Elevating the science of plants

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Gardens:   OPEN Daily, Dawn-Dusk      |     education Center: OPEN Daily, 10am – 4pm 

At Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, our mission is to protect the alpine environment through education, conservation and living plant collections. We are the only botanic garden in North America dedicated to the preservation and conservation of alpine plant species and their associated habitats.

Plan your visit

Discover gorgeous alpine plants from around the world. The Gardens are open dawn to dusk. Visit the Education Center to explore more about alpine plants.

Featured Event

Alice Eastwood and Alfred Russel Wallace

Alpine Explorers! Following in Their Footprints: The 1887 Grays Peak Trip of Alice Eastwood and Alfred Russel Wallace

On July 19, 1887, Alice Eastwood and Alfred Russel Wallace began a Colorado journey together to explore the alpine plants of Grays Peak. Who were these people? How did they meet?  Where did they go and what did they collect?     Come hear their exciting story and how their adventure and collections were re-created over 135 […]
30 Jul
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Education Center
522 S. Frontage Rd. E., Vail, CO
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Upcoming Events

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What's Special About This Garden?

While it is a stunning place to visit and enjoy the natural beauty of the native plants and the picture-perfect setting under the shadow of the Gore Range in the heart of Vail, the Gardens offer much more.

Every year we host a new educational exhibit designed to broaden awareness and deepen understanding of the alpine environment we live in. Our workshops and speaker series provide in-depth insights to help local residents and visitors better understand the plants that grow above the treeline and how they are being affected by climate change.

The scientific work that fuels the Gardens is apparent when you step into our Education Center or meander the paths among our native plant collections. Underneath our dedication to maintaining a beautiful outdoor space for visitors is our dedication to saving the fragile species that dwell in alpine habitats.

Alpine habitats need your support. Won’t you consider making a donation or becoming a member? There are many ways to get involved, from annual memberships to donations to volunteerism. Join our community and help us protect life above the treeline.

"On the Roof of the Rocky Mountains" Book Cover - Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Gardens' Keepsake Coffee Table Book

Buy it for the beauty. Keep it for the inspiration.
A breathtaking coffee table book celebrating one of the world’s highest botanical gardens. Through stunning photography, it reveals the wonder of alpine plants and the vital work to protect them.

Perfect for gardeners, nature lovers, travelers, and dreamers alike.

Read more about the book here.

Order online below. Also available in the Gardens’ Gift Shops.

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Forget-Me-Nots image ©2022 Fabio Mologni

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