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Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

Walter P. Cottam Visitor Center
300 Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Front desk: 801-585-0556
Email address: information@redbutte.utah.edu

Driving Directions

Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre
2188 Red Butte Canyon Rd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Parking map for concerts

Please visit our Virtual Resources webpage for online classes, gardening tips, and nature-based activities that can be done at home.

Open seven days a week unless otherwise noted. Garden hours change seasonally.

*On dates that concerts are scheduled, the Garden will close at 5 pm.

• January-February 10am-5pm
• March 9am-5pm
• April 9am-7:30pm
• May-August 9am-9pm*
  • Thursdays, May-Aug 7am-9pm*
• September 9am-7:30pm*
• October-December 9am-5pm

The Garden is closed on Thanksgiving Day and December 24-January 1.

Daily Admission

• Adults (age 18-64) $16
• Seniors (age 65+) $14
• Military (personnel with ID) $14
• Children (age 3-17) $8
• Children (age 2 and under) Free
• Garden members Free
• U of U faculty, staff, & students with valid UCard Free
• Native American Nation members Free

Six free admission days thanks to Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks.
Free admission on Veterans Day for military personnel with valid photo ID.

Seasonal Specials

• Half-price admission in December, January, and February.
• Group Sales: Special rates for groups of 15 or more.
  • Reservation form available here

Ticketed events are NOT included with daily admission or discounted admission. Rates, inclusions, and benefits are subject to change without notice.

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum acknowledges that this land, which is named for the Ute Tribe, is the traditional and ancestral homeland of the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute Tribes. The University of Utah recognizes and respects the enduring relationship that exists between many Indigenous peoples and their traditional homelands.

Community Free Admission Programs

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum partners with community organizations to make the Garden accessible to as many people as possible. We’re grateful to the Kahlert Foundation for its generous support.

• Museums for All | EBT/WIC/SNAP cardholders Free (valid up to 4 guests)
  • Please present your EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) card and valid photo ID.
• CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) caregivers Free (valid up to 6 guests)
  • CASA caregivers must present a Utah State Courts CASA badge.

The Garden also partners with Sharetix, a Utah nonprofit organization that provides tickets to museums, sporting events, theaters, and concerts for at-risk community groups for free. To request free tickets for your organization, please contact Sharetix directly at rebecca@sharetix.org

PERMIT REQUIRED

Formal photography sessions require reservations and the purchase of a photography permit. There are two types of permits available: one for portrait photography and one for wedding photography. These permits help us manage the number of events and photography sessions in the garden, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Examples: Engagement sessions, family portraits, special occasion photography, or other planned photo sessions. Bridal portraits, wedding day photography, or any sessions where participants are in wedding attire.

Groups of 15 or more require a reservation for a private photo session.

Cost & Reservations: Fees range from $100-$375 per hour. To confirm a permit or a reservation please call 801-585-9563 or email rentals@redbutte.utah.edu.

NO PERMIT REQUIRED

Guests are welcome to take personal photos during their visit without a permit, provided all the following conditions apply:

• Photographer: There is no designated photographer conducting a planned photo session. Photos are taken spontaneously by guests during their visit to the Garden.
• Equipment: Photos are taken using cell phones or similar handheld devices. No additional equipment, such as tripods, reflectors, or props, is involved.
• Duration: The photography is brief and spontaneous, typically lasting only a minute or two at each location, without spending extended time in any one area.

Examples: Selfies and casual snapshots taken while strolling through the garden.

Visit our Photo Policy page for more information.

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum buildings, Amphitheatre, and some of our other outdoor areas are wheelchair accessible. Please visit our Accessibility webpage, call the Visitor Center at 801-585-0556 or email information@redbutte.utah.edu for more information.

In compliance with the Utah Clean Air Act and to preserve and protect our collections, Red Butte Garden and Arboretum is a non-smoking facility. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas. Thank you for your cooperation.

Due to limited space and facilities, Red Butte Garden and Arboretum requests that guests adhere to our rules and policies when planning a picnic in the Garden. Please review our full Picnic Policy.

Only service animals are allowed inside Red Butte Garden and Arboretum or the Amphitheatre. Please do not leave any animals in the parking lot or in your car.

For adult classes, summer camps, and kid's classes. Please review our full Refund Policy.

Independent programming by outside individuals or organizations (both for and non-profit) is not permitted at the Garden. This includes, but is not limited to: classes, tours, lectures, guided wellness groups, and youth programs.  Please review our full Outside Educator Policy.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss partnering and teaching opportunities, contact Education@redbutte.utah.edu to discuss.

UTA (TRAX or Bus) & University of Utah Campus Shuttle
Weekdays Only

• Take TRAX to either:
  • University South Campus Station, or
  • University Medical Center Station
• Several UTA bus routes also stop near these TRAX stations.
• At either station, transfer to the combined UTA bus/Campus Shuttle stop.
• Board the free Campus Shuttle – Sunnyside Route.
• The shuttle travels in one direction only. Be sure to wait on the correct side of the street. Use the Live Shuttle Tracker to confirm your stop and direction of travel.
• Get off at the Natural History Museum/Red Butte Garden stop, located between the Natural History Museum and the Garden entrance.

UTA (TRAX or Bus) & Walking
Evenings, Weekends, Holidays, and Academic Breaks

If the Campus Shuttle isn’t running, you can walk from nearby transit stops:

• Closest UTA bus stops:
  • In Research Park (~10–15 minute uphill walk)
  • On the University of Utah campus (~20–30 minute walk)
• Closest TRAX stations:
  • University South Campus Station (~20–30 minute walk)
  • Fort Douglas Station (~20–30 minute walk)
    • This route crosses the Legacy Bridge and passes by the historic Fort Douglas Bandstand, offering a scenic walk to the Garden.
• The walk includes some uphill sections and areas without sidewalks, so plan accordingly.
• Note: UTA buses do not stop directly at Red Butte Garden and Arboretum.

We recommend these free tools for trip planning:

• Transit App (iOS and Android): Use the app to plan your route, check real-time UTA TRAX and bus schedules, get walking directions, and purchase tickets. Enter Red Butte Garden or 300 S Wakara Way as your destination.
• Live Shuttle Tracker: View the Campus Shuttle’s real-time location. Select the Sunnyside Route to see where the shuttle is along the route to Red Butte Garden.

For directions to the Amphitheatre, please visit our Concert FAQ page.

Accessibility

• UTA offers accessible services on all TRAX and bus lines. Details: Accessible UTA

The University of Utah Campus Shuttle is accessible but may require advance notification for accommodations. Learn more: Campus Shuttle ADA Accommodations