How to celebrate Halloween in the mountains

October 29, 4:53 PMIdaho Springs Mountain Living ExaminerKathy Harris

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I grew up going door to door in a small town on Halloween, screaming “trick or treat” as we rang each doorbell.

We knew all of the people who lived behind those doors. Our parents could let us out of the car at the end of the block, and we’d skip from house to house and meet up with them down the street.

It was safe, fun and free.

Now, I’m raising a son at 10,500 ft. It’s difficult to go trick-or-treating up here in this mountain neighborhood.

First of all, it’s darn cold. And there are acres, not feet, between houses. Stairs leading up to doorbells are icy. The roads in the community are already snow-packed. Many of our neighbors we know only by what kind of car they drive or from the last blizzard, when we all got out and helped each other shovel. It’s just not a great trick-or-treating scenario.

Scary, maybe. But in the wrong way.

So, we look for other ways to make the holiday fun. Last year, we visited a few churches in Idaho Springs that were handing out candy. We went to the public library open house for cookies and a free book. Then we ate pizza at a local restaurant—my husband, our fierce tiger and me. It was enough for a two-year-old.

This year, I think my little bat wants more. Here are some options we’re considering:

The Evergreen Downtown Businesses Association is sponsoring a Halloween Walk for a safe trick-or-treating experience on Saturday, Oct. 31. It’s scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and most of the merchants on Main Street will be handing out treats. This is a popular event in that community, and you can guarantee lots of ghosts and goblins flying about. Free. All ages.

Earlier in the day on Saturday, Colorado Mountain Mamas are hosting the fifth annual Trek or Treat event at the Lookout Mountain Nature Center in Golden. There will be an easy self-guided hike with treats along the trail and prizes. Everyone is encouraged to wear costumes. Free. Best for parents and kids 0 to 4.

Of course, if you’re looking for a real-life ghostly experience without all the polyester-costume and fake blood hoopla, take the family up to the community of Silver Plume, just off I-70. Read this article for a sneak peek at what you’ll find in Silver Plume, Colorado.

Another choice: Many of the ski resorts are now open, so there's always the option of strapping on your witch's ski hat and heading for the slopes!

Happy Halloween from 10,500 ft.