A 108-foot Buddhist shrine might seem out of place standing in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains in Northern Colorado. Its location is the centerpiece of a yoga retreat center in Colorado that is one of just 100 Shambhala meditation centers worldwide. The Drala Mountain Center is a rare and special place to embrace contemplative practices like Buddhism, yoga, and mindfulness.
A 600-acre Buddhist retreat nestled in the Red Feather Lakes valley about 40 miles from Fort Collins, the Drala Mountain Center is a true mountain retreat providing a sanctuary of tranquility surrounded by some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes.
Drala Mountain Center
When I arrived at Drala Mountain Center for the first time, I instantly felt a wave of calm come over me. A particular quietness seemed to settle in and take over my typical racing thoughts. Looking around there didn’t seem to be much activity (later learning I had come in between retreats). No one hustling from here to there. No traffic or hurried lines of people, just nature and the space to take in long, deep belly breaths.
As I explored the property, I couldn’t help but be struck by the natural peacefulness blanketing the area. Much of this peacefulness and quietness is attributed to center’s dedication in keeping with Buddhist traditions. It’s a place where silent gestures and mindful silence are commonly employed and asked of its visitors rather than excessive speaking or loud noises.
Great Stupa of Dharmakaya
No question, the magnificent Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, one of the world’s most significant examples of sacred stupa architecture, is the centerpiece of the entire retreat center. The larger-than-life monument took 12-13 years to construct using specialized concrete to last 1,000 years. With its pristine white levels and vivid colors, the stupa emanates an aura of spirituality and power.
Inside, you’ll find vivid artwork, books on Buddhism and meditation, a generous space for quiet contemplation and meditation and at the center of it all the giant golden Buddha sculpture. Different offerings and trinkets lie at his feet with a mosaic of zafus (meditation pillows) offering anyone to come and take a seat.
On the particular day I visited, it happened to be the 8th day of the Lunar New Year – considered one of the most powerful and auspicious points on the Buddhist calendar. I was fortunate to encounter a woman originally from Mongolia who was in the midst of making traditional milk offerings to Mother Nature to mark the sacred occasion. She explained the significance of the five colors represented across the stupa’s levels – red, green, blue, yellow and white – each signifying attributes like wisdom, movement, and peace.
My reason for visiting was simply to admire and to seek to understand what it truly means to sit in silence. Free to visit and open to everyone, no matter the reason, the Stupa welcomes anyone wanting and willing to set out on a quest of transformation, quiet contemplation or sacred rituals.
Hiking and Meditation
While the center hosts frequent events like meditation retreats, yoga workshops, and online seminars focused on Buddha’s teachings, it’s also open for self-guided visits and hikes for those simply seeking an immersion in quiet reflection.
And that’s exactly what I did during my visit. If you are visiting for the first time, might I suggest spending some time meditating and then enjoying a hike along the Shambala Mountain Trail.
The 5-mile gentle hiking trail meanders through the alpine landscape, passing prayer flags, shrines for offerings, and a traditional Japanese torii gate. The trail leads to Marpa Point, a scenic overlook that memorializes the late Ellen Ginsburg, a Colorado author and naturalist. I can’t think of a better way to relax and reset than with a hike through the mountains and a few quiet moments inside the Stupa.
Whether you’re looking for a yoga retreat in Colorado, drawn to explore the Buddhist roots through formal study and practice, or simply wish to bask in the profound stillness through a self-guided hike or getaway, the Drala Mountain Center provides the perfect opportunity to reset your mind and recharge your spirit. Just an hour’s drive from Denver or Fort Collins, this transcendent refuge offers a rare chance to disconnect from the busyness of daily life and tap into Colorado’s natural beauty and heritage of mindfulness.
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