Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street is a 24-acre garden in Denver, with plants from around the world displayed in naturalistic landscapes and modern designs. Plan time for its outdoor gardens, family areas and visitor facilities, and check admission details before setting out.
- Location: 1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206.
- Admission: Timed entry is required; reserve in advance.
- For children: Allow 1.5–2 hours for the Mordecai Children’s Garden.
- Access: Most indoor and outdoor gardens and facilities are wheelchair accessible.
How do you get to the gardens from the hotel?
Denver Botanic Gardens is about 3.4 miles from Budget Inn Denver Downtown. The Gardens identifies RTD routes 24, serving York and Josephine streets, and 10, serving 12th Avenue, as transit options to York Street; routes can change, so check RTD’s official information before travelling.
There are two entrances to the main gardens: the Bonfils-Stanton Visitor Center at 1007 York Street and the Freyer–Newman Center at 1085 York Street. If you’re planning a wider city day, the one-day Denver itinerary can help you fit garden time into a downtown schedule.
Limited free visitor parking is available in the parking complex between York and Josephine streets during regular operating hours. Parking is for Gardens visitors, and overnight parking is not allowed. The complex cannot accommodate RVs; vans should use the top deck because of height restrictions.
Visitors can also use free EV charging in two-hour increments in the public garage, on the main parking level north of the elevator bank. Bike racks are at the York Street main entrance.
When should you visit, and how long should you spend?
The gardens offer different seasonal settings, while much of the experience takes place outdoors. The Gardens is open in rain, snow or shine, so allow for changing conditions when choosing a time to visit. York Street and Chatfield Farms close on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
For a visit focused on the Mordecai Children’s Garden, plan on 1.5–2 hours. That gives you a practical starting point if you’re visiting with children; the time needed for the rest of York Street depends on which areas you choose to see.
Public events such as the Summer Concert Series, Glow at the Gardens and Blossoms of Light require separate tickets from regular admission. If an event is part of your plan, check its ticket details as well as the general-admission information.
Which garden areas and highlights can you see?
York Street combines international plant collections with landscaped areas designed in both naturalistic and modern styles. Its visitor areas also include the Science Pyramid, which explores plants, animals, people and the connections of water.
The 3-acre Mordecai Children’s Garden is designed for children and families and is included with general admission. Its Colorado settings represent ecosystems ranging from alpine tundra and subalpine habitat to forests, grasslands, wetlands and riparian zones.
General admission also includes access to the second floor of the Freyer–Newman Center, with art galleries and free films in the Sturm Family Auditorium. The first floor, Helen Fowler Library and Copper Door coffee shop do not require garden admission.
What should you know about tickets, hours and accessibility?
York Street requires timed-entry tickets, and visitors are asked to reserve in advance. Denver Botanic Gardens gives general-admission prices of $16.25 for adults, $12.50 for seniors age 65 and older and military visitors with ID, and $12 for children ages 3–15 and students with ID.
Admission is free for members and children age 2 and younger. A $3-per-person rate applies to up to six people per SNAP EBT card during regular hours; it excludes public events.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM–4 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
General-admission tickets are non-refundable and do not cover separately ticketed events. Weather-related closures may result in a refund or ticket exchange for affected tickets. Some dates may also have early closures for special events or maintenance. Hours, prices and closures can change, so check the official site before you go.
Most indoor and outdoor gardens and facilities are wheelchair accessible, although some areas may require assistance. The Gardens provides a map of wheelchair- and stroller-accessible paths. Wheelchairs and strollers are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations.
What should you bring for an outdoor visit?
Because most of the site is outdoors and weather can change, the Gardens recommends layers, sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle. Bring what you need for time outside, even if the forecast looks settled.
On-site dining options include Offshoots Café, Hive Garden Bistro and Copper Door Coffee Roasters. They are open daily. Personal photography is encouraged, with separate guidelines for photography.
If you’re combining the gardens with other parts of the city, the guide to getting around Denver covers downtown transport.
FAQs
Is Denver Botanic Gardens worth visiting?
York Street brings together global plant collections, Colorado ecosystems and garden areas for families, alongside galleries and free films included with general admission.
How long should you spend at Denver Botanic Gardens?
Allow 1.5–2 hours for the Mordecai Children’s Garden. The time needed for the wider grounds depends on the areas you want to see.
Does general admission include the Freyer–Newman Center?
General admission includes the center’s second floor, including art galleries and free films in the Sturm Family Auditorium. The first floor, library and coffee shop do not require garden admission.
Can you visit the gardens in bad weather?
The Gardens is open in rain, snow or shine, and most of the site is outdoors. Layers, sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen and water are recommended.