held on specific dates throughout the year for an extra charge, but it's well worth it if you enjoy birding!
The Arboretum at Flagstaff/Facebook

Have you ever had the chance to visit The Arboretum At Flagstaff? Tell us about the experience you had there in the comments! For more information, visit The Arboretum At Flagstaff website and give The Arboretum At Flagstaff’s Facebook page a follow.

Another hidden gem in Flagstaff is Picture Canyon. You may even have this little-known canyon all to yourself when you visit!

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4001 S Woody Mountain Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, USA