Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Vail Travel Guide

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Explore the world's highest botanical garden in Vail, Colorado, with stunning alpine flora and breathtaking mountain views.

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Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Discover the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in North America, nestled in Vail, Colorado. Explore diverse alpine flora from around the world, serene walking trails, and stunning mountain views. A peaceful escape for nature lovers of all ages, the gardens offer a unique opportunity to learn about high-altitude plant life and conservation in a breathtaking setting.

A brief summary to Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

522 S Frontage Rd E, Vail, Colorado, 81657, US
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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
Sunday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.

Visit during late spring to early fall to see the flowers in full bloom.
Take the free Vail bus to the Golden Peak bus stop for convenient access to the gardens.
Check the Town of Vail Event Parking schedule for events in Ford Park that may affect parking fees.
Wear sturdy shoes as the garden pathways are natural and may be uneven.
Bring hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water, as shade is limited.

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Explore Betty Ford Alpine Gardens on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Vail Village, walk east along South Frontage Road to Ford Park, just east of The Wren condominiums, or take the path alongside Gore Creek to Ford Park (Betty Ford Way). The gardens are approximately a 10-minute walk from Vail Village. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

Take the free in-town bus to the Golden Peak bus stop. 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. There is no cost for the in-town bus.
Parking

Parking is available at the Vail Village Parking Structure (Exit 176, head east on South Frontage Road) for $2/hour, with the first hour free and free after 3 PM. The gardens are a 7-10 minute walk east of the parking structure in Ford Park. Another option is the Ford Park Parking Lot, half a mile east of the Vail Village parking structure, with a rate of $2/hour and the first hour free. During summer events in Ford Park, a $20 parking fee may be enforced.

Discover more about Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, situated at 8,200 feet in the heart of Vail, Colorado, offer a unique and breathtaking experience. Founded in 1985 by Vail and Denver horticulturists, the gardens were named in honor of former First Lady Betty Ford in 1988. The gardens showcase a diverse collection of alpine and mountain plants from around the world, with over 2,000 varieties, including more than 500 different types of wildflowers.The gardens feature several distinct sections, including the Alpine Rock Garden with its impressive 120-foot waterfall, the Mountain Perennial Garden, the Mountain Meditation Garden, the Silk Road Garden, and the Children's Garden. Visitors can explore beautifully designed rock gardens, serene walking paths, and educational exhibits. The Alpine Education Center offers interactive displays and information about alpine conservation.The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are open year-round, providing a tranquil environment for relaxation and meditation. The gardens' mission is to protect the alpine environment through education, conservation, and living plant collections. The site hosts various events and activities throughout the year, including guided tours, workshops, yoga sessions, and plant sales.