Low-Environmental-Impact Trip in the Vail Valley

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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.

Insider's Tip
Get that Green Feeling

Most of the activities mentioned below are Actively Green certified.

Day
1
colorado rocky mountain brown trout photo
Activity
Vail Valley Anglers
Perched on the banks of the Eagle River, one of Colorado’s last freestone rivers, our shop offers unrivaled access to the best fly fishing in the…
Lunch
Bully Ranch Restaurant
Eatery doling out Southwestern & American food in a casual dining room with Western decor.
Activity
Nature Walk Atop Vail Mountain hosted by Walking Mountains Science Center

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

Dinner
The Dusty Boot Steakhouse & Saloon-Beaver Creek
The best little steakhouse & saloon in the great state of Colorado!
Activity
Vilar Performing Arts Center Beaver Creek
Year-round theater with many seats presenting musicals, concerts, comedy shows & other events.
Lodging
Poste Montane Lodge
Recently remodeled hotel features king-sized beds, flat screen TVs, DVD players, free WiFi, mini-refrigerators, daily breakfast, hot tub,…
Day
2
Breakfast
Harvest Vail
Rustic-chic spot for farm-to-table New American dining, with a patio & pantry for snacks to go.
Activity
Morning Birdwalk at Walking Mountains Science Center

Discover and learn about a breathtaking variety of local birds on a morning walk through the meadows and woods along Gore Creek.

Lunch
Loaded Joe's
Cozy, casual venue with coffee & sandwiches during the day & beer, wine & music at night.
Activity
Vail Public Library Central Library
The Vail Public Library not only offers over 52,000 volumes of fiction & non-fiction, it also offers a fireplace lounge for sitting and relaxing.
Dinner
Game Creek Restaurant
Game Creek Restaurant offers a delectable, five-star, distinctive American cuisine
Activity
Evening Nature Hike Hosted by Walking Mountains Science Center on Vail Mountain

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

Lodging
Antlers at Vail
The Antlers at Vail residences enjoy a fantastic location on Gore Creek, only 150 yards from Vail's ski lifts, gondola, shopping and dining. A…
Day
3
Breakfast
Flame Restaurant
Framed by dramatic vaulted beamed ceilings inspired by nearby Vail Mountain, Flame restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Vail celebrates the iconic…
Activity
Vail Nature Center
The Vail Nature Center is a free admission learning center and boasts an idyllic system of trails nestled between a mountain meadow and the…
Lunch
Vail Farmers' Market & Art Show
The event started with a few tents and now has grown to over 135 tents for 16 Sundays of the summer. We have entertainment for everyone and bring…
Activity
Colorado Snowsports Museum
From the men who carried provisions to snow-locked mining camps, to the hottest names in today's ski racing scene, the Vail-based Colorado…
Dinner
Sweet Basil
Sweet Basil is a creative, modern American restaurant located in the heart of the Vail Village, voted Colorado's Most Popular Restaurant by the…
Activity
Vail Wildflower Walks

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

Lodging
Sonnenalp Resort of Vail
Authentic European feel with hand-made Bavarian furniture, antiques & art work. Rooms are primarily suites with a fireplace, huge bathrooms & heated…
Day
4
Breakfast
Ludwig's Restaurant
Elegant, upscale restaurant at the Sonnenalp Hotel offering gluten-free European fare & breakfast.
Activity
Earthkeepers Pre-K Program at Walking Mountains Science Center

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.

Lunch
The Little Diner
Breakfast classics from morning-to-afternoon, plus hearty lunches in snug digs with counter dining.
Activity
Shopping in Vail Village

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

Dinner
The Fitz Bar & Restaurant
Our Vail Village restaurant is known for its approachable menu of 'comfort food, elevated', creative cocktails and local Colorado drafts. The Fitz…
Activity
Root & Flower
A wine bar in Vail, Colorado with over 50 by the glass pours of wine, an extensive bottle selection, craft classic cocktails and and ever changing…
Lodging
Manor Vail Lodge
This Vail Village resort and hotel features a peaceful yet convenient location, and offers a variety of accommodations to meet your needs. With…
Day
5
Breakfast
Grab a Crepe in the Cafe at the Bookworm

Do some book-browsing while you savor the morning (and the crepe!).

Activity
Backcountry Family Hike Hosted by Walking Mountains Science Center

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!

Lunch
The Little Diner
Breakfast classics from morning-to-afternoon, plus hearty lunches in snug digs with counter dining.
Activity
Bloom Spa
Bloom Spa is a luxury spa located at The Sebastian – Vail where guests nurture mind, body and soul with luxurious custom treatments.
Dinner
Up the Creek Bar & Grill
Welcome to our delightful creekside restaurant overlooking the beautiful Vail scenery. We offer a selection of reasonably priced appetizers,…
Activity
Art in Vail
Let us take you on a virtual journey through Vail's wide variety of inspirational public art...
Lodging
The Sebastian - Vail
The Sebastian – Vail, A Timbers Resort,  is a Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast…
Day
6
Breakfast
Leonara Restaurant
Inspired Dining at Leonora. Set in the heart of Vail Village, just off the pedestrian corridor, Leonora offers an inviting dining experience inspired…
Activity
Think Like a Trout Program With Walking Mountains Science Center

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!

Lunch
Smiling Moose Rocky Mountain Deli
Deli chain offering specialty & build-your-own sandwiches, plus salads, wraps & breakfast burritos.
Activity
Pulling Together Program at the Vail Nature Center

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.

Dinner
La Tour Restaurant
Welcome to La Tour Restaurant in the heart of Vail. Chef-owner Paul Ferzacca is committed to providing you with the best in everything. Honored…
Activity
Stories in the Sky Evening Nature Program at Vail Nature Center

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.

Lodging
Eagle Point Resort
Enjoy your escape to the heart of the Rocky Mountains at Eagle Point Resort. The 54-unit resort features 1- and 2-bedroom condominium units with…
Day
7
Breakfast
Vintage in Vail
Vintage is a romantic Brasserie-style wine lounge located in Vail Village. Also, now serving the best breakfast in Vail and dinner four nights a week.
Activity
Full-Day Backcountry Hike with Walking Mountains Science Center

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!

Insider's Tip
Pick Up Lunch for the Hike

Pick up lunch at the Big Bear Bistro before heading on the all-day hike.

Dinner
Mountain Standard
Stylish, upmarket gastropub offering New American fare, beers, bourbons & more in a woody space.
Activity
10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company
The 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company is Vail, Colorado's premier distillery, crafting spirits from locally sourced ingredients in the name…
Insider's Tip
Check Out Breweries in the Area

A handful of breweries await your visit. Learn More

Lodging
The Bunkhouse
Welcome to The Bunkhouse. Rates starting at $71.99 per night including a beer and wine bar. Affordable, community lodging accommodations for…