Red Butte Garden and Arboretum
4.8(3.7K)google
4.3(178)yelp
Exotic PlantsHikingPhoto SpotSlow-Paced
Overview
Spanning over 100 spectacular acres in the foothills of the Wasatch Range, this massive botanical preserve operated by the University of Utah is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West. The garden features beautifully manicured themed displays including a romantic rose garden, a peaceful fragrance garden, and miles of rugged hiking trails, hosting a world-famous outdoor summer amphitheater concert series.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sat7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeLate spring (mid-April to May) captures spectacular peak daffodil and cherry blossoms, while summer hosts legendary outdoor amphitheater starlit lawn concerts. Wander the 100-acre mountain-bench estate between 4:00 PM and sunset; low evening sun filters beautifully through the oak canopies onto the formal Rose Garden, projecting a gold wash over sweeping bird's-eye views of the Great Salt Lake below.
Getting TherePerched atop the highest mountain bench east of Salt Lake City at 300 Wakara Way, directly behind the Natural History Museum. Car transit is mandatory: take 400 South east from downtown straight uphill into the University of Utah medical campus hub, and proceed north on Wakara Way to its absolute mountain dead end. Features an expansive, free paved asphalt visitor lot right outside the gates.
Travel Tips
- Summer Concert Series Early Park Clearances: From May to September, select botanical lawns host high-profile live concerts. General admission guests without specialty concert wristbands are cleared out by 4 PM on event days; cross-reference concert tracking charts before visiting.
- Strict Native Flower-Picking & Total Domestic Pet Bans: Operating as a university research preserve, picking specimens or handling flora is illegal. Additionally, domestic pets are 100% prohibited across all garden properties (certified service animals excluded).
- Mountain Slope Elevation Strenuous Terrain Advisory: Spanning hilly mountainside acreage, the outer trails present continuous steep ascents and uneven dirt switchbacks. Guard against physical overexertion and wear hard-traction hiking footwear past the lower paved plazas.
Reviews
Positive
- Affiliated with the University of Utah, the terraced gardens built on hills burst into vibrant color, 100% living up to its name during peak spring tulip blooms.
- The long wild hiking trails and paved paths are smooth with good accessibility, and public facilities like restrooms and benches are kept spotlessly clean.
- It frequently hosts world-class outdoor concerts on its amphitheater lawn, managed under highly professional safety protocols with an elegant vibe.
- The admission price is very fair, providing detailed multilingual tour leaflets and offering full value for independent travelers seeking peace.
Heads up
- Because the garden features rolling terrain and steep sloped paths, walking and climbing can be quite strenuous and draining for the elderly.
- During late summer and winter dormant periods, most core flowers are not in bloom, making the outdoor scenery look dull and resembling a photo trap.
- When popular summer night concerts happen, surrounding parking spaces become non-existent, and daytime visitor routes are strictly limited and cut off.
- The inner grounds severely lack permanent dining or cafes, forcing visitors into city streets if they wish to purchase a coffee or refreshment.