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| Not shopping this weekend? Get outside and enjoy the Indian summer | |||
| Friday, November 25, 2011 12:09 |
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Snow-free and sunny, Cheyenne Mountain State Park makes an excellent late-fall hike during these days of the Indian summer. By R. Scott Rappold The Gazette Summer doesn’t want to let go in Colorado. Balmy Thanksgiving weather gave way to slightly cooler Black Friday temperatures, but the weekend is expected to be sunny, warm and dry. The National Weather Service predicts temperatures in the upper 40s today and highs in the 60s Sunday and Monday. One to two inches of snow were predicted for the mountains Friday night, not the big dumping skiers have been waiting for. The normal high temperature for late November in Colorado Springs is 46 degrees, according to the weather service. So rather than lament the lack of snow in the mountains that has delayed some ski area openings and limited others to just a handful of runs, get out and enjoy the Indian summer while you can. Because we all know, in Colorado, winter is coming. • Take a hike Well, duh, of course you can do this. You live in (or are visiting) Colorado. Warm autumn weekends are great times to explore Colorado Springs’ local trail network. Try Waldo Canyon off U.S. Highway 24, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Section 16 and Cheyenne Mountain State Park for trails that will probably have enough sun exposure to keep your warm. • Drive the Pikes Peak Highway Once upon a time, only the hardiest could get to the 14,115-foot summit after the first snow. But plow crews now work to keep it open all year, and the toll road was open to the top Friday. It’s cold up there, but the winter views have to be seen to be believed. The toll is $12 per adult, $5 for ages 6 to 15 or $40 per carload of five. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Of course, mountain weather can change quickly and a little snow and wind can shut the road down, so call (719) 385-7325 to check conditions before heading out. • See the lights The Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Co. will brighten up the mountain-sides in Teller County for the 14th year. The company decorates old mining structures with massive lit-up holiday ornaments for this self-guided driving tour, which can be seen on weekends now through New Year’s Day. For a map visit www.victorcolorado.com/goldcampchristmas.htm or stop by the Cripple Creek Welcome Center or the Victor Hotel. To help work off some of the Thanksgiving feast, head up a little earlier and take a hike through the historic mines in the area, such as the Vindicator Valley Trail just north of Victor, and see where, in the 1890s, America caught gold fever. • The Best Christmas Ever Stop by Mr. Biggs Family Fun Center on Mark Dabling Boulevard from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday with some new, unopened toys, new or used bicycles or frozen turkeys to help local children have the best Christmas ever. The gift drive, which organizers hope will provide gifts for 10,000 children and families in need, kicks off with a bonfire, holiday music and treats. Can’t make it? Donations can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Dec. 20, when they will be given away. Click here for more. • Watch the Broncos with some Broncos Okay, this isn’t technically a “get-outside” event, but with the Tim Tebow Show in San Diego this week, here’s a great chance to watch the game with some former Broncos players. The free event starts at 2 p.m. Sunday at Frankie’s Too, 7376 McLaughlin Road in Falcon. There will be giveaways and a silent auction to benefit the Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center. Visit www.proplayersassociation.org for more. • Cut your own Christmas tree Remember the Griswolds tromping through deep snow to find the perfect Christmas tree, a scene filmed in Colorado’s high country? You might be able to do it without the hypothermia or soaked shoes this year. Starting Monday, Pike National Forest will sell tree-cutting permits, which allow hand-cutting in a 12,000-acre area northeast of Woodland Park on Rampart Range Road. The $10 permits can be bought at the Pikes Peak Ranger District office, 601 S. Weber St., and on upcoming weekends at Woodland Park Middle School.
Trees may be cut Nov. 28 through Dec. 15. |
