Entry No. 38 — the Phoenix file — filed under: night hike

Critter Crawl Night Tour, Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Once the gift shop closes and the crowds leave, docents lead small flashlight-equipped groups out into the arboretum's desert trails to find the nocturnal Sonoran Desert — the scorpions, kangaroo rats, and owls that never show themselves during the day.

The move: Register ahead for one of the dated evening sessions (capped at 24 people), bring headlamps and water, and spend 90 minutes walking under a much darker sky than Phoenix ever offers, hunting for eyeshine and desert nightlife with a naturalist.

• 📍 Superior, AZ
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173

Hours: Added 2026-07-19 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Official site · Wikipedia

last checked: 2026-07-19