STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-April 7, 2026-The Yampa River Botanic Park is ready to spring back to life—quite a bit earlier than normal this year. The gates open today for the 2026 season at 9am on Tuesday, April 7, inviting the community to step into the first blooms of the season.
“We’re excited to show off all the early season blooms in the park,” said Executive Director Jennifer MacNeil. “There’s so much growing on this year—from events and programs to the simple joy of watching the gardens change week by week. We hope people will stop by often and see every season unfold.”
Fresh green shoots are popping up, early blossoms are budding, and the gardens are beginning to leaf winter behind. Visitors can enjoy the first hints of color as crocus, tulips, daffodils, and alpine favorites start to show off.
As the snow melts away, the horticulture team has been busy getting the gardens ready after a long winter nap. And it’s not just the plants making a return—the park’s resident osprey pair has flown back for their 11th consecutive season along the Yampa River, continuing a tradition that’s really taken wing since 2016.
Visitors can catch a glimpse of the park’s high-flying residents through an ADA-accessible viewfinder, designed so everyone—from kids to those using wheelchairs—can enjoy a front-row seat to the nest. This community feature was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Pruett Family.
Looking ahead, the popular Passport Through the Botanic Park returns on July 18, offering guests a chance to travel the world without leaving Steamboat Springs. The evening pairs global cuisine, wine, and entertainment with the park’s diverse plant collections for an experience that’s truly well-rooted in fun.
Once a sprawling horse pasture, the six-acre Botanic Park has blossomed into a vibrant space featuring more than 60 unique gardens and thousands of plant species. A successful public-private partnership, the park remains free and open to the public from dawn to dusk through October.
For more information, visit www.yrbp.org, email yampariverbotanicpark@gmail.com, or call 970-846-5172.
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Contact
Email Jennifer MacNeil, Executive Director, Yampa River Botanic Park, or call 970-846-5172
Email Emily Hines, Marketing & Communications Supervisor, or call 970-871-7031