As indicated previously, our Full Moon Run will be at the UPPER LOT of MOUNT
FALCON, at 5:30pm on Sunday (12/23). Here's a bit more info on this fun and
scenic run:

1. RUN OR SNOWSHOE? This is intended to be a trail run, so most
will run in their normal trail running shoes. Despite Friday's snow,
the trails will be tracked and footing should be good, especially
given the casual pace we have in mind. However, you're most welcome
to use your snowshoes to hike or run, if you prefer. Before we
begin, we'll discuss abbreviated route options for those who plan to
hike. Those options will still provide great views, while getting
you back to the start at about the same time as everyone else.

2. HEADLAMPS? Bring'em. It's a good idea to have your headlamp
and/or hand light with you on any full moon run. Part of the allure
of these runs is the shadow-casting blue-toned light provided by the moon. Our
current snowcover enhances the experience in two ways: 1) The reflection of the
moonlight off the snow further adds to the scenic effect, and 2) The snowcover
creates visual contrast on the trail, providing more confident footing. The net
result is that you won't need a light for much of the run, and in fact many of
us prefer the natural light. Despite this, most will wear or carry their lights
anyway, and will switch them on when trails pass through dense forest or across
dark ravines. Also, the current forecast indicates we might have a few high
clouds Sunday night, so it's possible the natural light won't be quite as
consistent as we'd like.

3. MOUNT FALCON HAS AN UPPER LOT? Yep, and if you've only run from
the lower lot (Morrison), you've probably missed some great trails and features
that are more accessible from the upper lot. The drive is just a bit longer,
but worthwhile. Take US-285 South, to the Indian Hills/Parmalee Gulch exit.
Follow Parmalee Gulch Road for several miles to Picutis Road. There you'll turn
Right (onto Picutis) and then follow the brown Mt. Falcon signs for an
additional mile or two to the lot. Remember to proceed beyond the equestrian
parking, to the main lot.

4. WE'll BE STOPPING SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE RUN? Yes, briefly, at some key
features. This is a casual/social run, and the upper trails access unique
features found nowhere else in the Jeffco park system. Examples: There is a
large picnic shelter hanging at the edge of a very high cliff (Eagle Eye
Shelter), with views of both Mt. Evans and Pike's Peak. Nearby, atop Mount
Falcon itself (7851 ft), is an old fire watch tower, now configured as an
observation platform open to all trail users. There's also the Summer White
House site, where
construction began nearly 100 years ago but never proceeded beyond
the foundation. It was planned to be a summer home for the
presidents of the United States.

We'll visit all of those features and more during the 45-60 minutes of our full
moon run. We hope you'll join us.

For a Mount Falcon trail map, and directions to the upper lot,
please visit http://dtr.runuphillracing.com/Maps and scroll down to
the link for Mount Falcon - Upper. You can also grab a paper map to
carry with you, at the trailhead.