The snow may be falling and the trails are quiet, but the forests are not devoid of life. Come on out with FDRD and Mark Rubash--interpretive naturalist, retired emergency veterinarian, and founder of Summit Nature Hikes--to study our precious mountain ecosystems.

Meet at 9am at Acorn Creek Trailhead (here): From I-70 take Exit 205 Silverthorne/Dillon, and travel north on HWY 9 for approximately 10.6 miles. After you cross the Blue River you will immediately turn right onto CR 2400 (Ute Park Rd). At the first junction, continue left following the trailhead sign. Then turn right onto FDR 2402 (Rodeo Dr) and travel approximately 0.6 miles to the trailhead/parking lot.

What to bring:

-Snowshoes or spikes depending on weather (will email a few days out with trail forecast). For snowshoes, please email maddie@fdrd.org if you need to borrow a pair.

-Warm layers (the weather can change in a hurry in the mountains - be dressed for a 3-hour outing with frequent group stops)

-Windproof jacket and pants

-Winter boots

-Backpack

-Gloves and hat

-Sunglasses

-Sunscreen

-Water

-Lunch/snacks

Pets and smoking are not permitted on this hike.