With such a trail ready Toyota FJ Cruiser we decided to go cut our own Christmas tree in the Pike National Forest this year. This was an opportunity to get the family out and on the trail for a day of fun in the National Forest. Even though this was a simple day trip, we needed to prep for the worst. Heading into the back woods in the deep of winter can have its challenges. The temperature for the day was forecast to be in about 5 degrees with snow in the forecast. We loaded the FJ with sleeping bags and winter gear to be able to survive overnight if needed.
With the $10.00 permit in hand we set out at about 8:30 on the road to Woodland Park and Rampart Range. With the fresh snow on the roads the drive was a little slow.
Looking for the best tree led us to head off the main road on
After finding a place to park near Ice Cave Creek we headed in to the wood in search of our tree. With the right gear and attitude this was a fun hike into the woods. Once our tree was selected we took that axe to it and had the tree ready to be hauled back to the car in no time.
With the tree back at the road I parked the FJ in the ditch and proceeded to get stuck. With the tree loaded on top we used the shovel to get the FJ back on the road and headed out.
With the sun burning through the clouds we stopped for lunch and enjoyed the beautiful winter scenery before heading back to town.
Hey, with a high-tech FJ under your a**, you’d think a guy would prefer a chainsaw. That’s not even a lumberjack shirt. Get some plaid on!
Chainsaws are not allowed by the forest service
I saw you go past Mount Herman on your way north up Rampart. I was glad to see you had the most correct answer to this chainsaw question, although “b) who wants to lug a chainsaw around when a bow saw or ax does fine” is a fine answer also. The Colorado Land Cruiser Club aka “Toyota Club” was out and about pulling folks out for the USFS , so a couple calls on the .97 repeater should have made the sleeping bags unnecessary. ;)
I may try to be a part of the rescue/tow group next year. I guess I need to join the local club. As for the sleeping bags, when heading into the hills in the winter they are a mandatory part of the equipment… Especially when the weather is supposed to get bad. I also had the chains along to fully chain up if needed.