DID YOU EVER WONDER? Stairway to hiker frustration

I have been hiking the peak up Barr Trail for years now and I always wonder about the sign "16 Golden Stairs" near the top. As a first-time hiker when I saw that I thought, "oh, great, I am there." Well, not quite. It seems more like 16 switchbacks. What is the sign referencing?

Stacy

• The "16 Golden Stairs" sign makes even experienced runners and hikers cringe a bit. It signals a group of short switchbacks through steep, rocky terrain. Instead of 16, it's really double that because switchbacks have two parts, so think 32 leading to the top of the trail. It's a constantly changing, naturally eroding, boulder-filled area, but Pikes Peak Marathon champ Matt Carpenter posts: "In general, the condition of Barr Trail is excellent thanks primarily to the Friends of the Peak and the Pikes Peak Trail Dogs."

WATCH FOR BAMBI: I live on the west side and there are many deer in the neighborhood, specifically a large area centered around the intersection of Panorama Drive and Frontier Boulevard, off Fontmore Road. I have seen as many as 6-8 deer in this general vicinity, individually and together, roaming the streets at a slow pace and coming close to being struck by cars going too fast, possibly drivers who are not aware of all the deer here. Which city department is responsible for at least placing some "deer" signs in this area and why aren't there any signs there now?

Lee

• Make your request through the City Traffic Engineers' Office by calling 385-5908. People from the department will go to your area to determine whether deer signs should be installed.

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Puzzled about something in our area? Send questions to linda.navarro@gazette.com with "Column Question" in the subject line; mail to "Did You Ever Wonder?" P.O. Box 1779, Colorado Springs 80901; Did You Ever Wonder? Blog