Informational content only — always verify hours and admission with each garden before visiting.
Santa Fe Botanical Garden — Kearny's Gap Bridge

New Mexico · Est. 1987

Santa Fe Botanical Garden

A beautiful garden celebrating the rich botanical heritage and biodiversity of the region.

Founded

1987

Size

20 acres

Hardiness Zone

USDA Zone 6b

Best Season

April to May and September to November

About Santa Fe Botanical Garden

The Santa Fe Botanical Garden is located at Museum Hill, southeast of historic downtown, nestled in a piñon-juniper woodland landscape. It features native and adapted plants that are better able to withstand climate extremes.

History & Heritage

The Santa Fe Botanical Garden was founded in 1987 by a small group of gardeners, botanists, and environmentally oriented citizens. In December 2006, land was acquired on a long-term lease from the City of Santa Fe at Museum Hill. The garden at Museum Hill officially opened in 2013.

Signature Feature

Kearny's Gap Bridge

A focal point in the garden is the beloved red bridge, also known as Kearny's Gap Bridge. Built in 1913 for San Miguel County, it originally stood near Las Vegas, NM, before being relocated to the garden.

Photo Gallery

Native plants in the garden

Native plants in the garden

Beautiful landscapes at Museum Hill

Beautiful landscapes at Museum Hill

Desert flora and succulents

Desert flora and succulents

Notable Collections

Orchard Gardens

Features an orchard, perennial borders, roses, lavender, meadow, and xeric garden.

Ojos y Manos: Eyes and Hands

An ethnobotanical garden exploring the relationship between people and plants.

Piñon-Juniper Woodland

A native woodland section adding 3.25 acres to the visitor experience.

Xeric Garden

Showcases dry plants that rely solely on rainwater.

Plan Before You Go

Hours, Parking & Accessibility

Hours & Seasonal Timing

March-October: Daily 9am-5pm; November-February: Wed-Sun 10am-4pm

Best seasonal window: April to May and September to November

Parking & Arrival

Parking is available at Museum Hill.

Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.

Accessibility

The majority of the pathways are wheelchair accessible, with a quarter of the Piñon-Juniper Woodland trail being ADA compliant.

Contact the garden before visiting to discuss route conditions, mobility equipment, or support needs.

Visitor details are reviewed from the garden's public information and were last checked May 2026. Policies, prices, and route conditions can change; confirm final arrangements directly with the garden.

Recognition & Awards

  • Best Nonprofit for the Environment (The Reporter's Best of Santa Fe)
  • Trails+ Grant Recipient

Editorial Standards

This profile was prepared by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial research desk using official garden pages and other named sources where available. Hours, admission, and access details can change; confirm them with the garden before a special trip. This profile was last reviewed May 2026. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.

Plan Your Visit

April to May and September to November

Address

715 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505

Phone

(505) 471-9103

Hours

March-October: Daily 9am-5pm; November-February: Wed-Sun 10am-4pm

Admission

Adults: $16, Youth (4-17): $8, Child (0-3): Free

Parking

Parking is available at Museum Hill.

Accessibility

The majority of the pathways are wheelchair accessible, with a quarter of the Piñon-Juniper Woodland trail being ADA compliant.

Insider Tips

  • 1Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect your skin.
  • 2Stay on designated pathways to protect fragile plants.
  • 3Picnics are allowed, but no glass containers.
  • 4Check the event calendar for Community Days with free admission.

Nearby Attractions

  • Museum of International Folk Art (0.1 miles)
  • Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (0.1 miles)
  • Santa Fe Plaza (2.5 miles)
All New Mexico Gardens