Less than a thousand yards from I-70, yet worlds away from the bustle of Avon, lies the beautiful Walking Mountains Science Center.  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.

Walking Mountains Science Center Hours

Summer Hours (June 5 - September 3): Daily | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Winter Hours: Monday-Saturday | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

318 Walking Mountains Lane, Avon CO, 81620

1) Take I-70 exit 167 to Nottingham Road & head west

2) Take your second right onto Buck Creek Road

3) Then an immediate right onto Walking Mountains Lane

Summer 2018 Programs

Nature Walk | Daily 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join a Naturalist for a gentle educational hike through aspen and riparian communities. Learn about the ecology and animal adaptations of this mountain environment. All ages, FREE. Click to learn more! 

Early Bird, Bird Walk | Mondays & Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

June 11 - August 8

Explore meadows, forests, and riparian areas in search of our many resident birds. Learn about birding, bird identification, and habitats important to our avian friends. Some binoculars are available or bring your own. All ages, $5/person. Click to learn more!

Nature Tykes | Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

June 14 - October 25

Help your child develop sensory awareness and comfort in the outdoors from an early age. Learn ways to introduce children to the natural world and nurture their sense of wonder as you explore the woods, meadows, and wildflowers. Children 6 months through 35 months with an adult, $5/child. Click to learn more!

EarthKeepers Preschool Program | Mondays & Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

June 11 - October 26

With the help of an adult, each child will explore the natural world and have fun with others while participating in activities such as songs, stories, and games. Topics change weekly. See website for details. Underwritten by Alan-Bradley Windows & Doors®. Children 3 to 5 years with an adult, $10/child-adult pair, $5/additional child. Click to learn more!

Science Behind Series | Thursdays 6:30 p.m.

Have you ever wondered how something works or how it was made? In the monthly Science Behind series for adults, we partner with guest presenters to explore the science behind factors in our everyday lives. Classes are free or low cost to attend. Space is limited! Click to learn more!

•     July 19 – Chamber Music with Bravo!
•             August 23 – Wildlife Biology
•             September 13 – Permaculture
•             October 11 – Wine Tasting

Backcountry Hikes

June - October

Join Certified Interpretive Guides on treks to some of the most beautiful destinations in the Vail area! Our expertise and local knowledge enable us to provide learning experiences on public lands like no other guide service can offer! Trail descriptions, pictures, and a full schedule of destinations are available on our website. Click to learn more!

Full-Day Backcountry Hikes 

June 5 - August 31 | Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays
September 4 - October 30 | Tuesdays & Fridays
Ages 16+; $80 or $75 for VRD taxpayers 

Family Hikes

June 7 - August 25 | Thursdays & Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Family hikes are at a more casual pace and are fun for the whole family! Ages 8+, $30 or $25 for VRD taxpayers.

Fall Color Family Hikes

September 5 - 27 | Wednesdays & Thursdays | 9 a.m. - 1  p.m.
October 3 - 31 | Wednesdays | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Observe the rainbow of changing trees throughout the fall season. Ages 8+, $30 or $25 for VRD taxpayers.