Travel Guides

Visiting Red Butte Garden Salt Lake City: A Must-See Attraction

by Katelynn Kellogg

The Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City combines beauty, peace, incredible views, and just a touch of magic. I visited in June 2025 and was completely blown away. It is one of the most stunning attractions in the city.

From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with vibrant blooms, shaded walking paths, and scenic spots that make you want to pause and take it all in. One of my favorite things about Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City is how many little nooks there are to sit down and enjoy the flowers. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or a picturesque backdrop for photos, this garden delivers.

One of Salt Lake City's Most popular attractions - Red Butte Gardens. Image is of the front of the building with incredible landscaping.

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A Little History: How Red Butte Garden Got Its Name

Red Butte Garden takes its name from the nearby Red Butte Creek, a mountain stream that flows through the foothills of the Wasatch Range. The creek’s surrounding sandstone gives off a distinct red hue, which inspired the “Red Butte” name. The garden is operated by the University of Utah and has grown into one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West, dedicated to conservation, education, and the appreciation of plants from around the world. More than 250,000 guests visit the Garden each year!

The Rose Garden

I’ve seen quite a few rose gardens in my travels, but this one was on another level. The sheer size of it was incredible. The colors, variety, and fragrance made it feel like walking through a dream. The rose garden alone makes Red Butte Garden Salt Lake City worth a visit. It’s especially beautiful in June when the roses are in full bloom. There is a cute little balcony space in the rose garden to sit with a friend and have coffee where it smells incredible and the views are unbeatable.

A Garden for All Ages

While Red Butte Garden Salt Lake City is absolutely breathtaking for adults, it’s also designed to delight kids. The Children’s Garden is such a thoughtful and fun space. It’s filled with interactive areas where kids can learn, explore, and play. From hands-on exhibits to whimsical sculptures, it makes visiting with little ones a memorable experience. I, as an adult, loved the children’s garden! There were little hobbit homes, a spash pad with water coming out of snake hoses, a even a little mini maze. I felt like Alice in Wonderland.

Red Butte Garden's Children's Garden

Don’t Miss the Views

Beyond the flowers, one of the biggest surprises for me was the view. Perched against the foothills, Red Butte Garden Salt Lake City overlooks the Salt Lake Valley, and the scenery is just as impressive as the gardens themselves. I didn’t realize the climb on the drive up to the garden, but I can’t help but feel on top of the city from here.

while walking down a dirt path, you can see the blue sky up ahead and the entire city skyline above the trees and garden flowers.

Fun Fact: The Natural History Museum of Utah also provides incredible views of the city from its balcony!

Events at Red Butte Garden

If you plan your visit right, you can experience one of the garden’s many events. Red Butte Garden hosts outdoor concerts during the summer, featuring national and local artists in a unique amphitheater setting. It’s a favorite among locals—imagine listening to live music while surrounded by mountains and gardens. While I was visiting, a wedding reception was being hosted in the main building, complete with its own private terrace that provided incredible photo backdrops.

White Flowers heading into the pavilion area at Red Butte Garden Salt Lake City

How to Get There

Red Butte Garden Salt Lake City is located on the east side of Salt Lake City, right next to the University of Utah campus.

  • Address: 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
  • Driving: From downtown Salt Lake City, it’s about a 10–15 minute drive. Google provided excellent directions, and I had great service all the way to the museum.
  • Parking: Free parking is available in designated lots at the garden.
  • Public Transit: You can also reach it by taking TRAX light rail to the University of Utah Stadium Station, then catching a quick bus or rideshare up to the garden.

Entrance Fees

Admission prices are very reasonable for the size and quality of the gardens. As of June 2025, prices are:

  • Adults: $16
  • Seniors (65+): $14
  • Children (ages 3–17): $8
  • University of Utah students, faculty, and staff: Free with valid ID

Memberships are also available if you plan to visit multiple times, which include free admission year-round and discounts on events and programs. Visit the Red Butte Gardens Admission page for the most up-to-date admission prices.

Fun fact: Admission to the garden is for an entire day and you’re allowed to leave and come back as much as you’d like! This is great for those hot summer days if you want to do some exploring in the morning and again in the evening.

Relaxing bench by the pond at Red Butte Garden. There's a small waterfall at the end of the pond that creates a relaxing sound while you sit.

Quick Tips for Visiting Red Butte Garden Salt Lake City

🌸 Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall is peak bloom season. June is perfect for roses, while autumn brings vibrant fall colors.

☀️ What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle—the garden is large, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

📸 Photography: Don’t forget your camera or phone—this garden is one of the most photogenic spots in Salt Lake City. If you’re traveling solo, a good tripod would help!

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly: Plan extra time if you’re visiting with kids—the Children’s Garden is designed for hands-on learning and play.

♿ Accessibility: Most main paths are paved and accessible throughout the park. Some side trails are not accessible due to the terrain and slope/grade of the hike.

🕒 How Long to Stay: Plan to spend 2–4 hours if you want to see most of the garden at a leisurely pace.

One of the larger bridges in the Red Butte Gardens walks you over multiple trees, plants, and flowers to gain an aerial view.

Plan Your Visit to Red Butte Garden Salt Lake City

Red Butte Garden Salt Lake City is massive. You could easily spend half a day wandering through the different themed gardens, sitting at quiet viewpoints, and exploring all the trails. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when most plants are in bloom, but even in winter, the garden has a unique beauty with snowy mountain views.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing place to spend time, it’s a must-visit. For me, Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City is one of the best attractions in Salt Lake City. It’s not just a place to look at flowers—it’s an experience that combines beauty, serenity, and connection to nature. If you’re planning a trip to SLC, make sure this botanical garden is on your itinerary.