Plan Your Visit
Explore. Experience. Discover.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful riverside stroll, a mountain adventure, a guided nature experience, or just a place to get outside on your own, NWDC has something for everyone.
From community programs and school field trips to private events, overnight stays, and open space for exploration, our campuses provide opportunities to connect with nature in meaningful ways.
Community Programs
& Events
Discover. Engage. Connect.
NWDC offers year-round programs and events designed to bring people of all ages closer to nature. There's something for everyone, from raptor tours and family-friendly programs to seasonal events and outdoor workshops.
Songs of Spring
A Classical Concert on the River Deck
Picture a beautiful Sunday afternoon with nature lovers, music lovers, and a grand piano gathered upon our River Deck. Nature-inspired classical music will echo across the panoramic expanse of the Arkansas River and, with any luck, the Great Horned Owls who live in the cottonwood trees above will add their music to the program, too.
- Sunday, April 27th (rain date: Sunday, May 4th)
- 2 - 5 pm
- NWDC's River Deck, 5200 Nature Center Rd 81003
Schools & Private Groups
*Program Availability Update:
Due to high demand, our School and Private Program calendar for May 1–31, 2025 has limited availability. At this time, we are only accepting May bookings for Birds of Prey presentations and Raptor Center Tours. We are accepting all program inquiries for June–December 2025. Requests for January–May 2026 programs will open on August 15, 2025.
Please keep reading and explore our Program Inquiry Packet below to learn more about which programs will be best for you!
Hands-On Learning. Real-World Connections.
The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center offers outdoor education programs designed for schools, scout troops, and community groups. Through experiential, place-based learning, participants engage with nature in meaningful ways.
All school programs align with Colorado State Standards, ensuring that experiences support classroom learning while fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.
Program Options Include:
- School field trips (K-12) – Environmental education aligned with state curriculum
- Early childhood programs – Outdoor learning tailored for younger students
- Overnight experiences – Multi-day nature immersion at the Mountain Campus, with lodging and meals available
- Team-building on our low-ropes challenge course – Guided activities that strengthen communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills
- Raptor education programs – Up-close encounters with birds of prey and lessons on their role in the ecosystem
Inquire Early – Our Calendar Fills Quickly!
May and October fill up fast! Our inquiry calendar extends a year in advance, so we encourage early planning.
Note: Your program is not confirmed until you receive official confirmation from NWDC staff.
Is Transportation an Issue?
We can bring many of our programs directly to your school or group — let us know what you're looking for!
Guided Hikes
Challenge Course
Raptor Tours & Presentations
Overnights
Camps
Explore. Learn. Play.
The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center (NWDC) offers licensed, professionally led summer camps designed to spark curiosity and a love for the outdoors. Our highly trained educators provide immersive, hands-on experiences for children in kindergarten through 10th grade, blending outdoor adventure, wildlife exploration, and environmental education in a fun, supportive environment.
2025 Summer Camp Registration is Open!
Camps run mid-June through early August, offering a variety of multi-day programs filled with adventure and discovery. Favorites include Raptor Camp and Fish Tales Camp, giving campers the chance to connect with wildlife, explore nature, and develop outdoor skills.
Learn more & register for each summer camp by clicking each individual register button BELOW.
Making Camp Accessible
- Sibling Discount – 10% off for each additional sibling (Code: SIB10).
- Scholarships Available – Limited, need-based scholarships ensure all children have the opportunity to participate.
- Step 1: Register for your desired camp(s).
*Pay the $50 scholarship application fee during registration.
- Step 3: Submit the Summer Camp Scholarship Application below.
- Please submit one scholarship form for every child for whom you are requesting a scholarship.
- Example: If you have two children applying for camp scholarships, please submit the form twice.
Why Choose NWDC Summer Camps?
- Led by professional, licensed staff trained in outdoor education and safety
- Small group sizes for a personalized experience
- Hands-on learning and adventure, from hiking and wildlife observation to outdoor skills
- A welcoming, supportive atmosphere that encourages curiosity and connection with nature
Register Early – Spots Fill Fast!
Registration closes at 5 PM on the Wednesday before each camp begins.
Questions?
Contact us at (719) 485-4444 ext. 2000 or programs@hikeandlearn.org
7
Signature Camps
SIB10
Sibling Discount Code
ALL SUMMER
June - August
K-10th
Grades Served
Self-Guided Recreation
Discovery Awaits!
NWDC offers year-round programs that bring people of all ages closer to nature through hands-on experiences. Whether you're interested in guided raptor tours, backcountry adventures, family programs, or immersive outdoor education, there’s something for everyone. We also welcome you to plan your own adventure at our River Campus in Pueblo or Mountain Campus in Beulah, which are free and open to all!
From community events to public parks, NWDC provides our community with the opportunity to learn, explore, and discover in ways that inspire a lifelong connection to the outdoors.