Quick Walk (45–60 minutes): A brisk, continuous walk through the main loop without stopping extensively to read plaques or enjoy the scenery.
Casual Visit (1.5–2 hours): The average time spent by most visitors. This allows you to meander through the outdoor collections, visit the indoor tropical conservatories and take photos.
In-depth Visit (3+ hours): Ideal if you want to explore every corner, relax on the lawns, visit the art galleries in the Freyer – Newman Center or spend time in the seasonal Mordecai Children's Garden.
Enjoy your visit to Denver Botanic Gardens!
Guidelines
Please treat our plants kindly and do not pick flowers, walk through gardens or climb trees.
You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the Gardens. We have many beautiful sites where you can enjoy your picnic lunch or dinner. Seating is limited, and we suggest you bring a blanket for your picnic.
Help support sustainability by using the compost and recycling bins around the Gardens. The Gardens has a three-bin waste system: landfill waste, recycling and compost. We are actively working with the City of Denver and local compost facilities to remedy current obstacles to composting locally. For the moment, we continue to collect compost throughout our site.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visitors are welcome to take photos and videos for personal use.
Art is more delicate than it looks—please do not touch or climb on any artwork.
The animals living in the Gardens are wild—please do not feed or touch them.
Please do not wade in pools or walk across them when they’re frozen.
For commercial and professional photography, refer to our Photo Policy for information on permits.
Denver Botanic Gardens is a LIVING MUSEUM full of rare, exotic and endangered species. Due to the sensitive nature of the Gardens’ grounds and horticulture, some items are not allowed inside the Gardens. Balloons, potted floor plants, trees and florist-cut flowers are not permitted inside the Gardens. No items that are difficult to pick up may be used at the Gardens (such as rice, glitter, beads, birdseed, confetti, flower petals, etc.).
No pets allowed at the York Street gardens. Service dogs/animals are permitted. Please do not leave pets in cars—you will be asked to take them home.
The Gardens is a non-smoking facility (including e-cigarettes and vaporizers) by city ordinance.
Please help keep the Gardens relaxing for everyone—no loud music, balls, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, frisbees or sleds.
Costume masks that obscure the entire face are not permitted for guests over age 17.