Located in an all-seasons yurt adjacent to the Eagles Nest gondola atop Vail Mountain, the Nature Discovery Center has provided the visiting public with meaningful access to the wonders of the natural world since opening its doors in 2000. The mountain top nature center is open during the winter and summer seasons and features an array of natural history exhibits and artifacts related to Vail Mountain life zones.

The Discovery Center also provides a variety of environmental education and interpretive programs led by GRNSS naturalists. During the winter season, Vail ski school students visit the Discovery Center as part of the ski school's SKE-Cology^tm program, which educates youth about mountain safety and mountain ecology. In winter and summer naturalists lead snowshoe tours and nature hikes that explore the subalpine habitat atop Vail Mountain. Naturalists also assist walk-in visitors and provide environmental education programs to Eagle County youth.

The Nature Discovery Center is a partnership between Vail Resorts, Gore Range Natural Science School and the White River National Forest.

 

Vail Mountain is home to the region’s highest nature center. Located in an all-seasons yurt adjacent the Eagles Nest Gondola, the Nature Discovery Center features life zone displays, an impressive scat drawer, and a relief map of Colorado’s central Rockies. GRNSS’ team of Naturalists will help expand your understanding and appreciation of the region’s montane, subalpine and alpine life zones. The NDC is a must-see for all Vail visitors and residents alike – especially youth participating in the Eagle Explorers Junior Naturalist program.

CENTER HOURS	Daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
SEASON	June 27 to September 1
COST	Free to all
LOCATION	Adjacent Eagle Bahn Gondola atop Vail Mountain
PHONE	970-754-4675

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Day	Program Title	Location & Time
Daily	Morning Nature Discovery Hike	Nature Discovery Center, 11 am - Noon
Daily	Afternoon Nature Discovery Hike	Nature Discovery Center, 2 pm - 3 pm

See more programs under Summer All Ages Programs Descriptions.

 

Vail Mountain is home to the region’s highest nature center. Located in an all-seasons yurt adjacent the Eagles Nest Gondola, the Nature Discovery Center features life zone displays, an impressive scat drawer, and a relief map of Colorado’s central Rockies. The Science School's team of winter naturalists will help expand your understanding and appreciation of the region’s montane, subalpine and alpine life zones. The NDC is a must-see for all Vail visitors and residents alike!

COMING SOON: In 2008, the Nature Discovery will feature new animal exhibits. Stay tuned for information on our grand opening celebration!

CENTER HOURS	Tues - Sat, from 10 am – 6 pm; Sun & Mon, from 10 am - 4 pm
SEASON	December 15 to April 12
COST	Free to all
LOCATION	Adjacent Eagles Nest Gondola atop Vail Mountain
PHONE	970-754-4675

 

Program Descriptions
Day	Time	Program Title	Location
Daily	11 am	Morning Discovery Snowshoe Tour	Nature Discovery Center
Daily	3 pm	Afternoon Discovery Snowshoe Tour	Nature Discovery Center
Thur & Sat	6 pm	Nature at Night	Adventure Ridge Fire Pit
Full moon	7:30 to 9pm	Moonlight Snowshoe Tour	Nature Discovery Center
Fridays	1 - 3 pm	Winter Wanderings	Minturn Visitor Center

See more programs under Winter All Ages Programs Descriptions.

 

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The cornerstone of GRNSS’ community outreach is the Nature Discovery Center, a partnership between Vail Resorts, the US Forest Service and GRNSS, the Nature Discovery Center. Located in an all-seasons yurt atop Vail Mountain, the Discovery Center has provided residents and the visiting public with meaningful access to the wonders of the natural world through guided tours and exploratory learning since 2000.

The contributions of, and benefits to, each Nature Discovery Center partner vary. Gore Range Natural Science School staffs the NDC, develops all interpretive and environmental education programming, acquires exhibits and artifacts, and is responsible for marketing NDC programs. Financial and in-kind support from Vail Resorts and U.S. Forest Service enables GRNSS to hire a staff of six summer and four winter interns who provide all environmental education and guided nature hikes at the NDC and other Eagle County sites.

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Nature Discovery Center
970-754-4675

Contact
Ann Stevenson, Community Programs Director

The Nature Discovery Center is located adjacent the Eagles Nest Gondola atop Vail Mountain.

Via the gondola: Go left after exiting the gondola building toward Adventure Ridge. The Nature Discovery Center is on the left after the gondola building.

Via foot: In summer, you can access Eagles Nest directly via Berry Picker trail. For other options, view the Vail summer map

Via bike: Service roads and single track both access Eagles Nest and the Nature Discovery Center in summer. Consult the Vail summer map to scout your preferred route.

The Nature Discovery Center is open during the mountain’s winter and summer seasons. Check summer and winter schedules for daily hours of operation.

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