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Utah · Est. 1985
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum
To connect people with plants and the beauty of living landscapes.
Founded
1985
Size
100 acres
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zone 7a
Best Season
April through October
About Red Butte Garden and Arboretum
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum is one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West, a regional center for plant-focused science education, conservation and research, and cultural enrichment. The Garden cultivates an essential urban forestland of about 2,000 trees in 456 different taxa. Community-funded, the Garden is renowned for its diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and spectacular mountain setting.
History & Heritage
In 1930, Dr. Walter P. Cottam began using campus land for plant research. In 1961, the Utah State Legislature formally recognized Cottam's impressive collection by designating the university's campus landscape as the State Arboretum. The garden formally opened to the public in 1985. In 1994, the Walter P. Cottam Visitor Center opened.
Signature Feature
Oak Tunnel
Native gambel oak trees grew up and around both sides of one of the rail systems, creating one of the Garden's most iconic views, our picturesque Oak Tunnel. The area eventually became the property of the U.S. Army and the primary watershed for nearby Fort Douglas army post.
Photo Gallery
A person walking through a lush, green botanical garden.
Sign for botanical garden with cyclists on road.
People walk up stairs in a lush green botanical garden.
Notable Collections
Arboretum Collection
Red Butte Garden is home to more than 1,900 trees that can be found in every themed garden as well as all throughout the Natural Area.
Artemisia Collection
Members of this collection can be found throughout the Garden, including two species of native Artemisia in the Natural Area.
Eriogonum Collection
Members of this collection can be found in the Water Conservation Garden and Natural Area.
Ethnobotanical Collection
Emphasizes medicinal plants, plants for food and beverages, and those with cultural importance and noteworthy local stories.
Plan Before You Go
Hours, Parking & Accessibility
Hours & Seasonal Timing
May-August 9am-9pm, September 9am-7:30pm, October-December 9am-5pm, January-February 10am-5pm, March 9am-5pm, April 9am-7:30pm
Best seasonal window: April through October
Parking & Arrival
Parking is free but limited. A parking map is available online.
Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.
Accessibility
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum buildings, Amphitheatre, and some of our other outdoor areas are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
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
- 2022 Merit Award by the Utah Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
- Arboretum Level II Accreditation by ArbNet
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 through October
Address
300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Phone
(801) 585-0556
Hours
May-August 9am-9pm, September 9am-7:30pm, October-December 9am-5pm, January-February 10am-5pm, March 9am-5pm, April 9am-7:30pm
Admission
General Admission (Ages 18-64): $18, Discounted Admission: $15, Youth (3-17): $10, Children (2 and under): Free
Parking
Parking is free but limited. A parking map is available online.
Accessibility
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum buildings, Amphitheatre, and some of our other outdoor areas are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Insider Tips
- 1Check the forecast before visiting
- 2Enjoy half-price admission December-February
- 3On dates that concerts are scheduled, the Garden will close at 5 pm
- 4Buy concert tickets in person at the Visitor Center to skip ticketing fees
Nearby Attractions
- Temple Square (4.5 miles)
- The Leonardo (4.0 miles)
- Natural History Museum of Utah (0.5 miles)
Stays near Red Butte Garden and Arboretum
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