Rio Grande Botanical Garden is an area of outstanding natural beauty covering a 32 acres (13 hectares) on the edge of downtown Albuquerque. The site encompasses themed gardens, walking paths, a butterfly pavilion and a building that houses thousands of insects.
Relax among the aromatic plants and roses of the Old World Walled Gardens. This series of walled gardens is one of the first gardens you’ll find after entering the Rio Grande and includes the Mediterranean plants of the Spanish-Moorish. Tour the Desert Conservatory to learn about the arid regions of the United States and to see cacti, yucca, wild cotton and other plants from the Sonoran Desert and the Chihuahuan Desert.
Visit the Sasebo Japanese Garden, a peaceful resting spot with a koi pond, waterfall, pagoda sculptures and a mixture of Japanese and local plants. Stop by the butterfly pavilion to see hundreds of the free-flying colorful insects.
Take the kids to the Children's Fantasy Garden. Among its attractions are a large topiary dragon and a walk-through pumpkin that is 42 feet (13 meters) in diameter. All the family will enjoy the miniature model trains in the Railway Garden and the insects and arachnids of the BUGarium. The exhibits here include a working beehive and a leaf cutter ant colony.
Rio Grande Botanical Garden is located within the Albuquerque BioPark, close to downtown Albuquerque. Arrive by bus from the city center or come by car to use the free parking facilities. Cyclists will enjoy riding on the Paseo del Bosque Trail, an urban trail that follows the Rio Grande for 16 miles (25.7 kilometers) and passes by the botanical garden.
The BioPark is also home to the Rio Grande Zoo, an aquarium and Tingley Beach. Purchase a single admission ticket, or a combo ticket for the gardens, zoo and aquarium. There are discounts for senior citizens and children between the ages of 3 and 12. Children under 3 years of age get in for free.
Rio Grande Botanical Garden is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
