Natural science education, summer camps, hiking, snowshoe tours and things to do in the Eagle River Valley and Vail, Colorado.

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Fresh Off the Trail: Monkshood Wildflower Sighting

Posted by Walking Mountains on Aug 3, 2017 1:52:54 PM

Located in wet environments from the Front Range to the sub-alpine are the deep purple blooms of the monkshood wildflower (Aconitum Columbianum). These unique blooms are regularly mistaken for..

Topics: Wildflower Update, Fresh Off The Trail

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Fresh Off the Trail: Sky Pilot Wildflower Sighting

Posted by Walking Mountains Science Center on Jul 27, 2017 11:06:39 AM

Soaring above tree line and lining alpine ridges are the beautiful purple blooms of the Sky Pilot, Polemonium viscosum. You may smell it before you see it and the skunky funk is the reason this..

Topics: Wildflower Update, Fresh Off The Trail

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Fresh Off the Trail: Mariposa Lily Sighting

Posted by Walking Mountains Science Center on Jul 13, 2017 12:43:13 PM

There are many varieties of mariposa lily found in the Rocky Mountains but all are members of the Calochortus genus. In Greek, Kalos means beautiful and Chortos, means grass and thus, the mariposa..

Topics: Wildflower Update, Fresh Off The Trail

Fresh Off the Trail: Stonecrop Wildflower Sighting

Posted by Walking Mountains Science Center on Jun 29, 2017 3:37:44 PM

Look for this yellow succulent growing among the granite boulders on Cross Creek or Bighorn Creek. Stonecrop is a variety of sedum, and was first described in the Pike Peak area by John Torrey in..

Topics: Wildflower Update, Fresh Off The Trail

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Fresh off the Trail: Fairy Slipper Wildflower Sighting

Posted by Walking Mountains Science Center on Jun 15, 2017 4:48:05 AM

Welcome to the first installment of Walking Mountains Science Center’s Blooming Blog! Check back throughout the season to find out what is blooming where and what elevation and trails have the most..

Topics: Wildflower Update, Fresh Off The Trail

Wildflowers in Colorado and Vail on Shrine Mountain

Wildflowers on Shrine Mountain

Posted by Walking Mountains on Jun 27, 2012 2:37:38 AM

Beautiful moment captured by Walking Mountains Naturalist Theresa O'Halloran.

Topics: Curious Nature, Wildflower Update

The First Signs of Spring in Vail, CO!

Posted by Walking Mountains Science Center on May 15, 2011 2:47:00 PM

Finally the snow and rain has given us a break! This past weekend was more “springy” with temperate weather and those famous Colorado blue skies. I grabbed the opportunity to take a hike with the..

Topics: Wildflower Update, Fresh Off The Trail