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

Hey Adventurists,

I was able to catch the tail end of the green gentian (or monument plant) superbloom last weekend, though most of the plants I saw while hiking near Telluride were past peak and had already lost their flowers. Botanist David Inouye tells me the corn lily, a similar-looking plant that grows in the same terrain, is also blooming right now – a relatively rare sight. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore in the high country!

Heads up

It's another sweltering weekend on deck for Denver, with a forecasted high of 100 degrees on Sunday. Cooler temps and robust chances for thunderstorms in the mountains, though, as monsoon season gets underway. Bring it on!

Rena Menz, left, and Armani Edwards, right, of Denver, spend the afternoon with their dogs Lucky and Athena at the Boulder Creek Festival in Boulder, Colorado on Saturday, May 23, 2026. (Photo by Harmon Dobson/The Denver Post)

Your Weekly 5:

1. Is it safe for dogs to be outside on smoky days? Colorado researcher hunts for answers.
2. Vail hopes new ‘white glove’ amenities, food upgrades will build skier loyalty
3. Low flow, high temperatures make for unusual creek tubing season near Denver
4. Colorado still has some summer river flows fit for rafting — even in severe drought. Here’s why.
5. On the front lines of Colorado’s wolf reintroduction, a range rider aims to keep the peace

Worth Your Time

Hericane Rowing team leader Kelsey Pfendler participates in a training exercise at Copper Mountain on July 21, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Rowing across the Pacific, a Colorado river guide broke records in her 43-day solo journey: ‘She thrived out there’

Get Yourself Outdoors

Crestone is home to several religious and spiritual organizations. (Jenn Fields, Denver Post file)

Less crowded Colorado destinations for camping, gravel biking, hot springs and more

Avoid summer crowds and head to Lake City, Ouray, Naturita, Crestone and the Grand Mesa

MORE HEADLINES

• Will Colorado see its worst wildfire season since 2020?
• Colorado wildfires: New evacuations for Elk fire near Lake City, east of Gold Mountain fire
• ‘Spooked’ moose injures woman on Boulder County trail, Nederland Fire says
• 1 injured in boating accident on Colorado’s Chatfield Reservoir

CAT OF THE WEEK

Morrison

"Our cat, Morrison, came to us as a feral kitten from the nature area of the same name. As you can see, she is quite the character," owner Ava Philippus writes.

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