Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, Botanical garden in Grand Junction, Colorado.

The Western Colorado Botanical Gardens and Butterfly House occupies a 15-acre (6.1 ha) site on the bank of the Colorado River at the southern end of 7th Street in Grand Junction. Walkways link it to the Colorado River Trails system. A 4,000 sq ft (370 m2) greenhouse holds an indoor tropical rain forest with over 600 orchids, next to a butterfly house. Outdoor areas include a Native Garden that replicates the Grand Valley with the Grand Mesa, Colorado National Monument and Mount Garfield, plus a Cactus and Succulent Garden.

The gardens were founded in 1994 on a reclaimed site that had been filled with thousands of used tires, junk car parts and dead batteries. Since 2003 the facility has kept expanding, and it is now managed by the non-profit organization STRIVE.

The Native Garden reproduces Colorado's Grand Valley in miniature, with the Grand Mesa, Colorado National Monument and Mount Garfield, planted by the 13 geological zones of western Colorado. Elsewhere, the Cactus and Succulent Garden gathers native cacti and other cold-hardy succulents, and the greenhouse holds over 600 orchids and tropical plants from around the world.

The gardens sit along the river with easy walking paths throughout all areas, making it accessible to explore at your own pace. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water if you plan to visit all sections, as the full grounds take time to cover completely.

The grounds feature a heated indoor tropical zone where butterflies fly freely among orchids and exotic plants, creating a living greenhouse experience. This enclosed environment stands apart from the dry outdoor climate and offers an unexpected tropical journey within a desert landscape.