Epic Discovery in Vail, Colorado: Everything You Need to Know
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Visiting Epic Discovery at Adventure Ridge is one of the most thrilling experiences you can have on your summer vacation in Vail, Colorado.
It’s an absolute must-do!
Every time we visit Vail, we make sure to ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola up to Adventure Ridge atop Vail mountain.
The stunning views and amazing activities at Epic Discovery are always a highlight of our trip.
Our kids especially LOVE the mountain coaster, rock climbing, and bungee trampolines!
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Epic Discovery at Adventure Ridge on top of Vail Mountain.
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Getting to Epic Discovery
The best way to reach Epic Discovery at Adventure Ridge is by taking the Eagle Bahn Gondola, located in Lionshead.
Once you exit the Gondola at the top of Vail Mountain, you’ll be at Epic Discovery.
If you haven’t purchased an Adventure Pass yet, head to the Adventure Ridge Center, which is just past the Eagle’s Nest building on the left. Look for the building with the Adventure Ridge sign.
If you already have your Adventure Pass purchased and waivers signed, you can jump right into the activities!
You cannot drive up to Epic Discovery at Adventure Ridge. However, you can hike there via the Berry Picker Trail.
This 3.2 mile trail takes a couple of hours to complete.
If your schedule allows, I recommend doing this hike on a separate day. This way, you can fully enjoy the activities at Epic Discovery without feeling rushed.
Eagle Bahn Gondola Must Know Information
The Eagle Bahn Gondola operates daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from June through September 2nd.
In September, the gondola runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the same hours.
You can purchase gondola tickets online or at the ticket office in Lionshead.
If you buy online, you can redeem them at the ticket office.
One child aged 12 and under rides free with the purchase of each adult gondola ticket.
Children under 5 always ride free.
We were fortunate this summer because with our four kids, our older two boys rode free with two paid adult tickets, and our younger sons, both under 5, also rode free. We only needed to purchase two adult tickets.
That said, the Adventure Pass* includes a gondola ride, so with three out of our four boys having Adventure Passes, we didn’t actually need the free gondola rides.
➡️*More on the Adventure Pass below.*
Eagle Bahn Gondola Ticket Prices:
- Adults (13-59): $59
- Children (5-12): $39
- Seniors (60+): $49
- Children under 5: FREE
Boarding the gondola is easy, even with a stroller, wagon, bike, or any other gear you need to bring along.
The ride takes about 8-10 minutes each way.
Top of Mountain Entrance
What is Epic Discovery
Epic Discovery is a mountain top adventure center located at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead.
It encompasses all the summer activities available at the top of Vail Mountain.
You might hear the words “Eagle’s Nest” and “Adventure Ridge” mentioned along with Epic Discovery and wonder what the differences are.
I’ll clarify, but generally, these terms refer to the same area atop Vail Mountain.
The Eagle Bahn Gondola takes you up to the Eagle’s Nest.
Eagle’s Nest is the building right next to the gondola where you’ll find food, restrooms, and seating areas.
In the winter, I can imagine that the Eagle’s Nest has even more bustling activity inside of it, but during our summer visit, we mostly used it for the restrooms and to grab some free water.
Expert Tip
Just inside the main door of the Eagle’s Nest, there are drinking fountains and a spot to fill up water bottles. They also provide glasses you can use to get water. We made good use of this amenity during our visit.
Epic Discovery is the summer activities hub atop Vail Mountain, while Adventure Ridge offers winter activities in the same area.
Adventure Ridge focuses on snow-based fun and is available only in the winter, whereas Epic Discovery is open only during the summer and features summertime adventure activities.
Both are located at or next to the Eagle’s Nest.
Epic Discovery Adventure Pass
For anyone planning to participate in multiple activities at Epic Discovery, the Adventure Pass is your best option.
The Adventure Pass costs $149, regardless of age.
Three of our boys got the Adventure Pass. Our youngest son wasn’t old enough to participate in any of the activities.
Since the pass includes a scenic gondola ride, it’s a good deal for adults who would already be paying for the gondola. Essentially, you are only paying an extra $90 for the Adventure Pass ($59 for the gondola ride + $90=$149 Adventure Pass).
The Adventure Pass gives you unlimited access to all activities that you meet the requirements for, plus three rides on the mountain coaster.
Activities that most adults can enjoy include Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, Paramount Peak Climbing Wall, Eagle’s Nest Tubing, and Mini Golf (located at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead).
When deciding if the Adventure Pass is worth the extra $90 for an adult, consider how many activities you’d like to try.
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Things to do at Epic Discovery
Epic Discovery offers so many awesome activities, and here are some of the highlights:
Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster
We loved the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster- it was such a thrill!
My older boys each rode on their own, while I got to ride with my 4-year-old since he wasn’t old enough to go solo.
Participant Requirements:
- Driver: Must be 54″ tall
- Passenger: Must be 38” tall
- Must be at least 3 years old
Costs:
- $39 for one ride, $55 for two rides
- If you have a driver and ride along passenger, it’s $58 for one ride and $74 for two rides.
With the Adventure Pass, you get three total rides on the mountain coaster.
If a child with an Adventure Pass is too young to ride alone, a parent can ride with them for an additional $19 for all three rides.
I thought that was a great deal!
Expert Tip
The line for the mountain coaster can get long, so I recommend heading there first. The coaster is in the opposite direction of the other activities at Epic Discovery- when you get off the gondola, head to the right and up the hill.
Paramount Peak Climbing Wall
The Climbing Wall was a favorite for my boys- they spent the most time here and kept coming back throughout the day.
The workers at Epic Discovery were fantastic, cheering on the kids and giving them tips as they climbed.
Participant Requirements:
- Climbers must be 4 years or older
- Minimum height: 36”
- Weight: 30-330 lbs.
Bungee Trampoline
The bungee trampoline is another super fun activity for the kids, with the added bonus of an unbeatable mountain view!
Participant Requirements:
- Must be at least 3 years old
- No minimum height
- Weight: 30-180 lbs
Eagle’s Nest Tubing
Eagle’s Nest Tubing offers a fun and unique experience on the mountain. It is even fun to ride the magic carpet up to the top!
Participant Requirements:
- Must be at least 54” tall
Marmot Mini Kids Tubing
For the younger tubers or those who don’t meet the height requirement for Eagle’s Nest Tubing, the Marmot Mini Kids Tubing hill is perfect!
Participant Requirements:
- Must be at least 3 years old
- Weight: 30-100
Little Eagle Kids Zipline
The Little Eagle Kids Zipline is a great first-time zipline experience or for kids who are a bit timid.
Even my boys, who’ve done a few epic ziplines in the past, enjoyed this one.
Participant Requirements:
- Must be at least 3 years old
- Weight: 30-100 lbs.
The zipline is 10 feet in the air.
Nature Discovery Center
The Nature Discovery Center is a cute, hands-on learning space located in a yurt.
Visitors can learn about local wildlife and fauna, touch animal furs and bones, and play with puppets and building blocks that have nature trivia questions on them.
We especially enjoyed learning about different types of animal scat.
The Nature Discovery Center is a great place to slow down for a few minutes and learn something new!
Must Know Information
The Nature Discovery Center is free to visit. Just pay for your gondola tickets to reach Eagle’s Nest, and you can enjoy the center at no extra cost.
Gore Creek Miniature Golf
The Gore Creek Miniature Golf Course, located at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead, is included with the Adventure Pass.
This 9-hole course has a wildlife theme and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you want to play as part of your Adventure Pass, make sure you get there in time.
We spent our entire day at Epic Discovery up Vail Mountain, so we didn’t make it down in time to play the miniature golf course.
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Dining Options
At Eagle’s Nest you’ll find Talon’s Deck, offering a variety of snacks, salads, sandwiches, burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, hot dogs, and more.
You can enjoy lunch or a snack while taking in the incredible mountain views.
Keep in mind that it is quite expensive, with most items ranging from $15 to $22.
Another option- Simba’s Cafe offers coffee and ice cream!
If you prefer to save money, you could also pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the Eagle’s Nest.
Things to Bring to Epic Discovery
- Water bottles: While there’s plenty of water available, it’s always handy to have your own.
- Picnic lunch or snacks: If you want to save on food costs, bringing your own is a good idea.
- Proper clothing: Wear closed-toes and clothes suitable for active adventures.
- Weather gear: Weather can change quickly atop Vail Mountain, so check the forecast and bring a rain jacket or sweatshirt if needed.
- Stroller: If you have young kids, a stroller can be helpful, as there is a fair amount of walking.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The sun is stronger at higher altitudes so make sure to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses.
Tips for Your Visit to Epic Discovery
- You can bring a stroller on the gondola and up to the top of Vail Mountain.
- Wear athletic shoes to participate in all the activities.
- Dress in comfortable, activewear
- Check the weather before your visit.
- Arrive as early as possible to maximize your time and ensure you have time to play miniature golf in the afternoon.
Add Epic Discovery to Your Vail Bucket List
Epic Discovery at Vail Mountain is a must-visit destination for families looking to combine adventure, breathtaking views, and memorable experiences.
So, pack your essentials, check the weather, and get ready for a day of fun and excitement!
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May you LOVE your adventure! KW
