Get out and explore the grand alpine landscapes in Vail, Avon and Edwards with Walking Mountain Science Center, with guided activities ranging from nature walks and backcountry hikes to family outings, bedtime-story walks and science camps.
Most of the activities mentioned below are Actively Green certified.
Join a trained Certified Interpretive Guide and Wilderness First Responder to discover some of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the Vail area that are only accessible via your two feet! Photo courtesy Vail Resorts
Discover and learn about a breathtaking variety of local birds on a morning walk through the meadows and woods along Gore Creek.
Enjoy an evening hike on Vail Mountain as the sun starts to set and wildlife become more active. Learn about the habits of the crepuscular and nocturnal animals who make the mountains their home. Take in beautiful mountain views of the Gore and Sawatch Ranges at dusk. Photo courtesy Vail Resorts/Sean Boggs
Join Vail Nature Center staff on a leisurely one-hour stroll to learn about the brilliant blooms and native flowers that adorn the local landscape. Photo courtesy Vail Resorts
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. Come prepared for indoor and outdoor winter activities such as songs, stories, games and outdoor play. Please bring water and a small snack for your child.
Vail hosts hundreds of shops, selling everything from high-end jewelry and fine art to ski boots and cowboy hats. Located in the shadow of the Gore Range, Vail has a distinctly alpine feel. A free bus traverses the pedestrian area for those who are weighted down by shopping bags. Photo courtesy Town of Vail
Do some book-browsing while you savor the morning (and the crepe!).
Join a trained Certified Interpretive Guide and Wilderness First Responder to discover some of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the Vail area that are only accessible via your two feet! Walking Mountains Science Center and the Vail Recreation District operate under special permits from the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management that allow us to experience and learn from public lands like few other Vail hiking guide services can offer!
This unique fly fishing program is comprised of education about stream ecology and entomology (study of insects), as well as the basic skills of fly fishing. Most importantly, it’s about having fun on the water!
Each week we will introduce an outdoor volunteer project and why it is important to our ecological community. Then we will pull together as a group to remove invasive plant species, plant native vegetation, clean up litter, and build or improve local hiking trails.
From endless constellations, cascading shooting stars and full moons almost as bright as the sun, these are the realities in the mountains of Vail that should be experienced by all. Learn the constellation myths from different cultures and how to locate them in the sky.
Join a trained Certified Interpretive Guide and Wilderness First Responder to discover some of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the Vail area that are only accessible via your two feet! Walking Mountains Science Center and the Vail Recreation District operate under special permits from the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management that allow us to experience and learn from public lands like few other Vail hiking guide services can offer!
Pick up lunch at the Big Bear Bistro before heading on the all-day hike.
A handful of breweries await your visit. Learn More >>
