Avon

Walking Mountains Nature Walks

Walking Mountains Science Center fills a singular role in Eagle County’s environmental education ecosystem. It’s been 25 years since now-Vail Mayor Kim Langmaid founded it as Gore Range Natural Science School (see “Walk of Life"), and its annual reach now exceeds 300,000 people. The nonprofit operates out of four valley locations: the flagship Tang Campus in Avon, the Vail Nature Center in Vail, the Nature Discovery Center at the top of the Eagle Bahn gondola on Vail Mountain, and debuting this summer, the new Sweetwater Campus on 224 acres in western Eagle County. You can hike big alpine routes with Walking Mountains guides or drop in with your 4-year-old for the weekly EarthKeepers Preschool Program in Avon, a nature-based tromp around the grounds with songs, stories, and play (Tuesdays and Fridays, 10–11:30 a.m., $5). The Evening Beaver Pond Tours in Vail (Mon/Wed/Fri, 7–8:45 p.m., $10) are wildly popular (but not in an always-sold-out way), while the Early Bird, Bird Walks in Avon (Mon/Wed/Sat, 9–10 a.m., Free) take advantage of the campus’s intentionally-bird-friendly landscape and species-specific feeders that draw in flocks of diversity. You can also connect to National Forest trails from the Tang Campus, including the Avon Overlook Trail (for the view) and the Buck Creek Trail (for the quiet). And the really intrepid can sign up to become a Pika Patroller and gather data about the rugged little rodents beating the odds above treeline. 

“Our whole goal is to make people stewards of their environments,” says Walking Mountains Marketing Manager Julie Kapala. “It’s not just: hike 3 miles. How can they learn more to care more? We’re trying to inspire a sense of wonder.” Find a schedule of events for all campuses at walkingmountains.org. 

Hike, Wine & Dine Fundraiser 

One of the valley’s most popular charity events, Vail Health’s Hike, Wine & Dine fundraiser on October 1 takes participants on a meandering 5-mile hike across Beaver Creek Mountain, through aspen groves, and on singletrack, pit-stopped along the way with tastings from area restaurants. It is typically held during fall-foliage season in Eagle County, which adds to the community feel. A lot of families bring multiple generations, and many walk in honor of lost loved ones. Celebrating its 15-year anniversary, this season’s event benefits Jack’s Place and Shaw Cancer Center’s Spirit of Survival program. vailhealthfoundation.org/hike-wine-dine