3 Best Day Trips From Denver | Condé Nast Traveler

"The highest-elevation botanical garden in the world is a pleasure no matter the season, thanks to well-planned landscaping and a window-filled education center. It’s free to visit, and in the spring, summer, and fall you’ll see streams, waterfalls, and a vast array of wildflowers. In the winter, grab some snowshoes and follow the tree trail to see a magical wonderland of pines, conifers, and the glistening mountain above. The gardens are free to visit, although feel free to leave a donation if you’d like. Anyone looking for a break from the busy center of Vail will like the calm environment; for families, the alpine gardens and the adjacent Ford Park are not to be missed." - Megan Barber