Walking Mountains Science Center and the Vail Recreation District’s backcountry hiking program kicks off in early June and continues through the beginning of October. Join us as we travel the valley from Uneva Peak to Mount Thomas and everywhere in between. Full-day hikes are on Tuesdays and Friday and cost $80.00 or $75.00 for VRD taxpayers and half-day hikes take place on Saturdays and cost $55.00 or $50.00 for VRD taxpayers. Visit www.walkingmountains.org/hike for the full schedule and online registration.
Come for the winter, and stay for the summer is an adage common to the Eagle Valley and Vail area. What better way to supplement time biking on the mountain or fishing our world class waters than to hike? As the great philosopher Ed Abbey puts it, “There are some good things to be said about walking. Not many, but some. Walking takes longer, for example, than any other known form of locomotion except crawling. Thus it stretches time and prolongs life. Life is already too short to waste on speed. I have a friend who's always in a hurry; he never gets anywhere. Walking makes the world much bigger and thus more interesting. You have time to observe the details…To be everywhere at once is to be nowhere forever.”
Hikers are picked up at various locations throughout the valley and transported not only to trailheads, but to areas once famous for historic homesteading or mountain passes that have been traveled upon for centuries (see our trek to Holy Cross City or the Ute Trail). Hikers need only sturdy boots, water and snacks, and a sense of wonder to enjoy the trails in our area. In June, while the snow is still waist deep and access roads remain closed, we spend time in many of our own backyards, exploring the Squaw Creek drainage or traversing up Buck Creek (literally in Walking Mountains’ backyard). As the snow slowly makes its way down into the Colorado River we branch out and visit Machine Gun Ridge, providing 360 degree panoramas of where the famed 10th Mountain Division trained, or Notch Mountain, a strenuous yet accessible 13er.
“We are thrilled about our continuing partnership with the Vail Recreation District to provide locals and tourists alike with an opportunity to explore their curious nature on the breathtaking hiking trails in Eagle County. Hiking with one of our trained instructors opens your eyes to a new way to interpret the natural world that surrounds us.” Said Lara Carlson, Community Programs Director, Walking Mountains Science Center.
Hikes are led by instructors trained as Certified Interpretive Guides, Wilderness First Responders, and outdoor enthusiasts. Join us to make friends, get off the beaten path, and experience our wonderful natural environment in ways you will never forget. To quote the great philosopher again, “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.”
For the avid hikers, memberships are available for the The Vail Nature Center Hiking Club. In its 19th year of hiking throughout the Eagle Valley, the club offers members unlimited access to full and half-day hikes as well as additional perks such as a Colorado Search and Rescue membership card. Please contact Peter Suneson, Adult Programs Instructor, Walking Mountains Science Center, peters@walkingmountains.org, 970.827.9725x128 for more information.
Walking Mountains Science Center and Vail Recreation District operate under a special use permit from the White River National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider. All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
About Walking Mountains Science Center
Walking Mountains Science Center’s mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. Visit www.walkingmountains.org or call 970.827.9725 for more information.
About Vail Recreation District
The Vail Recreation District's mission is to offer diverse and exceptional recreation opportunities that enhance the physical, social and emotional well-being of all its residents and guests.
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