As one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West, Red Butte spans 100 acres of themed gardens, desert plants, mountain views, and miles of walking paths. It was also the first garden we’ve visited outside our usual Midwest/Southeast bubble, so it felt extra fun to explore a totally different landscape. From whimsical touches in the Children’s Garden to the gorgeous Water Conservation Garden filled with high-desert plants, there was so much to see. If you’re planning a trip to Salt Lake City, this is absolutely a spot worth adding to your itinerary- just come ready for plenty of sunshine and lots of walking.
About Red Butte Gardens
Address: 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Website: https://redbuttegarden.org/
Red Butte Garden is one of the largest, and most impressive, botanical gardens in the Intermountain West. Operated by the University of Utah, it’s a hub for conservation, research, and year-round beauty.
Red Butte Garden spans 100 acres and features more than 3,000 species of plants and trees, all showcased in themed gardens, natural areas, and miles of scenic walking paths. The setting is stunning: tucked right into the foothills above Salt Lake City, with views stretching across the valley and up toward the mountains.
It’s also one of Utah’s most-visited attractions. Each year, over 250,000 visitors from around the world come to explore the garden, attend concerts, hike the foothill trails, and experience the diversity of the region’s plant life.
Our Experience at Red Butte Garden
We were able to visit Red Butte Garden for free thanks to our AHS reciprocal membership, which is always a nice perk when we’re exploring new cities. This was actually the first botanical garden we’ve visited outside our usual Midwest/Southeast bubble, so it was fun to see how different the landscape and plant life are out here in Utah.
One of my favorite parts was the Children’s Garden. I always love these areas because they’re usually full of whimsy and hands-on fun, and this one delivered. There were cute features like a giant snake arbor you walk through and lots of playful touches that made it feel magical.
We also really loved the Water Conservation Garden. The high desert plants are so different from what we’re used to back home, and it was cool to see how they design such a big, beautiful space around drought-tolerant landscaping.
A wedding was happening in the Orangerie and part of the Rose Garden during our visit, so we couldn’t see everything. Missing out on most of the Rose Garden was a big bummer, I always like wandering through those.
Overall, we really enjoyed our visit and definitely recommend adding Red Butte Garden to your Salt Lake City itinerary. Just be prepared for a lot of walking in the sun- this place is big, and there’s not a ton of shade in some sections.
Before we left, we also checked out the art exhibit upstairs in the Visitor Center, which was a fun little bonus and made the visit feel even more well-rounded.
Garden Highlights at Red Butte
One of the best parts of visiting Red Butte Garden is wandering through its beautifully designed themed gardens. Each one has its own personality, purpose, and plant collections, making it easy to spend hours exploring all the different areas. Here are some of the standouts you’ll experience during a visit:
Dumke Floral Walk
This picturesque pathway is divided into several distinct sections- woodland, arbors, cottage garden, and more- so each turn feels like stepping into a new landscape. It’s one of the most photogenic parts of the garden and a perfect introduction to the variety Red Butte offers.
Hemingway Four Seasons Garden
Designed to look beautiful year-round, this garden focuses on plants that offer visual interest through all four seasons. Whether it’s vibrant summer blooms, colorful fall foliage, or sculptural winter branches, this area is always worth a slow stroll.
Dr. Ezekiel & Edna Dumke Medicinal Garden
This fascinating garden features plants with medicinal properties used by cultures around the world throughout history. It’s both beautiful and educational, with interpretive signage that explains how different species have been used in traditional remedies.
Burton Fragrance Garden
Filled with aromatic herbs and perennials, this is the spot to literally stop and smell the flowers. The scents change with the season, so every visit can bring something new.
Ruth P. Eccles Herb Garden
This garden highlights herbs used to flavor foods and beverages. If you love cooking or gardening at home, you’ll probably recognize some favorites, and discover a few new ones to add to your own herb garden wish list.
Sarah J. McCarthy & Family Rose Garden
Created with the goal of bringing back the romance of traditional rose gardens, this area bursts with color and scent when the roses are in bloom. It’s especially stunning in late spring and early summer.
Water Conservation Garden
One of the newest and largest additions to Red Butte, this three-acre garden showcases drought-tolerant and water-wise plants- something especially relevant in Utah’s climate. The area is made up of smaller themed sections like Desert Harvest and Adaptive Beauty, each showing how sustainable landscaping can still be lush and beautiful.
More Garden Areas to Explore
Other themed spaces throughout Red Butte include the Children’s Garden, Canyon Meadow, Water Pavilion Garden, and the Six Bridges Trail, each contributing to the garden’s diversity and charm.
Events at Red Butte Garden
most famous is their Summer Outdoor Concert Series, which brings a variety of artists to a stunning open-air amphitheater tucked into the foothills. But there’s plenty happening beyond summer, too.
Throughout the year, the garden hosts educational programs, workshops, and guided experiences. Seasonal shows, such as the Orchid Show, Bonsai Show, and the popular Spring Annual Plant Sale, draw plant lovers from around the region. You’ll also find rotating art exhibits, nature-themed activities, and festive fall events like Garden After Dark.
No matter when you visit, there’s usually something special happening at Red Butte.
Tips for Visiting Red Butte Garden
Red Butte Garden is beautiful in every season, but your experience can vary a lot depending on when you go.
In spring, the garden explodes with bulbs and fresh color- this is one of the most popular (and most photogenic) times to visit. Summer brings lush gardens and warm weather, plus the outdoor concert series. Fall is all about vibrant foliage and cooler hiking temps. Winter is quiet but still lovely, especially in the Four Seasons Garden where structure and texture shine.
Because the garden sits right at the base of the mountains, weather can change quickly. Dress for the conditions, especially the sun- parts of the garden offer very little shade. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if you plan to explore the natural area or the Six Bridges Trail.
For families, there are stroller-friendly paths throughout most of the garden, and the Children’s Garden has hands-on activities and playful nooks that keep kids engaged while adults get to enjoy the scenery.
Photography Tips & Policies
Red Butte is a dream for photographers, but it’s also important to follow the rules:
Formal Photography (Permit Required)
Permits are required for professional or posed sessions, including engagement shoots, family photos, wedding portraits, senior photos, or anything with props or extended setup.
- Fees range $100–$375 per hour depending on the type of session.
Casual Photography (No Permit Needed)
- Photos taken with cell phones or simple handheld cameras
- No tripods, lighting, props, or photographers directing poses
- Brief photos only (a minute or two in one spot)
- Anything beyond this is considered a formal session and requires a permit.
Garden Policies
A few rules to know before visiting:
- No smoking anywhere on the grounds
- Only service animals are allowed
- Red Butte is considered a museum, not a park, so picnicking is more limited than at city parks
Picnic Guidelines
You can picnic here, but with some structure.
Small Groups (1–14 people):
Picnicking is allowed if space is available in the following areas:
- Tables: Courtyard, Wayside Rests, Water Conservation Garden
- Lawns: Water Pavilion Lawn, Rose Garden Lawn, Amphitheatre Lawn
- No cooking is allowed, and garbage cans are limited, so plan to pack out what you bring in.
Large Groups (15+ people):
- Reservations are required and may involve additional fees.
Ticket Info & Planning Your Visit
Hours
Red Butte Garden is open 7 days a week, with hours that shift seasonally:
- January–February: 10am–5pm
- March: 9am–5pm
- April: 9am–7:30pm
- May–August: 9am–9pm
- Thursdays open early at 7am
- September: 9am–7:30pm
- October–December: 9am–5pm
Admission Prices
- Adults: $16
- Seniors (65+): $14
- Military: $14
- Children (3–17): $8
- Native American Nation Members: Free
- University of Utah students, staff & faculty: Free with ID
- Half-price admission: December–February
Free & Reduced Admission Programs
- Museums for All: Free admission for EBT/WIC/SNAP cardholders with card + ID
- CASA Caregivers: Free with badge
- Personal Care Assistants: Free admission when accompanying a guest with a disability or medical need
Parking
- Free parking is available directly in front of the Visitor Center.
Accessibility at Red Butte Gardens
Most primary areas of the garden are wheelchair and stroller accessible, including:
- Main garden paths
- Visitor Center
- Sprout House
- Rose House
- Orangerie
- Amphitheatre
Some older garden sections may be more challenging due to slope:
- Four Seasons Garden
- Wayside paths
Newer areas, especially the Water Conservation Garden, meet current ADA standards.
- 4 complimentary wheelchairs available first-come, first-served (ask at front desk)
- Summer months sometimes offer wheelchair-accessible tram tours
- Only service animals are permitted
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