The Nature Discovery Center is located adjacent Adventure Ridge on Vail Mountain just east of the gondola. Guided, one-hour summer nature hikes leave daily at 11 am and 2 pm, and run June 22 through September 3, and do not require reservations. Programs are offered complimentary of Vail Resorts, the United States Forest Service and Gore Range Natural Science School.
Call the Discovery Center at 970-754-4675 for more details.
Guided Nature Discovery Walk
Offered Daily
Time: 11 am - noon; 2 pm - 3 pm
Join Gore Range Natural Science School on a morning or afternoon nature walk and discover how plants and animals adapt to the high elevation environment as you identify signs of life on Vail Mountain.
Nature Hikes from US Forest Service Trailheads
Gore Range Natural Science School partners with the White River National Forest to present a variety of community programs on public lands. Meet naturalists at the designated trailhead and be prepared for hiking in the Rockies : wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring your own snacks and water. Call the Nature Discovery Center at (970) 479-4675, or the USFS Visitor Center in Minturn at (970) 827-5715 for exact trailhead and meeting locations.
Guided Hike on Meadow Mountain
Days: Fridays
Time: 10 am - noon
Location: Meadown Mountain Trail. Meet at the Minturn Forest Service Visitor Center on Hwy 24 at the Minturn Exit off I-70.
Hike the popular Meadow Mountain Trail with a Science School naturalist and learn about Rocky Mountain ecology.
Evenings at Gore Creek
Days: Saturday
Time: 7 pm – 8 pm
Location: Gore Creek Campground Amphitheater
What makes the Rocky Mountains special? How about a clear night of dazzling stars, fascinating tales from mining history, or a glimpse into the lives of bear or moose? Weekly program topics vary so be sure to check out the campground bulletin board for details.
Evenings at Yeoman Park
Days: Saturday
Time: 7 pm - 8 pm
Location: Yeoman Park Campground Amphitheater
What makes the Rocky Mountains special? How about a clear night of dazzling stars, fascinating tales from mining history, or a glimpse into the lives of bear or moose? Weekly program topics vary so be sure to check out the campground bulletin board for details.
The Vail Nature Center
The Vail Recreation District partners with GRNSS to provide programming at the Vail Nature Center adjacent to Ford Park and Gore Creek. Programs run from late June to the beginning of September and cost a nominal fee charged by the Vail Recreation District. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and registration is required for evening programs. Call the Vail Nature Center at 476-2291 for reservations and program fee information.
Wildflower Walk
Days: M, W & F; June 23 through August 15
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 am, $3/person or $2/Vail tax payers
Wildflowers abound in the summer high country of Colorado. From April to October there is a succession of color at the Nature Center. Join us for a leisurely walk to learn about the flowers that carpet our mountain floors and about the places and conditions they need to thrive.
Morning Bird Walk
Days: T, & Th; June 24 through August 28
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 am, $3/person or $2/Vail tax payers
Birds love the Nature Center and so do people who love birds! On our morning walks we are likely to see Warblers, Western Tanagers, Grosbeaks, Dippers and a host of others. Come to amble along the streamside of Gore Creek and find a great variety of birds.
Evening Beaver Pond Tour
Days: Mondays, June 30 through August 25 & Thursdays, June 26 through August 28
Time: 6:30 pm – Dark $5 child/$10 adult/$30 family
Beavers are one of the animals that define the Rocky Mountains , and there is a healthy population right here in Vail! Join us at dusk to learn about and look for these amazing animal architects.
Bright Stars and Flaming Marshmallows
Days: Tuesdays, July 1 - August 26
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm $5 child/$10 adult/$30 family
Stars overhead, a warm campfire, exciting stories of woodland adventure and the sweet smell of burning marshmallows fill this family program at the Nature Center ! We’ll take a short walk along the trails to look for owls and other night creatures and then return to the campfire to make s'mores and tell stories. It’s sure to be a fun evening for the entire family.
Family Fun Night
Days: Wednesdays, July 2 – August 13
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm Bring the whole family to meet a series of special guests who will teach us about our natural world. This is your chance for an up-close and personal encounter with live animals, outdoor professionals and other colorful characters.
Eagle Explorers Junior Naturalist Program
The Eagle Explorers Junior Naturalist program is a fun and engaging opportunity for kids ages 6 and up to get to know the Eagle River watershed. Spend a day, week, month or year becoming an official Eagle Explorer by picking up your Eagle Explorer Booklet at any of the program locations listed below. To earn your title and cool Eagle Explorer patch, simply complete the Eagle Explorer Booklet, attend two of the several programs offered weekly by Eagle Explorer partners, and return the completed booklet to any program location during regular business hours. The Eagle Explorers Junior Naturalist Program is a joint venture of Gore Range Natural Science School, the Vail Recreation District, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Colorado Ski Museum and the White River National Forest. Pick-up or return the Eagle Explorer Booklet at:
The Nature Discovery Center. Open daily, 10 am – 4:00 pm; Adjacent Eagle Bahn Gondola atop Vail Mountain.
The Vail Nature Center. Open daily, 9 am – 5 pm; Adjacent Ford Park and Gore Creek in Vail.
The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Schoolhouse Gift Shop. Open daily, 10 am – 4 pm; Adjacent Ford Park in Vail.
Holy Cross Ranger District Visitor Center. Open M-Fri, 8 am – 5pm; On Hwy 24 south of I-70, Minturn exit.
Colorado Ski Museum . Open T-Sun, 10 am – 5 pm; Located below Vail Transportation Center.
