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

Happy Thursday Adventurists!

Did you know that July is historically Colorado’s stormiest month? That’s when the state sees an average of 5,350 lightning flashes per day, according to the National Weather Service. And lightning is no joke when adventuring in the high country. Between 1980 and 2024, NWS tracked 101 fatalities and 490 injuries from lightning strikes in Colorado. Of those, 79% happened in June, July and August – peak 14er hiking season.

With weekend storms in the forecast, I got tips on how to mitigate the risk of being struck by lightning when above tree line. Remember: “Mother Nature bats last.” Stay safe out there!

Heads up

Finally some relief! Denver's weekend forecast is calling for highs in the 80s and even a thunderstorm Saturday afternoon. The mountains are also expected to be stromy this weekend, but less so on Sunday.

Hikers walk the Summit Lake trail on Mount Blue Sky in 2023. Lightning is looking for the tallest thing on the landscape, which makes hiking above tree line more dangerous.(Hyoung Chang/Denver Post file)

Your Weekly 5:

1. How to assess lightning risk when hiking Colorado’s 14ers
2. Colorado’s statewide e-bike rebates — worth $1,000 or more — are back. Here’s how to get one.
3. A Colorado river named the best secret fishing spot in the U.S.
4. Storms cloud Colorado’s chances to see Perseids peak, but the meteor shower isn't over yet
5. Canine parkour gives Loveland dogs new ways to explore

Worth Your Time

A female monarch butterfly. (Lisa Mason, Special to The Denver Post)

Colorado isn’t a primary migratory corridor for the monarch butterfly, but you can still see them here

Get Yourself Outdoors

RVs not just for retirees anymore, and today’s models aren’t the slow, bulky vehicles from the past. They’re a real travel option, and more people choose them every year. (Provided by RVshare)

Why renting an RV might be your smartest travel move this year

RV rentals help you travel with the comfort of home

MORE HEADLINES

• Cherry Hills Village gets heat for its e-bike ban on popular High Line Canal trail
• Several dogs bitten by rattlesnakes in Westminster open space
• Fifty years ago, a flash flood in a Front Range canyon killed 144 people. Could it happen again?
• This summer isn’t breaking heat records — yet. Wait until El Nino kicks in, scientists say

CAT OF THE WEEK

Miss Truffles

"Small in stature but huge in personality, Miss Truffles grew up feral but adjusted in about 12 hours to living the good life in the lap of luxury. When first adopted, she was a little feral, but realized that living by a few simple rules (litter box, etc.) resulted in regal status and two people who are at her beck and call," writes owner Kate Stevens.

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