Walking Mountains Science Center

Moderate Nature Hike, Vail Mountain
2026-07-12 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-15 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-16 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-17 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-18 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | Nature Discovery Center, Vail Mountain, Top of Eagle Bahn Gondola, Vail Mountain, CO, United States
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 more adventurous time, join us for a more strenuous, 2-mile guided hike beginning at the Nature Discovery Center to explore our mountain ecosystems.

Free. Reservations required. Suitable for ages 12+
This is our most strenuous free guided hike.
Please confirm that you have selected the correct date and time.
Please come prepared to spend 1.5 hours outside in the summer environment with water, sturdy hiking boots, an extra layer/rain jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Hikes depart from the Nature Discovery Center atop the Eagle Bahn Gondola (Gondola 19, Lionshead Village) on Vail Mountain.
All visitors must have a Vail Scenic Ride Ticket purchased from Vail Resorts in order to ride the gondola

The Moderate Nature Hike is about 2 miles of walking over the course of 1.5 hours, with periods of standing at several nature stops. The dirt trail includes several hundred feet of elevation gain and loss. This hike takes place at above 10,000 feet in elevation in summer conditions. Hiking poles are available. Restroom facilities are available in the Eagle’s Nest building. Program alternatives include guided activities and lessons inside the yurt with a Naturalist. Please call 970-827-9725, 72 hours in advance of your scheduled program to explore possible program alternatives. For more accessibility information, click HERE.

Easy Nature Hike, Vail Mountain
2026-07-12 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-15 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-16 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Nature Discovery Center, Vail Mountain, Top of Eagle Bahn Gondola, Vail Mountain, CO, United States
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 ages and abilities.
Please confirm that you have selected the correct date and time.
Please come prepared to spend an hour outside in the summer environment at above 10,000 ft in elevation with water, sturdy hiking boots, an extra layer/rain jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Hikes depart from the Nature Discovery Center atop the Eagle Bahn Gondola (Gondola 19, Lionshead Village) on Vail Mountain.
All visitors must have a Vail Scenic Ride Ticket purchased from Vail Resorts in order to ride the gondola

The Easy Guided Nature Hike is about 3/4 a mile of walking over the course of 1 hour, with periods of standing at several nature stops. The dirt trail is mostly flat but has some small hills. This hike takes place at above 10,000 feet in elevation in summer conditions. Hiking poles are available. Restroom facilities are available in the Eagle’s Nest building. Trail selection for the easy nature walk is flexible and alternatives can be explained over the phone (970-827-9725). Please call 72 hours in advance of your scheduled program to explore possible trail alternatives. For more accessibility information, click HERE.

Bird Walk, Avon
2026-07-13 08:30 - 09:30, 2026-07-15 08:30 - 09:30 | Avon Campus, 318 Walking Mountains Lane, Avon, CO, 81620, United States
Explore meadows, forests, and riparian areas in search of our many resident birds. Learn about birding, bird identification, and habitats important to our avian friends.

Reservations required. Please confirm that you have selected the correct date and time.
Family-friendly, beginner-friendly, and suitable for most physical abilities.
Please come prepared to spend an hour outside in a variable environment. Sturdy shoes, a jacket, and sunglasses are recommended. Binoculars will be available to borrow. Bug spray is also recommended.
Please call (970) 827-9725 if your plans change so that we may accommodate other visitors.

The morning bird walk is about 1/3 mile of walking over the course of 1 hour, with periods of standing at several nature stops. The singletrack trail is mostly flat but has some small hills. If you call ahead, we can modify the program using a short wheelchair-accessible route. Binoculars and trekking poles are available.
Please call 970-827-9725, 72 hours in advance of your scheduled program to explore possible program alternatives. For more accessibility information click HERE.

Nature Walk, Avon
2026-07-13 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-14 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-15 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-16 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-17 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Avon Campus, 318 Walking Mountains Lane, Avon, CO, 81620, United States
A free 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 our Avon Tang Campus location. Learn about the ecology and animal adaptations of this mountain environment!

Family-friendly and suitable for most physical abilities.
Please come prepared to spend an hour outside in variable weather. Sun protection and sturdy shoes are required.
Please call (970) 827-9725 if your plans change so that we may accommodate other visitors.

A nature walk is about 1/3 mile of walking over the course of 1 hour, with periods of standing at several stops. The dirt trail is mostly flat but has some small hills. Mud may be encountered on the trail. Trekking poles may be requested.
Please call 970-827-9725, 72 hours in advance of your scheduled program to explore possible program alternatives. For more accessibility information click HERE.

Nature Tykes, Avon
2026-07-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Avon Campus, 318 Walking Mountains Lane, Avon, CO, 81620, United States
Children will explore the natural world and have fun with others while developing their sense of place.
Topics vary weekly and help children express their inherent wonder and curiosity as little scientists.

Designed for 6-35 month old children and their adults. Please select tickets for all adults and children in your group.
Dress for success! Please come prepared to spend an hour outside in a variable environment with warm layers and sun protection. A small snack is also recommended.
This program is located at Walking Mountains Science Center at 318 Walking Mountains Lane in Avon.

Nature Tykes is a 60-minute program in both indoor and outdoor environments. It may include short periods of walking, sitting, standing, and optional running. The dirt trails are mostly flat but have some small hills. We will be exploring hands-on activities with groups of up to 12 children and their caregivers. If you call ahead, we can modify the program using a short wheelchair-accessible route. Please let us know if you require accommodations.

Public Backcountry Hike, Mt. Thomas
2026-07-17 07:30 - 16:00 | Avon Campus, 318 Walking Mountains Lane, Avon, CO, 81620, United States
To ensure the best experience, hike locations may shift based on weather and trail conditions. Final details will be shared with registered participants via email 24–48 hours in advance.
Mt. Thomas is a unique hike that travels through part of the 2021 Sylvan Lake fire scar. The burned trees are juxtaposed with red rocks, fresh green regrowth, and panoramic views of several iconic mountain ranges.
Details:
• Full Day 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
• 6.5 miles roundtrip/1,750 ft. elevation gain
• Near Sylvan Lake State Park

EarthKeepers, Avon
2026-07-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Avon Campus, 318 Walking Mountains Lane, Avon, CO, 81620, United States
EarthKeepers is a 90-minute program in both indoor and outdoor environments. It may include up to ¼ a mile of walking with periods of sitting, standing, and optional running. The dirt trails are mostly flat but have some small hills. Mud or water may be encountered. We will be exploring hands-on activities with groups of up to 12 children plus their caregivers. Please let us know if you require accommodations.

Nature Tykes, Gypsum
2026-07-17 10:15 - 11:00 | Gypsum Public Library, 47 Lundgren Blvd, Gypsum, CO, 81637, United States
Children will explore the natural world and have fun with others while developing their sense of place.
Topics vary weekly and help children express their inherent wonder and curiosity as little scientists.

Designed for 6-35 month old children and their adults. Please select tickets for all adults and children in your group.
Dress for success! Please come prepared to spend an hour outside in a variable environment with warm layers and sun protection. A small snack is also recommended.
This program is located at The Gypsum Public Library at 47 Lundgren Blvd, Gypsum, CO 81637.

Nature Tykes is a 60-minute program in both indoor and outdoor environments. It may include short periods of walking, sitting, standing, and optional running. The dirt trails are mostly flat but have some small hills. We will be exploring hands-on activities with groups of up to 12 children and their caregivers. If you call ahead, we can modify the program using a short wheelchair-accessible route. Please let us know if you require accommodations.
