On the day after Thanksgiving, some Coloradans chose to hike ’til they dropped instead of shop.
Becky Jensen of Fort Collins headed to Lory State Park on Friday morning with her two teenagers and fiancé to hike and sled in the snow.
Her admission is covered by Great Outdoors Colorado, which teamed up with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, to provide free access to all 42 Colorado state parks. The event, dubbed “Fresh Air Friday,” is encouraging folks to get outdoors on a day when Americans are known for cramming into shopping malls.
“We hope this offer inspires families in particular to make an outdoor adventure at a Colorado State Park not only a Thanksgiving tradition for their kids but a regular activity all year long,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, Great Outdoors Colorado executive director in a news release. “Outdoor experiences benefit kids in so many ways that we are committed to helping (make) the outdoors as accessible as possible to kids of all ages.”
The release added that the outdoor retailer REI started the trend when it announced it would close its stores for Black Friday.
Jensen is thrilled that Colorado — one of many states participating in the free park access — is waiving the park fee, although she said her family likely would be out on the trail anyway.
“It’s my way of protesting Black Friday,” Jensen said. “I think it’s strange that Americans spend Thanksgiving Day saying what they’re thankful for and then elbow each other for television sets the next day.”
and a chance of snow all day, hardcore outdoor enthusiasts across the state headed out to get their muscles moving after one of the most food-filled days of the year.
Kristin Mastre also headed to Lory State Park to try out her crampons.
“It’s really great that GOCO has provided those funds to make it free for everyone, but I would rather people be excited to pay a $7 fee and help fund Colorado Parks and Wildlife rather than just get excited because it’s free,” Mastre said.
Mastre knew folks who were skipping the opportunity because of dropping temperatures.
“I’m excited to go when there’s not a lot of people out,” she said. “It increases my chances of seeing a bobcat running around or something.”
Elizabeth Hernandez: 303-954-1223, ehernandez@denverpost.com or @ehernandez
