#OptOutside Night Hike 2019

Have you explored a trail at night? Join us for a magical walk in the Garden of the Gods under the stars! Take a self-guided hike marked with glowing markers, gaze at constellations at telescope stations and enjoy the Nature Educators with their birds of prey.

All proceeds will benefit the Trails and Open Space Coalition, the Garden of the Gods Foundation, and Friends of Garden of the Gods.

• Nature's Educators will have nocturnal birds of prey for public viewing in the Central Garden.

• The Colorado Springs Astronomical Society will set up telescopes for star viewing along the course in the Central Garden.

• All participants will need to register, pay and sign the waiver.

• This event is a collection site for new and unwrapped toys for the Bob Telmosse Christmas Giveaway. Please bring toys, books or gifts kids can give to parents.

• *NEW for 2019* Timed entry tickets will be used this year! With 5 timed entry windows, you can pick the time that best suits your group.

• Ticket prices will go up at the door so be sure to buy your tickets before you go!

PARKING: Parking will be at Rock Ledge Ranch this year. Check-in for people who have purchased their tickets in advance will be just outside of the parking lot. The Bob Telmosse Foundation has volunteered their time to help in the parking lot.

WEATHER UPDATE: The event at this time (11/29/2019) is on as scheduled. The forecast has a small chance of precipation and a little wind. If conditions are deemed unsafe due to extreme ice or snow, then we will make announcements on the Trails and Open Space Coalition's Facebook page.

WHAT TO BRING: Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. For families with little ones, strollers and wagons can be used on this trail. Since there is no moon, the park will be dark. We advise participants to bring flashlights or battery operated lanterns. Red-tinted flashlights are best to use on night hikes.

TIMED ENTRY TICKETS: This year there will be only timed entry tickets available for advanced purchase. You will have five time slots to pick from. Each time slot has a limited amount of tickets so that long lines to find parking and for check-in are avoided. The timed entry will also help with keeping the trails from getting overly crowded. During the night of the event, we ask for you to plan on checking-in at the time you have selected on your ticket. Please arrive a little early to find parking at the big grass lot at Rock Ledge Ranch.

DID YOU KNOW?: This yearly tradition is the largest organized night hike in Colorado. This beats out night hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park and other open spaces across the state. Last year, hikers came from all over the world came out.

ARE THERE REFUNDS?: This is a fundraiser for the Friends of Garden of the Gods, TOSC and the Garden of the Gods Foundation. Your ticket is a donation to these wonderful stewards and advocates for our treasured parks and open spaces. Because of this, we will not be granting refunds for this event.

Have questions? Please contact the Trails and Open Space Coalition at 719-633-6884.