Rocky Mountain Travel 
Friends of Dillon Ranger District
The Friends of Dillon Ranger District offers a free guided hike with a ranger every Sunday at Copper Mountain. Through out the year they offer additional free, guided educational tours led by experts on a number of different topics. Take in the beautiful sites of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and the White River National Forest, while expanding your brain. To see the current offerings and to sign up, visit our calendar page. Once you sign up, information on what to bring and where to meet will be sent to your email. Our hiking topics include Mining History, Geology, Forestry, Wildlife, Hydrology, Wild Edibles, Wildflowers, Birds of Prey and Mushrooms.
About the White River National Forest
Welcome to your National Forest! The White River National Forest is one of 154 National Forests found across the United States. The 2.3 million acre White River National Forest embodies the spirit of multiple use management with more than 13 million visitors per year, making it the number one forest for recreation visitors in the country. In addition to world-class recreation and abundant wildlife populations, the White River hosts activities such as grazing, logging, mining, and oil and gas development – all of which are crucial to the economies of Western Colorado and help to meet the mission of the Forest Service.
Hike with a Ranger
Copper Mountain | Saturdays 10am – 12pm
Explore Copper Mountain on a free guided nature hike to explore the mountain, hosted by Friends of the Dillon Ranger District and in collaboration with Mountain Dreamers.
Enjoy this family-friendly hike which offers participants a stroll on the start of the Hallelujah Loop trail where you can take in the world of the local pikas, marmots, and foxes as they frolic amongst the scree. This hike is suitable for all skill levels to enjoy the fascinating ecosystem of this alpine environment. The hike is 0.5 miles with a total elevation gain of 50ft. This hike will include a free scenic chairlift ride on the American Eagle Lift to reach the trailhead. The hike will meet in Center Village and finish at Aerie.
Children under 8 years old are allowed but must be able to traverse steep terrain OR be carried by an adult.
Space is limited — Sign Up Today!
Copper Mountain | Sundays 10am – 1pm
Explore Copper Mountain on a free guided nature hike to explore the mountain, hosted by Friends of the Dillon Ranger District.
Enjoy this scenic mountain hike which offers participants stunning views of the rocky mountains. The hike is a challenging 2.12 miles with a total elevation gain of 627ft. This hike will include a free scenic chairlift ride on the American Eagle Lift to reach the trailhead. The hike will meet in Center Village and finish at Aerie. At the top of the American Eagle lift, participants will start on the counterclockwise route of the Hallelujah Loop Trail. The hike climbs up 14 switchbacks in the cover of the woods the trail provides exceptional views of the rock scree where local pikas, marmots, and foxes reside. After reaching the top of the trail, which offers scenic views of the 10 Mile Range, and Vail Pass; the ranger will then guide hikers down to complete the loop hike .
People with limited physical ability are not recommended, this hike is CHALLENGING and STEEP and is at HIGH ELEVATION.
Space is limited — Sign Up Today!
The Hike with a Ranger program at Copper Mountain runs June 21 through August 31.
Additional Information
- Meet at the base of the American Eagle Lift in Center Village.
- Wear sturdy shoes and bring sunscreen, hat, and water.
- Children under 8 not recommended on the Sunday hike.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- We do not allow dogs on the hike
- Must be able to navigate unpaved, rocky, wet, and variable terrain.
- Participants must not have neck, back, joint, heart, or lung problems
- Participants must not have other pre-existing injuries or illnesses.
- Participants must not have medical conditions or recent surgery.
Hike with a Ranger is FREE, with limited space available. Please sign up in advance to reserve your place. Each person in your party must sign up online. A waitlist will be generated in the event that this activity fills up. Any cancellations or no-shows for this activity will be replaced with those on the wait list.
Other Hikes
Tails on Trails: Dog Friendly Hikes
May 16, 2026 – June 13, 2026
Meet at the Dillon Cemetery/Disc Golf/Archery parking lot and trailhead off Highway 6.
Trail Tuesdays: Hike with Pride
May 26, 2026
Join FDRD and Mountain Pride the last Tuesday of each month, May-August! We are partnering with Mountain Pride for educational social hikes each month. For May, we will meet at 5:30 at the Salt Lick Trailhead in Silverthorne. Join us after the hike for a social hour at Bluebird Marketplace! All are welcome! This event is free and open to the public.
Meet at Salt Lick Trailhead
Check out the full list of 2026 hikes on the calendar.
Have Questions?
If you have questions about educational hikes or have topic suggestions, please contact Education & Youth Program Manager, Maddie Retrosi at maddie@fdrd.org.
To Learn More visit the Friends of Dillon Website
About the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD)
Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that preserves the local, National Forest through volunteer projects, outdoor education + collaborative partnerships. FDRD began in 2005 as a group of local community members who wanted to work with the US Forest Service’s Dillon Ranger District (DRD), to play a more active role in the management of our local National Forest. With more than 60 volunteer projects on our National Forest each year, FDRD volunteers contribute thousands of hours maintaining and improving trails, planting trees, pulling invasive weeds, educating visitors, and much more. FDRD is one of the most active, locally-based outdoor stewardship organizations in the country and by volunteering with FDRD or supporting us with a financial contribution, you benefit the National Forest that makes Summit County a world-class destination.
Consider Donating
As a 501(c)3, the Friends of Dillon Ranger District are dependent on the countless hours of their volunteers and donations from supporters like you. If you loved a hike or ski tour with this organization, or just want to show your support, please consider a monetary donation. Your generosity helps this organization continue to provide FREE educational programs to the public and visitors to Colorado.