Red Butte Garden is the state's botanical garden, a hillside refuge at the foot of the Wasatch Range where manicured display gardens give way to wild trails and oak and maple woodland. It covers roughly 100 acres in total, of which about 21 are cultivated gardens, and the plantings are chosen to thrive in a high-desert climate: waterwise perennials, native wildflowers, herb gardens, rose beds, rock gardens and shaded woodland walks. The setting, with the university and the valley below and the mountains rising behind, is worth the trip on its own, and the garden changes character with every month. Spring brings tulips and flowering trees; summer brings roses, lavender and dense perennial borders; fall paints the maples and oaks of the hillside in red and gold; and winter is quiet and contemplative. The garden also offers a children's garden with climbing and water play, an amphitheater lawn, a visitor center with a cafe, and a network of trails that connect to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. It is the sort of place that suits a slow afternoon, a picnic, or a walk after the intensity of a morning in the museums.
The summer concert series has made the garden a local institution. Throughout the warm months, its natural amphitheater hosts touring musicians, with audiences on the sloping lawn with picnics, blankets and wine, watching the sun set over the valley. Shows often sell out well in advance, so check the schedule early if you are planning a trip around a particular performer. Even without a concert, the evening atmosphere on the hill is lovely, and visitors can combine a garden stroll with the early part of the evening.
For plant lovers, the garden's focus on Intermountain West flora is the most valuable part. Large collections of native and drought-tolerant plants show how to garden beautifully in a dry climate, and signage explains each group. The Rock Garden, the Water Pavilion and the herb and rose gardens each have a distinct feel, and the educational programs, workshops and plant sales through the year are well regarded.
The garden is part of the university and has long-term research programs on rare plants and local ecosystems, so there is more science behind the beauty than first appears.
Practical sense
The garden sits on a hill, so expect some climbing and bring water, a hat and walking shoes. Weekday mornings are quietest. Admission is by ticket, with higher prices on concert nights, and the garden is typically closed on some winter days, so check the calendar. Dogs are generally not permitted in the display areas, so leave pets at home. Parking is on site, and the garden is close to the Natural History Museum and Hogle Zoo, making it simple to string together a day on the east bench.
For couples, a late-afternoon visit followed by a concert or a dinner downtown is one of the most pleasant evenings in the valley, and for families the children's garden is the highlight. Photographers should come on a clear morning when the light rakes across the terraces and the city is sharp below, and anyone with a particular interest in plants can ask at the visitor center about guided walks, seasonal workshops and the plant sales that bring gardeners from across the region.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk through terraced display gardens, native plant trails and woodland on the foothills, with summer concerts on an outdoor lawn.
Best time
Late spring through early fall for bloom; October for fall color; summer evenings for concerts.
How long
Roughly one and a half to two and a half hours.
Tips
Bring water and a hat, check the concert calendar early, and leave dogs at home.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Garden lovers, picnickers and music fans.
- Families
- The children's garden and shaded paths make it easy and pleasant for young kids.
- Couples
- A sunset concert on the lawn is a classic Salt Lake date.
- Pair with
- The Natural History Museum, Hogle Zoo, or an evening at the Delta Center.
- Time needed
- A couple of hours.
Good questions
How big is the garden?+
Roughly 100 acres in total, with about 21 acres of cultivated gardens and the rest as natural hillside and trails.
Are concerts held here?+
Yes, a popular outdoor concert series runs through the warm months in the garden's amphitheater. Shows often sell out, so buy tickets early.
When is the best time to visit?+
Late spring for tulips and blossoms, summer for roses and concerts, and October for fall color.
Can I bring a picnic?+
Picnics are welcome on the concert lawn and in designated areas. Check current rules before you go.
Is it good for kids?+
Yes, particularly the children's garden, though the hillside includes some steady climbing.