Elevating the science of plants

Explore

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.

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.

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.

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 membership to donations to volunteerism. Join our community and help us protect life above the treeline.

DINOSAURS AMONG US

Exhibit organized by the American Museum of Natural History. Hosted and sponsored by Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Open daily at the Gardens, from dawn til dusk.

Explore the link between birds of today and their extinct ancestors – the dinosaurs. This captivating exhibit highlights the unbroken line between the charismatic dinosaurs that dominated the planet for nearly 170 million years and modern birds. Large scale color illustrations throughout the Gardens bring to life the connection between ancient dinosaurs and birds of today.

Tate planting Bijou's garden

Plan your visit

Summer is here at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. The Gardens and Education Center are open to explore. Wander the Gardens' pathways and delight in the blooms and vistas all around you. 

Betty Ford Gardens Education Center

Hours

The outdoor gardens are open daily from dawn to dusk. The Education Center and Alpine House are open Monday - Saturday from 10am-4pm.

Nick teaching at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

nick courtens fund

Sharing his knowledge with the community was part of the vibrant fabric of the Gardens' late Curator of Plant Collections, Nick Courtens. Read more about the plan to honor him.

Featured Event

Yellow aspens in fall on the trail - Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Fall is for Families

Join us for rotating FREE activities for families until Vail’s Opening Day. Activities include stories, scavenger hunts, coloring pages and more! October 4– Monthly theme stories, scavenger hunt, coloring pages, microscope October 11– Nature based craft October 18– Storytime with the Vail Public Library October 25– Backyard Bingo! November 1– Monthly theme stories, scavenger hunt, […]
11 Oct
10:00 am - 11:00 am
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Upcoming Events

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

On the Roof of the Rocky Mountains

A stunning coffee table book celebrating Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, its rare alpine botanical collections and its dedication to the conservation of high mountain plants and habitats. An informative narrative and photographic journey through one of the most beautiful and distinguished high altitude (8,200 feet) botanical gardens in the world.

Purchase at the Gift Shop, the Education Center or order online below.

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Forget-Me-Nots image ©2022 Fabio Mologni

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