Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

Situated in the foothills overlooking Salt Lake City, there are 40 hectares of pleasingly landscaped park in the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum. This is a wonderful oasis of calm away from the busy city centre. Sit and relax, enjoy a picnic or have a gentle stroll among the beautiful flora. Alternatively, put on your hiking boots and enjoy the native plants surrounding you on a hill walk through the adjoining 30-hectare Natural Area.

Dr Walter Cottam started using the land of the University of Utah for research in 1930, with the state declaring this area the State Arboretum in 1963. A further parcel of land towards the mouth of Red Butte Canyon was dedicated by the university in 1983. Over the years this development has culminated in a magnificent set of gardens here.

Take in an evening concert in the Garden Amphitheatre, or enjoy one of the Sundance Institute film screenings on a summer evening.

Spring witnesses the reawakening of the gardens from the slumber of winter – thousands upon thousands of new blooms burst forth at this time of year, from bright daffodils and apple trees laden down with fresh blossom to aromatic lilac bushes.

Witness the gardens at their most vibrant during the summer months, when the many flowers are at the height of their glory. This is a perfect time for relaxing under a parasol, or lying back and enjoying a book along the banks of the Red Butte Creek in the Secret Garden, along the northern side of the park. Stay until sunset for a fabulous multi-coloured vista.

Autumn's rustic hues and the crunch of the dead leaves are very attractive, while the winter wonderland of the gardens under snow is well worth a visit. Entry is half price during the winter season.

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum is open all year round except Thanksgiving, the last week of the year, and New Year's Day. Tours are available for a reasonable fee, and there are regular public events – check the official website before you arrive.