Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: A Rocky Mountain Oasis
Explore the world's highest botanical garden in Vail, Colorado, with stunning alpine plant collections and educational programs. Open year-round, free admission.
Discover the beauty of the world's highest botanical garden at 8,200 feet in Vail, Colorado. The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens showcase a stunning collection of high-altitude plants from around the globe, nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Open year-round and free to the public, the gardens offer a tranquil escape and a chance to learn about alpine ecosystems.
A brief summary to Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
- 522 S Frontage Rd E, Vail, Colorado, 81657, US
- +1970-476-0103
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the summer months (mid-June through August) to see the gardens in full bloom.
- Check the gardens' event calendar for guided tours, workshops, and other special programs.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, as shade is limited and the altitude can be challenging.
- Wear sturdy shoes, as some of the garden pathways are uneven.
- Consider taking the free Vail bus to avoid parking fees and easily access the gardens.
Getting There
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Walking
From Vail Village, head east along South Frontage Road or take the scenic path alongside Gore Creek (Betty Ford Way). The walk is approximately 10 minutes to Ford Park, where the gardens are located, just east of The Wren condominiums. No costs are associated with walking.
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Public Transport
Take the free in-town Vail bus to the Golden Peak bus stop. From there, walk across the street through the Manor Vail Lodge breezeway into Ford Park. The Education Center will be to your left. Alternatively, take the Orange, Blue, or Yellow routes to the Ford Park bus stop and follow the path past the tennis courts and along the athletic fields to the Education Center. Bus service is free within Vail.
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Parking
If driving, park at the Vail Village Parking Structure (Exit 176, head east on South Frontage Road) or the Ford Park Parking Lot. The Vail Village Parking Structure costs $2 per hour, with the first hour free and free after 3 PM. The Ford Park Parking Lot also costs $2 per hour, with the first hour free, but may have a $20 fee during events in Ford Park. From either parking location, follow the walking paths to the gardens.
Discover more about Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
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