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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 5pm.

• 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 Prices

• Garden members Free
• 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
• U of U faculty & staff with ID Free
• U of U students with ID Free
• EBT/WIC/SNAP cardholders Free (valid up to 4 guests)
• CASA caregivers Free (valid up to 4 guests)
• Native American Nation members Free

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.

Exceptions

• Half-price admission in December, January, and February.
• Group Sales: Special rates for groups of 15 or more.
  • Reservation form available here
• Six free admission days thanks to Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks.
• Free admission on Veterans Day for military personnel with valid photo ID.

Discounted daily admission:

• Red Butte is pleased to offer CASA caregivers accompanied by their foster children free daily admission for up to six guests. We believe that children live happier, healthier, and more fulfilled lives when they create connections to their natural environment. This is especially true for vulnerable and at-risk children.
• Red Butte supports Museums for All and free daily admission for those who receive food assistance.
  • Present your EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) card and valid photo ID to receive free Garden admission for 1-4 guests.

Ticketed events such as Garden After Dark, lectures, classes, concerts, and special events are NOT included with daily admission or discounted admission.

Rates, inclusions, and benefits are subject to change without notice.

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 accessible. Please 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 other 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. 

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

Please review our full Outside Educator Policy.

There are several UTA bus stops and TRAX stations near Red Butte Garden, though walking is required from these stops to the Garden. The closest stops are in Research Park (0.5 miles away) and at the University of Utah (1.0 mile away). The walk is uphill, and some sections may lack sidewalks, so planning accordingly is recommended.

Public Transit Options

• UTA Bus: Several bus routes serve areas near Red Butte Garden. The closest bus stops are in Research Park (10-15 minute walk) and at the University of Utah (20-30 minute walk).
• TRAX Light Rail: Both the University South Campus TRAX Station and the Fort Douglas TRAX Station are within walking distance of Red Butte Garden (20-30 minute walk from either station). However, from the Fort Douglas Station, the walk crosses the Legacy Bridge and passes by the historic Fort Douglas Bandstand, offering a more scenic route to the Garden.

Plan Your Trip with the Transit App

For route planning, real-time updates, walking directions, and ticket purchases, download the free Transit App (available for iOS and Android). This app helps find the best bus or TRAX routes, track their real-time locations, and provides walking directions to the destination.

To set your destination:

• During regular hours, enter Red Butte Garden or 300 S Wakara Way.
• During concert events, enter Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre or 2188 East Red Butte Canyon Road.

Accessibility
UTA provides accommodations on its bus and TRAX services for those with mobility concerns. For more details on accessibility, including ADA options, visit the Accessible UTA page.

The University of Utah’s free Campus Shuttle has a shuttle stop directly at Red Butte Garden. The Sunnyside Route stops at Red Butte Garden and operates Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (except during academic breaks).

While the Campus Shuttle provides an option to shorten the walk from nearby bus or TRAX stations to the garden, getting from those stations to the shuttle stop can be tricky, as the bus stops may not always align with the shuttle stops. Planning ahead is recommended to navigate this route.

Shuttle Connections

• UTA Bus + Shuttle: Some UTA bus routes serve areas near the Sunnyside shuttle stops, but the bus stops may not be the same as the shuttle stops. Depending on the bus route, there may be a walk from the bus stop to the shuttle stop. Since different bus routes serve different shuttle stops, planning the route ahead of time is recommended.
• TRAX + Shuttle: From the Fort Douglas TRAX Station, take the stairs or elevator to the Legacy Bridge, cross over, and follow the path to Fort Douglas Blvd (5-10 minute walk). The shuttle stop is on the left, in front of the University Guest House.

Plan Your Trip with the Live Tracker

For route planning and real-time Campus Shuttle tracking, use the free Live Tracker. Once in the Live Tracker, select the Sunnyside Route. For more information, visit the Campus Shuttle page.

Accessibility

The University of Utah provides accommodations on its Campus Shuttles for those with mobility concerns. For more details on accessibility, including ADA options, visit the Campus Shuttle page.