Nature Discovery Center atop Vail Mountain

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 trained naturalists. During the winter season, Vail ski school students visit the Discovery Center as part of the ski school's SKE-Cology 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, Walking Mountains Science Center and the White River National Forest, and is operated by the Walking Mountains Science Center. Visit walkingmountains.org for more information.

At a Glance