Plan Your Visit
522 S Frontage Road East
Vail, CO 81657
ADA Accessibility:
The Gardens is ADA accessible; we do not have wheelchairs available. ADA parking is available in Ford Park Parking Lot or across from the Ford Amphitheater on Betty Ford Way with placard visible.
Current Hours
Gardens: Daily | Dawn-Dusk
Education Center: Daily | 10am – 4pm
Admission
$5 donation per person
There is no required admission fee.
Streamline your visit – Make your donation HERE before you arrive.
Directions
The Gardens is located in Ford Park, east of Vail Village and next to the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, below Ford Park soccer and softball fields and across the creek from Manor Vail Lodge and Golden Peak.
Education Center is located to the west of the Gardens, past the Ford Park playground.
From Vail Village parking structure, it is a 5-10 minute walk or bus ride east.
Walk: along South Frontage Road to Ford Park, just past The Wren condominiums OR take the path along Gore Creek, Betty Ford Way.
Bus stops: Free Intown Bus to Golden Peak, walk across the street, through Manor Vail Lodge breezeway into Ford Park. Or take the bus to Ford Park bus stop and walk past tennis courts into the Gardens.
Parking
Vail Village Parking Structure: Exit 176 on South Frontage Road. Free in summer, fees apply after two hours in winter. The Gardens are located to the east of here.
Ford Park Parking Lot: SUMMER ONLY. Park and follow the stone path down to the Gardens. Fees may apply during events.
In-town bus information
Regional Eagle County bus information
WHAT TO BRING?

Comfy Footwear

Hat

Sunglasses

Don’t Forget
Sunscreen (SPF)

Drinking Water
REFRESHMENTS?
In the summer, light refreshments and ice cream are available at the
Schoolhouse Museum & Gift Shop located across from the main garden entrance.
The Gardens are located within walking distance of local restaurants in Vail Village.
Gardens Calendar
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
2 events,
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
Volunteer Gardening
Volunteer Gardening
Join us in the Gardens for an informal work session to help us keep the Gardens blooming. Tools and instruction provided. Please bring your own gloves, water bottle and hat. […]
1 event,
Alpine World Tour
Alpine World Tour
The alpine ecosystem exists all over the world. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens has an incredible collection of alpine plants from the Himalayas to South Africa. Join a staff member for […]
1 event,
Walk on the Wild Side -Native Plant Walk
Walk on the Wild Side -Native Plant Walk
Discover the diverse native plants along Gore Creek and throughout the Gardens. Be prepared to walk off pavement. Meet your naturalist at the Education Center by 10:30 a.m. Please plan […]
3 events,
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
Garden Members Plant Sale
Garden Members Plant Sale
As a special thank you, members of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens receive exclusive early access to the annual plant sale. Have first selection of plants and troughs. The Plant Sale, […]
Volunteer Gardening
Volunteer Gardening
Join us in the Gardens for an informal work session to help us keep the Gardens blooming. Tools and instruction provided. Please bring your own gloves, water bottle and hat. […]
2 events,
Annual Garden Plant Sale
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is hosting its annual plant sale featuring unusual, water efficient plants perfectly suited for mountain gardens. Located outside the Education Center. With lower supplemental water needs, […]
Native Plant Master Alpine Course
Native Plant Master Alpine Course
Join us for an intensive look at the plants that have adapted to live where trees cannot survive in this Native Plant Master Alpines course. The Alpines course consists of […]
2 events,
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
1 event,
3 events,
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
Volunteer Gardening
Volunteer Gardening
Join us in the Gardens for an informal work session to help us keep the Gardens blooming. Tools and instruction provided. Please bring your own gloves, water bottle and hat. […]
1 event,
Alpine World Tour
Alpine World Tour
The alpine ecosystem exists all over the world. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens has an incredible collection of alpine plants from the Himalayas to South Africa. Join a staff member for […]
1 event,
Walk on the Wild Side -Native Plant Walk
Walk on the Wild Side -Native Plant Walk
Discover the diverse native plants along Gore Creek and throughout the Gardens. Be prepared to walk off pavement. Meet your naturalist at the Education Center by 10:30 a.m. Please plan […]
4 events,
Garden Guide Training
Garden Guide Training
Meet other guides and join Jeri Powles, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator and Garden Tour Expert, for an informal session to learn all about the Gardens and updates for the Summer 2022 […]
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
Volunteer Gardening
Volunteer Gardening
Join us in the Gardens for an informal work session to help us keep the Gardens blooming. Tools and instruction provided. Please bring your own gloves, water bottle and hat. […]
Science Elevated Series: Classic Colorado Hikes
Science Elevated Series: Classic Colorado Hikes
With Dr. Jon Kedrowski. In the majority of the program, Kedrowski will discuss exploring the mountains and high mountain lakes of Colorado to excite people about the summer hiking season. His discussion […]
1 event,
Native Plant Master Alpine Course
Native Plant Master Alpine Course
Join us for an intensive look at the plants that have adapted to live where trees cannot survive in this Native Plant Master Alpines course. The Alpines course consists of […]
1 event,
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
0 events,
2 events,
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
Volunteer Gardening
Volunteer Gardening
Join us in the Gardens for an informal work session to help us keep the Gardens blooming. Tools and instruction provided. Please bring your own gloves, water bottle and hat. […]
1 event,
Alpine World Tour
Alpine World Tour
The alpine ecosystem exists all over the world. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens has an incredible collection of alpine plants from the Himalayas to South Africa. Join a staff member for […]
1 event,
Walk on the Wild Side -Native Plant Walk
Walk on the Wild Side -Native Plant Walk
Discover the diverse native plants along Gore Creek and throughout the Gardens. Be prepared to walk off pavement. Meet your naturalist at the Education Center by 10:30 a.m. Please plan […]
3 events,
Searching for the Elusive Harrington’s Penstemon
Searching for the Elusive Harrington’s Penstemon
Did you know Eagle County is home to a very rare and beautiful flower? In fact, West Avon Preserve is one of the only places in the world you can find the […]
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
Volunteer Gardening
Volunteer Gardening
Join us in the Gardens for an informal work session to help us keep the Gardens blooming. Tools and instruction provided. Please bring your own gloves, water bottle and hat. […]
1 event,
Native Plant Master Alpine Course
Native Plant Master Alpine Course
Join us for an intensive look at the plants that have adapted to live where trees cannot survive in this Native Plant Master Alpines course. The Alpines course consists of […]
1 event,
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
0 events,
2 events,
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
Volunteer Gardening
Volunteer Gardening
Join us in the Gardens for an informal work session to help us keep the Gardens blooming. Tools and instruction provided. Please bring your own gloves, water bottle and hat. […]
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
Volunteer Gardening
Volunteer Gardening
Join us in the Gardens for an informal work session to help us keep the Gardens blooming. Tools and instruction provided. Please bring your own gloves, water bottle and hat. […]
1 event,
Coffee and Conservation – Member Only Event
Coffee and Conservation – Member Only Event
2022 Member Kick-Off Event is Friday, June 24th. Coffee & Conservation: The Race to Protect the Alpine Join us for coffee, tours, and an important conversation with the Gardens' leading […]
1 event,
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
0 events,
3 events,
Yoga in the Gardens
Yoga in the Gardens
Enjoy an invigorating and centering morning flow in the tranquil yet vibrant Alpine Garden setting. Classes are taught by expert local yoga teachers in the Alpine Plaza at the base […]
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
Volunteer Gardening
Volunteer Gardening
Join us in the Gardens for an informal work session to help us keep the Gardens blooming. Tools and instruction provided. Please bring your own gloves, water bottle and hat. […]
1 event,
Alpine World Tour
Alpine World Tour
The alpine ecosystem exists all over the world and host some of the smallest, toughest plants on the planet. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens has an incredible collection of alpine plants […]
2 events,
Walk on the Wild Side -Native Plant Walk
Walk on the Wild Side -Native Plant Walk
Discover the diverse native plants along Gore Creek and throughout the Gardens. Be prepared to walk off pavement. Meet your naturalist at the Education Center by 10:30 a.m. Please plan […]
Yoga in the Gardens
Yoga in the Gardens
Enjoy an invigorating and centering morning flow in the tranquil yet vibrant Alpine Garden setting. Classes are taught by expert local yoga teachers in the Alpine Plaza at the base […]
2 events,
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
Volunteer Gardening
Volunteer Gardening
Join us in the Gardens for an informal work session to help us keep the Gardens blooming. Tools and instruction provided. Please bring your own gloves, water bottle and hat. […]
1 event,
Yoga in the Gardens
Yoga in the Gardens
Enjoy an invigorating and centering morning flow in the tranquil yet vibrant Alpine Garden setting. Classes are taught by expert local yoga teachers in the Alpine Plaza at the base […]
1 event,
Garden Tour
Garden Tour
The tour winds through the five-acres of beautiful gardens. You’ll learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, plant identification, and the history of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Vail. Meet your […]
