Boyce Thompson Arboretum (March, 2021)

Approximately 20 miles east of Mesa (east side of Phoenix) on highway 60 is the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.  The arboretum has been there since the 1920's and covers more than 340 acres! Current admission is $15/person, or $60 for an annual pass for 2 people, and includes 2 guest passes.  Most of the park has well groomed paths, with a few areas of hiking trails.  There is also a picnic area with shaded tables if you bring your own lunch. This is the perfect place to get away from people, and get back to nature. 

I have never seen a hummingbird with a red beak like this one.  We looked it up, and it appears to be a broad beak hummingbird.

Pinecone cactus.

This is a map of the arboretum.  Today we hiked around Magma Ridge, and took the High Trail back.  We still have a lot of exploring to do and are looking forward to going back.