A World Class Environmental Learning Center for Residents and Visitors
At Walking Mountains Science Center we provide locals and visitors from pre-k to gray with opportunities to explore nature, gain a scientific understanding, and learn about the many wonders of our mountain environment through natural science and sustainability programs.
We envision a future where everyone in the community understands the science of nature and is inspired to take action as an environmental steward.
Come explore your curious nature with us at the Avon Tang Campus, Nature Discovery Center on Vail Mountain or Vail Nature Center!
Upcoming Events

Public Backcountry Hike
July 11 @ 8:00 am | Game Creek
Join a trained Certified Interpretive Guide, Wilderness First Responder, and trained Naturalist to discover some of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the Vail area that are only accessible via […...

Moderate Nature Hike, Vail Mountain
July 11 @ 10:30 am | Nature Discovery Center
Register Here Join a Naturalist for a more strenuous, 2-mile guided hike for those 12+ years old to explore our mountain ecosystems on Vail Mountain. For those looking for a […]

Easy Nature Hike, Vail Mountain
July 11 @ 1:00 pm | Nature Discovery Center
Register Here Join a Walking Mountains Naturalist for an easy educational hike through the forest atop Vail Mountain beginning at the Nature Discovery Center. Free. Reservations required. Suitable for most [&he...

Free Nature Walk, Avon
July 11 @ 2:00 pm | Walking Mountains Science Center
Register Here A free winter nature walk is a perfect introduction to Colorado’s natural world. Join a Naturalist for a free, gentle educational hike through aspen and riparian communities at […]

Vail Nature Walk, Vail Nature Center
July 11 @ 2:00 pm | Vail Nature Center
Register Here Discover and learn about the ecology and wildlife of Vail in the meadows and woods along Gore Creek at the Vail Nature Center. Monday – Saturday | 2:00 […]

Moderate Nature Hike, Vail Mountain
July 12 @ 10:30 am | Nature Discovery Center
Register Here Join a Naturalist for a more strenuous, 2-mile guided hike for those 12+ years old to explore our mountain ecosystems on Vail Mountain. For those looking for a […]

Easy Nature Hike, Vail Mountain
July 12 @ 1:00 pm | Nature Discovery Center
Register Here Join a Walking Mountains Naturalist for an easy educational hike through the forest atop Vail Mountain beginning at the Nature Discovery Center. Free. Reservations required. Suitable for most [&he...

Free Nature Walk, Avon
July 12 @ 2:00 pm | Walking Mountains Science Center
Register Here A free winter nature walk is a perfect introduction to Colorado’s natural world. Join a Naturalist for a free, gentle educational hike through aspen and riparian communities at […]

Vail Nature Walk, Vail Nature Center
July 12 @ 2:00 pm | Vail Nature Center
Register Here Discover and learn about the ecology and wildlife of Vail in the meadows and woods along Gore Creek at the Vail Nature Center. Monday – Saturday | 2:00 […]
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Walking Mountains Sustainability
The Latest
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The ecological and cultural importance of bison in Colorado
When you picture Colorado, it's likely that you imagine majestic, towering mountains. Although the mountains are abundant, a large portion of Colorado’s land is actually high plains. Expanses of prairie grasslands take up 40 percent of the state. For millennia, vast herds of plains bison (Bison bison) roamed throughout Colorado.... Read more
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Dressing for the Wild
Now that most of the snow has melted and many local trails have opened, it's time to gear up for a summer of outdoor adventures. But how does one dress for success when facing the unpredictable elements of nature? Nature is full of organisms whose adaptations allow them to weather... Read more
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Weeds We See, Invasive We Don't Know
There are more than 300,000 species of plants in the world. In Colorado we have more than 3000 species. Plants are very important because they are the base of the food chain, that is, everything higher up on the food chain relies on them. Many animals depend on them directly.... Read more