Experiencing Denver Botanic Gardens in Winter

Denver Botanic Gardens is traditionally a late spring and summer destination, when the majority of flowers are in bloom. There are 18 arid gardens dedicated to Colorado plants, a selection of internationally inspired gardens, ornamental gardens, shady gardens, and even water gardens. The downside of visiting these many gardens during the summer is the crowds. During the winter, most of the outdoor flower gardens at the York Street Denver Botanic Gardens are dormant, yet there are a variety of blooming gardens and art galleries to visit.

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Is it Worth Visiting Denver Botanic Gardens in Winter?

One you adjust your expectations, you can enjoy the variety of blooming gardens and art galleries to visit at the Denver Botanic Gardens in winter. Here are some of the highlights that you can look forward to:

Indoor Gardens

You’ll likely spend the majority of your visit exploring the various indoor gardens.

Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory

The Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory is a lush, tropical paradise that feels a world away from the cold outside. Home to exotic plants, towering palms, and a waterfall, it’s a great place to explore and learn about tropical ecosystems without leaving Denver. These are the largest indoor gardens here, with 3 levels of tropical plants to admire.

Other Gardens

Cactus and Succulent House is an indoor garden filled with 20 families of cactus.

Marnie’s Pavilion is another tropical garden. Its 2 stories are filled with a waterfall and stream, surrounded by a rotating selection of orchids, bromeliads, and more tropical plants.

The Orangery is a French-styled glass walkway, with Versailles like planters. They are filled with cypress, tropicals, and seasonal plantings to explore.

Art Exhibits

The Denver Botanic Gardens has a surprisingly large art focus. The Freyer-Newman Gallery is generally open 9 am-5 pom year-round. You can find the list of current and upcoming exhibits here (some exhibits are at the Chatfield location).

On an almost quarterly basis, there is a curator tour lasting about 45 minutes. These tickets ($20 each) sell out quickly. The Botanic Gardens also hosts an artist in residence program.

Peaceful Winter Walks and Yoga

With fewer visitors compared to the busy summer months, winter offers a peaceful and contemplative experience. Take a leisurely walk through the outdoor paths, enjoy the silence. There are plenty of quiet spots around the grounds to sit and enjoy the day.

The Gardens also hosts multiple yoga sessions in the gardens daily. Check here for the latest schedule.

Blossoms of Light

The Denver Botanic Gardens are well-known for their annual Blossoms of Light event. Blossoms of Light transforms the outdoor gardens into a luminous winter wonderland. This event, typically held late November-early January, features thousands of twinkling lights. This creates a mesmerizing spectacle that’s perfect for a romantic evening or a family night out.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Entry Fees	Adult tickets are $15.75. Discounts are offered for seniors, veterans, military, and children.
Free Days:	Check the SCFD site, which offers free days monthly at the Denver Botanic Gardens and other sites around the front range.
How to Get to the Gardens and Parking:	RTD: bus routes #24 (York and Josephine Streets) and/or #10 (12th Avenue) can be used to access the Gardens. Driving: limited free parking is available. If these are full, look for street parking.
How long should you plan for a visit?	During the winter, I would plan for 1.5-2 hours at the Gardens, plus any time you’d like to spend at the cafés.
Hours:	Hours vary by season. Winter hours are typically daily 9 am – 4 pm. Check the website before visiting.
Plan for Refreshments:	While some outdoor areas might be chilly, the cafés are a great spot to warm up. The Offshoots Café offers salads, sandwiches and wraps, and the Copper Door Coffee Roasters offers warm drinks and snacks. Both are typically open in winter.

Whether you’re drawn to the serene landscapes, the art gallery and events, or the tropical conservatories, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t let the cold keep you indoors—embrace the season and discover the winter wonders of the Denver Botanic Gardens.

You might also enjoy our posts on:

• A Local’s Guide: 12 Unique Things to Do in Colorado
• Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter

Where to Stay in Denver

Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver	Full service hotel in the heart of downtown with fitness center and private parking.
Flora House Denver	This top rates B&B is just minutes away from the Botanical Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and the Zoo. It offers suites, a peaceful setting, and easy parking.
Element Denver Downtown East	Marriott hotel with convenient downtown location, fitness center, garage parking, and free bikes to use to explore town.

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