Epic Discovery at Vail Mountain
When people think of Vail Mountain, they usually imagine deep powder, world-famous ski runs, and unforgettable winter vacations. But once the snow melts, the mountain transforms into one of Colorado’s most exciting summer playgrounds, offering an entirely different way to experience the Rockies. Instead of skis and snowboards, visitors arrive carrying cameras, hiking shoes, and a sense of adventure. Towering evergreen forests replace snowy slopes, colorful wildflowers blanket the mountainsides, and panoramic views stretch for miles in every direction. At the center of all this summer excitement is Epic Discovery, an outdoor adventure park that combines thrilling attractions, educational experiences, scenic gondola rides, and family-friendly activities at more than 10,000 feet above sea level.
Unlike a traditional amusement park, Epic Discovery blends outdoor recreation with the natural beauty of the White River National Forest. Every attraction is designed to help visitors enjoy the mountain while appreciating the surrounding environment. Whether you’re traveling with young children, teenagers, grandparents, or a group of friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Some visitors spend the day racing down the mountain on an alpine coaster, while others prefer leisurely walks through alpine trails or simply relaxing with lunch while taking in breathtaking views of the Gore Range. The flexibility of Epic Discovery is one of its greatest strengths—you can create a day that’s as adventurous or as relaxing as you want.
Another advantage is its location. Situated at Eagle’s Nest on Vail Mountain, Epic Discovery is easily accessible via the Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lionshead Village. The scenic ride itself is an attraction, lifting guests high above forests and ski runs while revealing spectacular views that many visitors consider one of the highlights of their vacation. Access to Epic Discovery is reached via the Eagle Bahn Gondola, and visitors typically choose either a scenic gondola ticket or an Adventure Pass depending on the activities they plan to enjoy.
If you’re planning a summer trip to Vail, spending at least one day at Epic Discovery should be near the top of your itinerary.
What Is Epic Discovery?
Epic Discovery is Vail Mountain’s signature summer adventure experience, transforming one of North America’s most famous ski resorts into an outdoor destination filled with activities designed for visitors of all ages. Rather than replacing the natural mountain environment, Epic Discovery was created to encourage guests to experience it in new ways. Attractions are carefully integrated into the landscape, allowing visitors to enjoy the excitement of mountain adventures while remaining surrounded by Colorado’s incredible scenery.
Families appreciate the variety of activities because everyone can participate at their own comfort level. Children may spend hours climbing, tubing, or playing interactive games, while adults enjoy scenic chairlift rides, photography, hiking, or simply relaxing with mountain views.
The experience also changes throughout the day. Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and quieter attractions, midday brings the liveliest atmosphere, and afternoons provide spectacular lighting for photography as the sun begins dropping behind the Gore Range.
Where Is Epic Discovery Located?
Epic Discovery is located at Eagle’s Nest, near the top of Vail Mountain, above Lionshead Village.
Most visitors begin their adventure by boarding the Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19), which transports guests from Lionshead to the mountaintop in just a few minutes.
Visitor Information
Location: Eagle’s Nest, Vail Mountain
Base Area: Lionshead Village
Access: Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19)
Approximate Elevation: 10,350 feet
Summer Season: Typically June through early September (weather dependent)
Recommended Visit Length: Half day to full day
Ideal For:
- Families
- Couples
- Multi-generational groups
- Adventure travelers
- Summer visitors
Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster
One of the most popular attractions at Epic Discovery is the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, an exciting alpine coaster that twists and turns through the forest while offering incredible mountain scenery. Unlike a traditional roller coaster, each rider controls their own speed using hand brakes, making the experience suitable for both thrill-seekers and guests who prefer a slower, more scenic ride.
As you descend more than 3,400 feet through dense evergreen forests, you’ll navigate sweeping curves, gentle drops, and elevated sections that provide spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The ride combines the excitement of a coaster with the freedom to choose your own pace.
Many families ride multiple times throughout the day because every trip feels slightly different depending on how quickly—or slowly—you decide to travel.
Attraction Information
Attraction: Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster
Location: Eagle’s Nest
Ride Length: Approximately 3,400 feet
Ride Type: Alpine Mountain Coaster
Best For:
- Families
- Teenagers
- Couples
- First-time visitors
Height Restrictions: Apply (check current requirements before visiting)
Eagle’s Nest Tubing
Who says tubing is only for winter?
At more than 10,000 feet above sea level, Eagle’s Nest Tubing offers a unique summer experience where guests slide down specially designed synthetic tubing lanes while enjoying panoramic mountain views. The activity combines just the right amount of excitement with accessibility, making it one of the best attractions for families with children. Because multiple lanes operate simultaneously, parents and kids can race one another to the bottom before riding the convenient conveyor lift back to the top for another run. Summer tubing is one of the signature attractions included with the Adventure Pass.
Unlike snow tubing, the specially designed surface allows the attraction to operate during the warmer months while maintaining a fun, fast-paced experience.
Attraction Information
Location: Eagle’s Nest
Ride Type: Summer Tubing
Suitable For: Families and Children
Surface: Synthetic Tubing Lanes
Ride Duration: Multiple Runs Available
Best Time: Morning or Late Afternoon
Scenic Gondola Ride
Even visitors who aren’t interested in adventure activities often purchase a gondola ticket simply to experience one of the most beautiful panoramic rides in Colorado. The Eagle Bahn Gondola gently carries passengers from Lionshead Village to Eagle’s Nest, climbing thousands of feet above the valley floor while offering spectacular views of forests, ski runs, mountain peaks, and the surrounding Gore Range.
Photography enthusiasts should keep cameras ready throughout the ride. During summer, the landscape is covered with lush green forests and colorful alpine wildflowers, while early autumn transforms the mountains into a sea of brilliant golden aspens.
For many visitors, the gondola ride becomes one of the most memorable parts of their Vail vacation.
Gondola Information
Departure Location: Lionshead Village
Arrival: Eagle’s Nest
Ride Time: Approximately 10–12 minutes
Best For:
- Sightseeing
- Photography
- Families
- Seniors
- Visitors not participating in adventure activities
Adventure Pass: Is It Worth It?
One of the first questions visitors ask is whether purchasing an Adventure Pass is worthwhile.
The answer depends on how many attractions you plan to enjoy during the day. If you’re only interested in taking the scenic gondola ride and walking around Eagle’s Nest, a sightseeing ticket may be enough. However, families and visitors planning to spend several hours exploring the mountain usually find that the Adventure Pass provides much better value. Depending on the season, the pass typically includes access to multiple attractions, allowing guests to move freely between activities without purchasing individual tickets throughout the day.
Because offerings occasionally change from year to year, it’s always a good idea to review the current attractions before your visit.
Many families arrive early in the morning and remain until late afternoon, taking full advantage of everything the mountain has to offer.
Adventure Ridge: The Heart of Summer Fun
After stepping off the Eagle Bahn Gondola, visitors quickly discover that Adventure Ridge serves as the center of Epic Discovery.
This lively area brings together many of the mountain’s most popular attractions within walking distance of one another, making it easy for families to spend an entire day without constantly moving across the resort. Children are immediately drawn toward the climbing structures and interactive games, while adults often begin by taking photographs of the surrounding Gore Range before deciding which adventure comes next. Restaurants, shaded seating areas, restrooms, and spectacular viewpoints are conveniently located nearby, allowing families to take breaks throughout the day without leaving the mountain.
Because everything is organized in one central location, Adventure Ridge feels easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.
Bungee Trampoline
For children—and many adventurous adults—the Bungee Trampoline is often one of the highlights of Epic Discovery.
Unlike a traditional trampoline, participants are safely secured in a climbing harness attached to elastic cords that allow them to jump significantly higher while performing flips, spins, and aerial maneuvers under professional supervision. Many children who have never attempted gymnastics enjoy trying controlled backflips for the very first time.
Parents appreciate the combination of excitement and safety, while photographers often capture some of the day’s best family memories here.
Attraction Information
Activity: Bungee Trampoline
Location: Adventure Ridge
Recommended Ages: Children, Teens, and Adults
Skill Level: Beginner
Supervision: Professional staff on site
Perfect For
- Families
- First-time visitors
- Children
- Teenagers
Climbing Walls
Rock climbing has always been an important part of Colorado’s outdoor culture, and Epic Discovery introduces visitors to the sport through professionally designed climbing walls suitable for a wide range of abilities. Instead of natural cliffs, these artificial climbing structures allow beginners to experience the excitement of climbing in a controlled environment with trained staff overseeing every ascent. Multiple climbing routes provide different difficulty levels, encouraging children and adults to challenge themselves while building confidence.
For many families, these climbing walls become an excellent introduction before exploring outdoor climbing opportunities elsewhere in the Vail Valley.
Activity Information
Location: Adventure Ridge
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Equipment: Provided
Staff Assistance: Yes
Suitable For
- Children
- Families
- Beginners
Mini Golf
Not every attraction at Epic Discovery is designed around adrenaline.
Mini golf provides a relaxing activity where grandparents, parents, teenagers, and younger children can enjoy friendly competition together. Beautiful mountain scenery surrounds the course, making it much more than a typical miniature golf experience. Because no previous experience is required, it’s one of the easiest activities for multi-generational families looking to spend quality time together.
Many visitors choose mini golf after lunch or while taking a break between more physically demanding attractions.
Attraction Information
Activity: Mini Golf
Difficulty: Easy
Recommended Age: All Ages
Average Playing Time: 30–45 minutes
Family Friendly: Excellent
Nature Discovery Trails
While Epic Discovery offers plenty of exciting attractions, one of its greatest strengths is the opportunity to experience Colorado’s natural environment. Several walking trails begin near Eagle’s Nest, allowing visitors to leave the busiest areas behind and enjoy peaceful hikes through alpine forests and open meadows.
Interpretive signs along portions of these trails introduce guests to the area’s wildlife, geology, wildflowers, and mountain ecosystems. Children often enjoy turning these walks into scavenger hunts by searching for birds, butterflies, squirrels, marmots, or colorful alpine flowers.
These easy trails also provide excellent opportunities for photography without requiring long or difficult hikes.
Trail Information
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Best Season: June through September
Perfect For
- Families
- Nature Lovers
- Wildlife Watching
- Photography
Dining at Eagle’s Nest
After several hours exploring Epic Discovery, most visitors are ready for a relaxing lunch with mountain views.
Fortunately, Eagle’s Nest offers several dining options where guests can enjoy everything from quick snacks to full meals without leaving the mountain. Outdoor patios provide spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, making lunchtime an experience in itself.
Many restaurants feature Colorado-inspired cuisine alongside familiar family favorites, ensuring everyone finds something they’ll enjoy.
During the busiest summer weekends, arriving slightly before or after traditional lunch hours often reduces waiting times.
What Should You Bring?
Although Epic Discovery is suitable for almost every visitor, spending the day comfortably requires a little preparation.
Because temperatures change throughout the day, dressing in layers is strongly recommended.
A small backpack should include:
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Light jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat
- Camera
- Portable phone charger
- Snacks for children
Colorado’s high elevation means sunlight is much stronger than many visitors expect, even on cloudy days.
Applying sunscreen several times throughout the day helps prevent sunburn while allowing everyone to continue enjoying the mountain.
Tips for Families Visiting Epic Discovery
Families often ask how to get the most out of their visit.
One of the simplest recommendations is to arrive early. Morning temperatures are cooler, attractions are generally less crowded, and afternoon thunderstorms—which occasionally develop during the summer—are less likely to interrupt outdoor activities.
Parents traveling with younger children should alternate between active attractions and quieter experiences such as mini golf, scenic walks, or the gondola ride.
This helps children maintain their energy throughout the day while reducing the likelihood of becoming overtired.
Taking frequent breaks also provides excellent opportunities to enjoy the incredible scenery surrounding Eagle’s Nest.
Accessibility at Epic Discovery
One feature many visitors appreciate is that not every experience requires significant physical activity.
The scenic gondola ride, mountain-top dining, several viewing areas, and portions of the walking trails are accessible to guests who simply want to enjoy the scenery without participating in more adventurous attractions. This makes Epic Discovery an excellent destination for multi-generational families where everyone can enjoy the mountain regardless of age or activity level.
Epic Discovery Attractions at a Glance
| Attraction | Thrill Level | Best For | Average Time | Included with Adventure Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families, Teens | 10–15 min | Yes (subject to current pass options) |
| Eagle’s Nest Tubing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families | 20–30 min | Yes |
| Scenic Gondola Ride | ⭐ | Everyone | 10–12 min each way | Separate ticket or included with eligible passes |
| Bungee Trampoline | ⭐⭐⭐ | Children & Teens | 10 min | Yes |
| Climbing Walls | ⭐⭐⭐ | Families | 20 min | Yes |
| Mini Golf | ⭐ | All Ages | 30–45 min | Yes |
| Nature Discovery Trails | ⭐ | Everyone | 30–120 min | Yes |
Making the Most of Your Day at Epic Discovery
One of the reasons visitors return to Epic Discovery year after year is that no two visits are exactly the same. Some families arrive with the goal of experiencing every attraction before the day ends, while others prefer a slower pace, combining scenic gondola rides, short mountain walks, great food, and a few adventure activities in between. The beauty of spending a summer day on Vail Mountain is that you’re never forced into a rigid itinerary. Instead, you can create an experience that matches your family’s interests, energy level, and travel style while enjoying one of Colorado’s most spectacular alpine settings.
If you’re traveling with young children, beginning the day shortly after the gondola opens is one of the smartest decisions you can make. The temperatures are cooler, the mountain feels quieter, and waiting times for the most popular attractions are usually much shorter than during the middle of the afternoon. This allows younger visitors to enjoy the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, tubing lanes, climbing walls, and interactive attractions before the busiest hours begin, leaving the afternoon free for lunch, scenic walks, or simply relaxing while taking in the panoramic views from Eagle’s Nest.
Families with teenagers often discover that Epic Discovery becomes much more than an amusement area. As children grow older, they naturally begin seeking experiences that combine excitement with independence, and Vail Mountain offers exactly that balance. Teenagers can challenge themselves on climbing attractions, experience the thrill of the mountain coaster, hike nearby trails, or spend time capturing incredible mountain photographs while still remaining within a safe and well-organized environment that parents appreciate.
Couples, meanwhile, often enjoy Epic Discovery in an entirely different way. Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, many choose to ride the gondola simply for the incredible scenery, enjoy lunch overlooking the Gore Range, walk the alpine trails, and spend the afternoon discovering quiet viewpoints where the only sounds are the wind moving through the pine trees and the occasional whistle of marmots hidden among the rocks. It’s a reminder that Vail Mountain isn’t only about adventure—it’s equally about slowing down and appreciating one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Rocky Mountains.
How to Get to Epic Discovery
Although Epic Discovery is located high on Vail Mountain, reaching it is surprisingly easy. Most visitors begin their journey in Lionshead Village, where the Eagle Bahn Gondola transports guests directly to Eagle’s Nest in approximately ten to twelve minutes. The gondola ride itself becomes part of the experience, gradually lifting passengers above the forests and ski slopes while revealing wider and wider views of the surrounding mountains with every passing tower.
For travelers arriving by car, Lionshead Parking Structure provides the most convenient parking for accessing the gondola. During weekends and peak summer holidays, arriving early is highly recommended, as parking spaces can fill quickly, especially when festivals or special events are taking place in Vail.
Many visitors, however, never rent a car during their stay. Once they arrive in Vail, they quickly discover that the town’s pedestrian-friendly design, free public transportation system, and private transportation services make driving largely unnecessary. This allows families to focus entirely on enjoying their vacation instead of worrying about parking, mountain traffic, or navigating unfamiliar roads.
Private Airport Transportation with Great Divide Transportation
Planning your transportation before arriving in Colorado can significantly improve the overall travel experience, particularly if you’re visiting with children, carrying outdoor equipment, or simply looking for the most comfortable way to reach the mountains. After a long flight, the last thing most travelers want is to wait in rental car lines or drive several hours through unfamiliar mountain highways.
Great Divide Transportation provides reliable private transportation from Denver International Airport (DEN) and Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) directly to hotels, vacation rentals, condominiums, and private residences throughout Vail. Whether you’re staying in Vail Village, Lionshead, Cascade Village, West Vail, or nearby communities such as Beaver Creek or Avon, our professional chauffeurs provide a smooth, comfortable, and stress-free journey from the moment you land.
Families especially appreciate traveling in spacious luxury SUVs with ample room for luggage, strollers, hiking backpacks, bicycles, or other recreational equipment. During winter, those same vehicles easily accommodate skis and snowboards, making Great Divide Transportation an ideal choice throughout the year. Rather than sharing transportation with multiple groups or making unnecessary stops, you’ll travel directly to your destination, allowing your vacation to begin the moment you leave the airport.
Epic Discovery Activities at a Glance
| Activity | Recommended Age | Thrill Level | Average Time | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster | 6+ (height restrictions apply) | ★★★★★ | 15–20 minutes | Families, Couples, Teenagers |
| Eagle’s Nest Tubing | 4+ | ★★★★☆ | 20–30 minutes | Families |
| Scenic Gondola Ride | All Ages | ★☆☆☆☆ | 10–12 minutes each way | Everyone |
| Climbing Walls | 5+ | ★★★☆☆ | 20 minutes | Children & Families |
| Bungee Trampoline | 5+ | ★★★★☆ | 10–15 minutes | Kids & Teens |
| Mini Golf | All Ages | ★☆☆☆☆ | 30–45 minutes | Multi-generational Families |
| Nature Discovery Trails | All Ages | ★☆☆☆☆ | 30–120 minutes | Nature Lovers |
Suggested Full-Day Itinerary
Visitors often wonder how much time they should set aside for Epic Discovery. While some travelers stop by for only a few hours, dedicating an entire day allows you to enjoy the mountain at a much more relaxed pace without feeling rushed. A typical summer itinerary might begin with an early gondola ride shortly after opening, followed by the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster before lines begin to form. From there, families can continue toward the climbing attractions and tubing lanes before taking a break for lunch at Eagle’s Nest while enjoying panoramic views of the Gore Range.
The afternoon is the perfect time to explore the Nature Discovery Trails, play a round of miniature golf, or simply relax while taking photographs of the surrounding mountains. Before returning to Lionshead Village, many visitors ride the mountain coaster one final time or spend a few quiet moments enjoying the scenery from one of the overlooks.
By spacing activities throughout the day, the experience feels less hurried and considerably more enjoyable for every member of the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epic Discovery suitable for young children?
Yes. Many attractions are specifically designed for families, and there are activities appropriate for children of different ages. Height, weight, and age requirements vary by attraction, so reviewing the current guidelines before your visit is recommended.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
During weekends, holiday periods, and the busiest weeks of summer, purchasing tickets ahead of time is strongly recommended. Doing so can reduce waiting times and help guarantee availability for certain attractions.
Can I visit if I don’t want to participate in adventure activities?
Absolutely. Many guests ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola simply to enjoy the scenery, have lunch at Eagle’s Nest, explore the walking trails, or take photographs. Epic Discovery offers plenty of experiences that don’t involve high-adrenaline attractions.
How much time should I plan for Epic Discovery?
Most visitors spend between four and eight hours on the mountain, depending on the number of activities they wish to experience. Families with children often dedicate an entire day to fully enjoy everything available.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a lightweight jacket are highly recommended. Even during the summer, temperatures can feel significantly cooler at more than 10,000 feet above sea level.
Epic Discovery proves that Vail is far more than a world-renowned winter destination.
During the summer months, the mountain becomes a place where adventure, nature, and family experiences come together in a way that few destinations in Colorado can match. Whether you’re racing through the forest on the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, sharing laughs with your children on the tubing lanes, hiking through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, or simply enjoying lunch while overlooking the Gore Range, every moment spent on Vail Mountain creates memories that last long after the vacation ends.
Vail Transportation
For travelers planning a summer escape, Epic Discovery deserves a place at the top of the itinerary. Its combination of outdoor recreation, breathtaking scenery, and activities suitable for every generation makes it one of the premier warm-weather attractions in the Rocky Mountains. And by arranging your airport transportation with Great Divide Transportation, you can begin your Colorado adventure in complete comfort, traveling directly from Denver International Airport (DEN) or Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) to your accommodations in Vail, ready to enjoy everything the mountain has to offer from the very first day.