A vibrant alpine meadow on a hillside with colorful wildflowers (violets, reds, yellows) under a blue sky and distant pine forests.

Experience Summer in Bloom: Top Events at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail, Colorado

Published on June 5, 2026

Share:

When most people think of Vail, Colorado, they picture snow-covered slopes and ski lifts. But summer in Vail is a season all its own, with warm mountain air, wildflower-lined trails, and a vibrant calendar of events that draws visitors from across the country. At the heart of Vail's summer experience is one of its most beloved landmarks: Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, a free, world-class botanical garden nestled in Ford Park at 8,200 feet above sea level.

Whether you're a nature lover, a curious explorer, a foodie, a wellness seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful afternoon surrounded by mountain beauty, the Gardens offer something meaningful for every kind of traveler. And with a packed summer calendar of events, from guided tours and expert talks to yoga sessions and culinary demonstrations, there's far more to experience here than most visitors expect. Here's your guide to what's happening this summer at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, and why it deserves a prominent spot on your Vail itinerary.

What Is Betty Ford Alpine Gardens?

Located at 522 South Frontage Road East in Vail, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens holds the distinction of being the highest botanical garden in North America. Situated within Ford Park, it sits about a 10-minute walk from Vail Village and is open every single day of the year from dawn to dusk, with no required admission fee.

The Gardens are home to more than 3,000 alpine plant species and serve a dual purpose: they are a stunning public destination and a working conservation organization dedicated to protecting alpine ecosystems through education, research, and living plant collections. This summer, the Gardens are celebrating a milestone—40 years of cultivating wonder and advancing alpine plant science in the Rocky Mountains. As part of the anniversary, the Gardens have unveiled a new Alpine Meadow, a new global exhibit, and an active seed-banking program working to preserve rare alpine species before climate shifts alter their habitats forever. It's an especially meaningful summer to visit.

The Education Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and serves as a hub for exhibits, family activities, and programs. Parking is available at the Vail Village Parking Structure and the Ford Park Parking Lot, and the free in-town bus also stops nearby.

A tree trunk with bluebell flowers (purple blue blossoms) at its base in a sunny woodland.
A small white flower amid tall green grasses and wildflowers in a sunny garden, with brown stems and a hint of blue petals nearby.
A rocky path winds through a meadow with yellow flowers, trees, and a forest backdrop.
A vibrant hillside meadow dotted with purple and orange wildflowers, rolling green slopes, and distant pine forests under a blue sky.

The Gardens are home to more than 3,000 alpine plant species and serve a dual purpose: they are a stunning public destination and a working conservation organization dedicated to protecting alpine ecosystems through education, research, and living plant collections. This summer, the Gardens are celebrating a milestone—40 years of cultivating wonder and advancing alpine plant science in the Rocky Mountains. As part of the anniversary, the Gardens have unveiled a new Alpine Meadow, a new global exhibit, and an active seed-banking program working to preserve rare alpine species before climate shifts alter their habitats forever. It's an especially meaningful summer to visit.

The Education Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and serves as a hub for exhibits, family activities, and programs. Parking is available at the Vail Village Parking Structure and the Ford Park Parking Lot, and the free in-town bus also stops nearby.

A vibrant hillside meadow dotted with purple and orange wildflowers, rolling green slopes, and distant pine forests under a blue sky.

Summer 2026 Highlights: Top Events at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Guided Garden Tours

One of the best ways to experience the Gardens is through a Guided Garden Tour, offered regularly throughout the summer. Led by knowledgeable docents, these tours take visitors on a close-up exploration of the living collections, with rich context about the plants, their habitats, and the conservation work happening behind the scenes. Tours typically run about an hour and are a wonderful option for first-time visitors who want a deeper understanding of what makes this garden so special.

Tours run on select mornings, so it's always good to check the Gardens' calendar to confirm current dates and times before your visit.

Ten @ Ten Walks

For a lighter, more casual experience, the Ten @ Ten Walk is a short guided stroll offered on select mornings, beginning at 10 a.m. Each walk highlights the top ten blooms of the week, offering a snapshot of what's currently in peak color across the Gardens. It's a great low-commitment option for guests who want expert insight without a lengthy commitment, and it's a beautiful way to start a summer morning in Vail.

Passport to the Peaks Exhibit

Inside the Education Center, visitors can explore Passport to the Peaks, the Gardens' featured interactive exhibit this season. The exhibit connects visitors to alpine regions around the world, drawing parallels between ecosystems across continents and highlighting the global significance of high-altitude plant life. It's engaging for adults and curious older children alike, making it a worthwhile stop after you've walked the outdoor gardens.

Chefs in the Gardens Series

A standout summer program, the Chefs in the Gardens series brings some of the Vail Valley's most talented culinary professionals into the botanical setting for live cooking demonstrations and tastings. Past events have featured chefs from well-known local restaurants including La Tour and Gravity Haus, with demonstrations that celebrate seasonal, locally inspired ingredients.

Events in this series are ticketed and tend to sell out, so checking the programs and events page early is highly recommended if you want to attend. It's a truly unique way to combine mountain scenery with a gourmet culinary experience.

Waterwise Plant Sale (June 12–14)

Gardeners and plant enthusiasts won't want to miss the annual Waterwise Plant Sale, running June 12–14. This community-favorite event offers a carefully selected range of water-efficient perennial plants suited to Colorado's climate. The sale is open to the public on June 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with members receiving exclusive early access at a preview party on June 11. It's a wonderful way to support the Gardens' mission while bringing a piece of the alpine landscape home.

Family Fridays

Families traveling with kids will appreciate Family Fridays, a free, family-friendly activity offered every Friday throughout the summer at the Education Center. Hands-on and age-appropriate, these activities introduce younger visitors to the natural world in a fun and accessible way. No advance registration is typically required, so you can just show up and explore!

For school groups and summer camps, the Gardens also offer structured naturalist-led programs that can be customized by age and interest. Contact the Gardens directly at connect@BettyFordAlpineGardens.org to inquire about booking a group visit.

Garden Party Soirée – July 28

A midsummer highlight on the Gardens' calendar, the Garden Party Soirée on July 28 is an elegant celebration held right in the heart of the botanical setting. This donor appreciation event (open to Advocate Level supporters and above) is a beautiful evening recognizing those who help sustain the Gardens' conservation and education mission. If you're a supporter of the Gardens, or interested in becoming one, it's a memorable way to experience the space after hours. Learn more about supporting the Gardens and membership levels on the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens website.

Family Event Night – August 12

Mark your calendars for August 12, when the Gardens host a special Family Event Night featuring a live animal presentation by Nature's Educators. This hands-on, engaging program brings wildlife up close for families and children, combining the stunning garden backdrop with an educational experience kids won't forget. It's a fantastic evening outing for families staying in Vail and a great reason to plan your trip around mid-August. Check the Gardens' program page for ticketing details as the date approaches.

Planning Your Visit to Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Address: 522 S. Frontage Road East, Vail, CO 81657

Phone: (970) 476-0103

Garden Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk

Education Center Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Admission: Free (suggested donation of $20 per person)

The Gardens are located in Ford Park, just east of Vail Village. They're easily walkable from the village (about 10 minutes along the South Frontage Road or via the Gore Creek path) and accessible by free in-town bus. Get directions and parking details on the Gardens' website.

Pro tips for your visit: wear comfortable shoes (the terrain is sloped and rocky in places), bring sunscreen and a hat at altitude, and download the free Alpine Wildflowers Finder app to identify blooms as you walk the trails. Pets are welcome on leash.

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is just one of many reasons to fall in love with Vail in the summer. For a broader look at what the season has to offer, explore our guide to things to do in Vail in the summer.

Stay in the Heart of It All: Austria Haus Hotel

After a morning exploring the Gardens or an evening at a Chefs in the Gardens dinner, there's no better place to return to than Austria Haus, our boutique hotel nestled in the center of Vail Village. Combining the warmth of an alpine lodge with the polish of a luxury property, Austria Haus offers guests an experience that feels both intimate and impeccably appointed. Our hotel's cozy, European-inspired character is a natural complement to everything that makes Vail's summer season so special.

As a true hotel in Vail Village, Colorado, Austria Haus puts you steps away from everything that makes Vail summers extraordinary—the Gore Creek Trail, the village shops and restaurants, the free in-town bus to Ford Park, and of course, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. You don't need a car to enjoy the best of what summer here has to offer.

Guests love the hotel's thoughtful hotel amenities, which are designed to make every stay feel special, whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a longer mountain retreat.

Ready to experience summer in Vail? Book your stay at Austria Haus today and make Betty Ford Alpine Gardens part of your itinerary. Availability fills up fast during peak summer months, so we encourage you to reserve your room early. Check availability and book directly today.