Red Butte Garden is a state arboretum established by the Utah Legislature at the University of Utah, which is also a state entity. Two bills were recently passed by the Utah Legislature—these bills bar the University of Utah and Red Butte Garden from requiring face-coverings or requiring vaccinations for visitors and guests attending events. We will continue to encourage all of our guests to follow health and safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Salt Lake County Health Department.
LOCATIONS
Red Butte Garden Visitor Center
300 Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Front desk: 801-585-0556
Email address: information@redbutte.utah.edu
Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre
2188 Red Butte Canyon Rd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Driving directions and parking map
Please visit our Virtual Resources webpage for online classes, gardening tips, and nature-based activities that can be done at home.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Open seven days a week unless otherwise noted.
January-March 9 AM - 5 PM
April 9 AM - 7:30 PM
May-August 9 AM - 9 PM
September 9 AM - 7:30 PM
October-December 9 AM - 5 PM
Thanksgiving Day Closed
December 24-January 1 Closed
Exceptions:
- On dates that concerts are scheduled, the Garden will close at 5 PM.
DAILY GARDEN ADMISSION PRICES
Garden members Free
Adults (age 18-64) $14
Seniors (age 65+) $12
Military personnel with ID $12
Children (age 3-17) $7
Children (age 2 and under) Free
U of U faculty/staff $12
U of U students with ID Free
Utah Horizon/EBT/WIC cardholders Free
Exceptions:
- Half-price admission in December, January, and February.
- Free admission on Veterans Day for military personnel with valid photo ID.
- Groups of 12 or more receive $1.00 off each admission. Full group payment due prior to entrance.
- Red Butte Garden supports Museums for All and free admission for those who receive food assistance. Present a Utah Horizon, EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer), or WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) card and valid photo ID to receive free Garden admission for 1-4 guests.
- Ticketed events such as BOOtanical, lectures, classes, concerts, and special events are NOT included with daily Garden admission or discounted admission.
- Rates, inclusions, and benefits are subject to change without notice.
PHOTOGRAPHY AT RED BUTTE GARDEN
Snapshot Photography
Definition: Snapshot photography is when a person uses a small handheld camera to quickly take informal photographs.
Policy: Visitors are welcome to take snapshots for private use or for sharing on social media. Snapshots may be taken of the plants, gardens, or members of their group during their visit to the Garden.
Cost & Reservations: Included with admission, no reservations required.
Photography Sessions
Definition: A photography session is an event where a photographer/videographer (either amateur or professional) takes a series of formal photographs of a posed subject(s). A photography session allows the photographer to spend prolonged time composing the photographs and permits use of photography equipment such as tripods, reflectors, props, etc.
Policy: Our policy varies for public and private photography sessions. Visit the Photo Policy page for more information.
Cost & Reservations: There is a cost and a reservation is required. To confirm a reservation, please email rentals@redbutte.utah.edu.
ANIMAL POLICY
Only service animals are allowed inside Red Butte Garden and Amphitheatre. Please leave pets and comfort animals at home. Do not leave animals in cars in the parking lot.
SMOKING POLICY
In compliance with the Utah Clean Air Act and to preserve and protect our collections, Red Butte Garden is a non-smoking facility. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas. Thank you for your cooperation.
PICNIC POLICY
Due to limited space and facilities, Red Butte Garden requests that guests adhere to our rules and policies when planning a picnic in the Garden.
Please review our Picnic Policy.
ACCESSIBILITY
Red Butte Garden 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.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
There is no direct public transportation to Red Butte Garden though there are options that will get you close to the Visitor Center and Amphitheatre. From these stops, you can either walk to the Garden or catch one of the University’s free shuttles. It is an uphill hike to the Garden and Amphitheatre from bus and TRAX stops, and there aren’t many sidewalks in Research Park, so you must walk on the road in some areas.
Check the public transportation schedules for routes to the University of Utah campus, medical center, or Research Park before planning your trip to the Garden:
UNIVERSITY SHUTTLE
The University’s free on-demand shuttle will take you from the medical TRAX station to Red Butte Garden and Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU). From the U of U Medical Center TRAX station, cross the street to the bus/shuttle stop. Call 801-581-4189 (801-581-4189 after 6 PM), and choose Medical TRAX as the pick-up station and Natural History Museum of Utah as the drop-off station. Red Butte Garden is located next door to the NHMU.
Note that shuttles run Monday through Friday. Shuttles do not run on days that the University is closed.