By Andreas Schmalz
PHOTOS BY ANDREAS SCHMALZ
A long Highway 60 about 70 miles east of Phoenix, the old mining town of Superior makes for an interesting day trip for seekers of nature, adventure and history.
Sadly, 2021 was not a kind year to the area, as the Telegraph Fire devastated the region and burned over 282 square miles of land. As the earth recovers from that, opportunities to enjoy what the town has to offer return.
Ayer Lake at Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
For those seeking an easy-going excursion, Boyce Thompson Arboretum―also home to the Wallace Desert Garden―is Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden. It features plants from other countries, 4.7 miles of trails (some of which are even handicap accessible), a visitor’s center, picnic area, and the more challenging, rugged High Trail leads to the Queen Creek riparian area and incredible views of the surrounding area. Guided tours are offered October through April. Wallace Desert Garden is a 13-acre botanical garden that was transplanted from its former home in Scottsdale back in 2015. Regardless of your knowledge of plants, the arboretum is a wonderful destination all by itself, and since it was spared from the Telegraph Fire, it’s almost like an island unto itself.
View of the Historic Picket Post House mansion from Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Superior History
After your visit, you may want to stop and check out the historic part of town along Main Street, lined with boutiques, art galleries, antique shops and places to dine. There’s so much to experience out in Superior, you’ll likely wish there were a few more hours in the day to see it all.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
37615 E. Arboretum Way
Superior, AZ 85173
Get There Take I-17 S to AZ-101 E 25.9 miles to US-60 E Exit 55A-B toward Globe. Follow US-60 E to your destination in Pinal County (46.2 mi) and turn right on East Arboretum Way.
Cost $15/person; $5/Ages 5–12
Hours May—September; Open daily 6 a.m.–3 p.m. (Last admission 2 p.m.)
Closed July 4
October—April; Open daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (Last admission 4 p.m.)
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Info www.btarboretum.org
Picketpost Mountain: A Hike for the Skilled Climber
For experienced hikers desiring something far more adventurous, the backdrop to the arboretum is Picketpost Mountain—a challenging hiking destination within the Tonto National Forest. This 4.3-mile out-and-back hike is rated difficult and involves about a 1,990-foot elevation gain, as well as some route-finding and scrambling skills. The initial part of the hike follows the Arizona Trail for 0.4 miles, but then one heads east along a smaller dirt road across a creek bed and up toward the mountain. Cairns are evident along the way, but it’s highly recommended to seek out a proper map beforehand and study the route through the chute that leads up to the upper plateau.
Get There
Directions Follow US-60 to mile marker 221 onto Uno Trail (Forest Road 231). Follow the dirt road 0.3 miles to Saddleridge Trail. Head east 0.75 miles on paved road to parking area.
Difficulty Rating 4.5 out of 5 (Source: www.alltrails.com.)
Andreas Schmalz is a local Realtor and an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys trail hiking, nature photography, and scenic drives throughout Arizona. His inspiration for the Picketpost Hike came from Charles Liu’s second edition guide, “60 Hikes within 60 Miles, Phoenix.”