When summer settles over the Rocky Mountains, the ski runs above town trade their snow for wildflowers, and few places capture that transformation quite like the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail, CO. Spread across five acres in Ford Park at 8,200 feet, this living museum is North America’s highest botanical garden and the only one devoted entirely to alpine plants, home to more than 3,000 species gathered from mountain ranges around the world.
For guests staying at Antlers at Vail, a morning among the blooms is wonderfully easy to add to any itinerary. Set along Gore Creek in Lionshead Village and just 150 yards from the Eagle Bahn Gondola, our spacious Vail condo rentals offer full kitchens, private balconies, gas fireplaces, and comfortable living areas to return to after a day in the mountains.
Header photo courtesy DiscoverVail/ Jack Affleck.
A High-Alpine Oasis in the Heart of Ford Park
Set within Ford Park in Vail and resting right beside the Gerald R Ford Amphitheater, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens sit within easy reach of Vail, CO. This nonprofit sanctuary was founded in 1986 and is named after First Lady Betty Ford. It is dedicated to protecting the fragile alpine environment through education, conservation, and living plant collections. Best of all, the outdoor gardens are free to explore and open daily from dawn to dusk, with the Education Center welcoming guests during the day.
Things To Do at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail, CO
From rare blooms to hands-on family fun, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail, CO, offer something for every kind of traveler. A few highlights worth seeking out include:
- The Alpine Rock Garden: Follow the paths to the world-renowned rock garden, where a dramatic waterfall tumbles past terraced beds of jewel-toned wildflowers before settling into the tranquil Wetland Garden.
- Betty’s Market and the Children’s Garden: Let little ones dig into hands-on mountain play, browse the charming Schoolhouse Gift Shop, and join the free Family Fridays activities, making this a wonderful Vail family resort outing.
- The Ten @ Ten Walk: Join this short, family-friendly guided stroll on select mornings to discover the top ten blooms of the moment, led by a knowledgeable garden guide.
- The Passport to the Peaks Exhibit: Explore an immersive exhibit that carries you from the Rockies to the Himalayas, celebrating the resilience of high-altitude plants and the work to protect them.
