BY TINEY RICCIARDI, @TINEYTRAILSNACKS, CRICCIARDI@DENVERPOST.COM

Hello, fellow adventurers!

My name is Tiney and I’m the new outdoors reporter for The Denver Post. You may recognize me, as I’ve been part of the team here since 2020 and have written periodically about recreation. (Naked skiing, anyone?) But in this new role, I’ll be full-time focused on helping others explore our great state and its natural wonders.

Speaking of, it’s been a tough week watching wildfires scorch landscapes across Colorado. If you plan to travel for the Fourth of July, stay safe with these tips for driving near burning areas and protecting yourself when the air is smoky. And maybe do a little rain dance for our piece of America the Beautiful.

Heads up

Hot, hot, hot and mostly sunny weather on deck for Denver, with a chance of thunderstorms Saturday and Sunday. Mountain highs are predicted near or in the 80s.

Visitors drive past guard shack on the road to Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Your Weekly 5:

1. Costs to visit Colorado’s natural wonders are adding up
2. Where to see fireworks displays across metro Denver this Fourth of July
3. Always wanted to try rock climbing in Colorado? Here are two great places to start.
4. Colorado wildfires consume nearly 125,000 acres across state
5. Here’s how to get away in Colorado. Like really, really far away.

Worth Your Time

Gabe Levine rips the Gnarwall – an alternate line drop on the Sluice – as he sessions various sections at Floyd Hill Open Space in Evergreen, Colorado. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Can hikers and mountain bikers get along? Some Colorado counties believe they can.

Get Yourself Outdoors

A view of Ouray from Box Cañon Falls Park. (Photo by Lily O’Neill, The Denver Post)

Ouray officials, businesses encouraging tourism despite Gold Mountain fire nearby

U.S. 550 has reopened. People should ‘use their own judgement,’ firefighting team says

MORE HEADLINES

• These apps can help you make the most of your summer adventures
• Can summer festival season cure Telluride’s winter blues?
• Lightning strikes golfer, sparks fire on Lakewood golf course

DOG OF THE WEEK

Stockli

"He’s a big boy who loves to snuggle and loves fresh mountain air and cold spring creeks," owner Bryant Reiff writes.

If you want your pup featured, email a photo and short description to tfries@denverpost.com.