Visit Drala Mountain Center

Drala Mountain Center is a six-hundred acre mountain haven of native forests, gentle meadows and sweeping valleys located at an elevation of 7,500 feet in Northern Colorado.  Located 50 miles northwest of Fort Collins, DMC hosts over a hundred group retreats, weekend programs and private rentals throughout the year. While these programs are open to registered participants only, certain areas of our campus are also accessible to day visitors.

Occasionally, Drala Mountain Center may be closed to day visitors.

In the event of a “land closure”, visitors may continue to access The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya by driving directly to the Stupa without stopping at the Guest Services cabin or in the main campus area. Closure notifications are displayed on this page and our website homepage.

Upon Arrival

Upon arrival, please park in the main parking lot, also called the “upper” parking lot. This lot is the first left after entering the property, and directly after the entry gate.

Visit for the Day

Drala Mountain Center is a wonderful place to spend the day. Whether you’re hiking our spacious and breath-taking land, sitting in on one of our daily meditation practices, enjoying a meal with friends in our dining room, or stopping by the Gift Store to look for the perfect mala beads, we love to welcome visitors to experience this very special and sacred place.

No Dogs

In order to support a quiet and contemplative environment we request that you do not bring any pets onto the land.

Attend a Retreat

Explore upcoming retreats available or for a self-guided retreat, see our GETAWAY program.

Prepare for your Visit

Weather

The weather here changes quickly and can vary to extremes. The sun is a higher intensity; gusty winds are frequent. Summers are cool with average highs in the 70s. Winters are very cold with temperatures in the 20s. January and February are often our coldest months. However, in any given fall, winter or spring, one may experience mild temperatures and bright sunshine, or heavy snow and intense cold.

Daytime and nighttime temperature variations can fluctuate greatly. Rain, snow and wind can blow in quickly. July is our wettest month in the summer. We occasionally get heavy snowfall in winter.

Essential Gear

  • Layered clothing to accommodate a wide range of temperatures on any given day.
  • Sturdy shoes, with good traction and stability for walking on trails and uneven ground.
  • Chapstick, sun protection and sun hat in summer; warm hat, scarf and gloves in winter.
  • Water bottle, waist or day pack, flashlight, batteries, camera if desired.
  • Light layers for warmer days and indoors; warm layers of fleece/wool in cooler months.
  • A windproof jacket; water-resistant or waterproof in wetter months.
  • Warm boots and traction in winter months; thick socks for indoor areas.

Etiquette

Please remove your shoes before entering all indoor areas, except for the dining hall. Entry halls to store your shoes, coats, and personal items are available in most buildings. Slip-off designs are most convenient; but not advisable if you planning on hiking or walking due to the rugged nature of the terrain.

Program Participant Guides

For more information about preparing for overnight stays, please see our Program Participant Guide.

Getting Here

See our detailed Driving Directions or Driving Map.

Hours of Operation

Please note that some hours may change seasonally.

Guest Services Department

2pm to 5 pm Friday to Sunday

The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya

Open daily: 9 am to sundown

Hiking Trails

9 am to sundown daily. Some perimeter trails are closed due to fire damage.

Drala Mountain Gift Store

Wednesday:  1:00 to 3:00 pm

Thursday:  1:00 to 3:00 pm

Friday – Sunday:  1:00 to 5:00 pm

Dining Hall—Spring/Summer Hours

Meals are provided to retreat guests only

Breakfast:  7:30 to 8:30 am
Lunch:  12:30 to 1:30 pm
Dinner: 6:30 to 7:30 pm