BY TYNIN FRIES, TFRIES@DENVERPOST.COM

Howdy, friends!

It's been a while since I've landed in your inbox with The Adventurist. But with Tiney on vacation, I'll be filling in. My most recent adventure was a backpacking trip to Missouri Lakes, and I can't recommend it enough. Gorgeous views, great trail and a fall colors drive this time of year if you're coming from Denver.

Heads up

After a couple of wet, cloudy days, this weekend is looking sunny, with temperatures back in the 80s in Denver and 60s up in the high country. Always remember to check the weather before you head out on the trail, especially if you're trying for a 14er this month.

A piece of butterfly-shaped playground equipment is seen from above at Carpio-Sanguinette Park on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, in Denver. The park is scheduled to open on Saturday, Sept. 26, after years of renovations. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Your Weekly 5:

1. One-of-a-kind Denver park opens with BMX, birdwatching and industrial graffiti
2. Bear caught feasting at bakery booth at Colorado mountain farmers market
3. A tour of the ancient ruins of the Four Corners region
4. Vail Resorts reports lagging Epic Pass sales but predicts ‘significant recovery’ after last year’s historically bad ski season
5. Rocky Mountain National Park’s Old Fall River Road will close to vehicles Oct. 6

Worth Your Time

Snowboarders ride a lift at Keystone Ski Resort on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)

Colorado ski resort opening dates for the 2026-27 season

Get Yourself Outdoors

Hikers and mountain bikers admired the autumn colors in O'Fallon Park on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2026. (Abigail Bliss/Special to The Denver Post)

10 scenic trails near Denver for a final leaf-peeping hike

AllTrails released a new map overlay that combines weather data, uploaded photos and community insights to show fall foliage conditions on individual trails nationwide. Few existing trackers offer this level of detail. Though many branches are growing bare in the mountains, the outdoor recreation app predicts that these ten trails near Denver will be at their brightest over the next few days.

MORE HEADLINES

• A private ranch that wants 2,000 acres of federal land in Colorado has spent $200,000 to lobby a congressman
• Summit County recreators question use of step-over barriers for e-bikes
• Gentle giant Backpack declared winner of Alaska’s Fat Bear Week
• Missing boater found dead in Colorado reservoir identified as Pueblo police officer
• We caused St. Mary’s Glacier to melt away (Letters)

CAT OF THE WEEK

"Blueberry says thank heaven for air conditioning!" writes owner Susan Schaecher.

If you want your pup (or cat) featured, email a photo and short description to cricciardi@denverpost.com.