The campus is built on a 5-acre site specifically designed to be a living laboratory for sustainable building practices.
The Bighorn Creek and Buck Creek merge on the property, providing a natural classroom for aquatic ecosystem studies.
The main campus achieved LEED Platinum certification, the highest level awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Walking Mountains manages the Vail Nature Center, a historic site that includes a restored 1930s-era homestead.
The organization provides professional development for teachers through their Science Literacy initiative.
Walking Mountains is a science center and environmental education campus located in Avon, Colorado, featuring the LEED Platinum-certified Buck Creek campus. The facility focuses on natural science education through interactive exhibits, interpretive nature trails, and professional research programs. It serves as a hub for regional sustainability initiatives and climate science literacy in the Vail Valley. Visitors can explore local alpine ecosystems through a series of trails that transition through wetlands and aspen groves. The center operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching both children and adults about the interconnectedness of mountain habitats. Its building architecture incorporates sustainable design features, including solar panels and high-efficiency insulation, which are often highlighted during site tours.
The elevated boardwalks overlooking the wetland areas, especially during the golden hour for optimal lighting.
Check the event calendar for guided nature walks, which offer deeper insights than self-guided exploration.
Wear sturdy footwear suitable for uneven, unpaved nature trails that vary in incline.
Bring a reusable water bottle to fill at the station, as the high-altitude climate causes rapid dehydration.
Attempting to hike the steeper trails without appropriate hiking shoes or adequate water supplies.
The campus trails are open daily, but indoor educational facilities may have restricted access on major holidays or weekends.
Practice Leave No Trace principles; remain on marked trails to protect fragile alpine vegetation and local wildlife habitats.
