Skip to main content
Header image
POINT OF INTEREST

Red Butte Garden

300 S Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, Utah

A natural oasis set on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, Red Butte Garden blankets the foothills in blossoms, plant displays, and hiking trails. The 100-acre (40-hectare) garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West, and it is best known for its magnificent spring bulb blooms and educational water-conservation garden.

Adjacent to the University of Utah, the Red Butte Garden is as focused on education as it is on natural beauty. You can explore on your own and learn from the plaques throughout the garden, or hop on a tram tour or guided walk. If you have time for a deeper dive, consider attending classes such as pruning and water-wise gardening. The garden also hosts kid-focused workshops, summer camps, and a popular summer concert series.

  • You can pay a one-time entrance fee or get an annual pass that also offers entrance into reciprocal gardens across the nation.
  • No reservations are needed for free tram tours, but for a private walking tour you must make reservations 10 days in advance.
  • The gardens are wheelchair accessible and the first-come, first-serve tram tours give priority to people with limited mobility.xa0
  • Snapshot photography is welcome but photographers must make prior arrangements for professional photoshoots.

The gardens are easiest to reach by car—from downtown Salt Lake City take University Boulevard to Wakara Way. You can also take a bus or university shuttle to the University of Utah campus and walk to the garden from there.

The gardens are open all year round (half-price admission December, January, and February) and the flower gardens are at their most impressive in the spring. The summertime concerts are also one of the park’s top attractions—check the online schedule for event details.

Pack a blanket, get ready to dance in the grass, and head to Red Butte Garden’s scenic outdoor amphitheater. Hosting a series of shows throughout the summer, the park welcomes music lovers to bring a picnic, drinks (there is a concession stand at the venue but if you want alcoholic beverages bring your own), and sun (or rain) protection depending on the weather.

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP