Visit Us
Walking Mountains Science Center offers natural science education programs for everyone. Whether you are a local looking for some family fun in nature or a visitor camping here in the Valley, check our website for updates on program offerings at locations throughout Eagle County, Colorado.
> Walking Mountains Science Center is open year-round with guided programs offered seasonally.
> We offer year-round programs at the Nature Discovery Center in partnership with Vail Resorts and the US Forest Service.
> Join a naturalist at the Vail Nature Center, with programs provided morning, noon and night.
> Or get your own group together and we’ll come meet you at a location in Eagle County — call us to find out more – (970) 827-9725
Explore our locations and programs
Avon Tang Campus
Physical: 318 Walking Mountains Lane
Mailing: PO Box 9469
Avon, CO 81620
Nature Discovery Center
Walking Mountains Yurt
Located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, Vail Mountain
Vail Nature Center
601 Vail Valley Drive
Vail, CO 81657
Avon Tang Campus
Less than a thousand yards from I-70, yet worlds away from the bustle of Avon, lies the beautiful Walking Mountains Science Center Avon Tang Campus. An innovative natural science learning campus for residents and visitors of the Eagle Valley (Vail Valley). The ten-acre site, which boasts a stream, wetlands, pond, aspen forest and National Forest access, was donated by Oscar Tang in 2007 to provide the valley with a special place for learning and discovery in the natural world.
For accessibility information click HERE. To request accommodations at any location, please call us at least 72 hours in advance of your visit or program at (970) 827-9725
Nature Discovery Center, Vail Mountain
Explore an array of natural history exhibits about local wildlife such as ravens, weasels, lynx, and black bears. Free Nature Hikes and Snowshoe Tours are also offered from the Nature Discovery Center.
The Nature Discovery Center located in a yurt and is accessed via the Eagle Bahn gondola out of Lionshead in Vail, adjacent to the Eagle’s Nest building. All ages welcome, free admission. All visitors must have a valid ski pass (in winter) or purchase a Scenic Ride Ticket (click here to see current pricing & purchase online) in order to ride the gondola to access the Nature Discovery Center. Pass fees are controlled by Vail Resorts and not associated with Walking Mountains. Please note that the Nature Discovery Center is not open if the gondola is not operating.
For accessibility information click HERE. To request accommodations at any location, please call us at least 72 hours in advance of your visit or program at (970) 827-9725
Vail Nature Center
A 1940s homestead perched between a mountain meadow and the forested bank of Gore Creek houses the Vail Nature Center. This seven-acre facility, in the heart of Vail, is a tranquil gem to explore the web of trails along Gore Creek or come inside to learn from the exhibits and knowledgeable staff. Programs include: hiking, beaver pond tours, wildflower viewing, campfire talks, and creekside nature tours. All ages, donations accepted. Skip driving and take the in-town bus to the Soccer Fields stop on Vail Valley Drive to visit.
For accessibility information click HERE. To request accommodations at any location, please call us at least 72 hours in advance of your visit or program at (970) 827-9725