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

I won’t bury the lede, Adventurists: It’s time to make leaf-peeping plans. Aspen trees have begun turning gold at higher elevations across the Front Range, and while the colors remain patchy so far, experts believe the leaves will start to change en masse this weekend.

"If you live in the Denver area and you’re hoping to go for some drives, this upcoming weekend and maybe the weekend after would be a great weekend to aim for," one expert told me. So get out there and enjoy! I’d love to know what you see, too, so hit reply and share your photos. I might just give you a shout out in an upcoming newsletter.

Heads up

A mix of sun and thundershowers is on deck for Denver this weekend with temperatures hitting the high 80s and low 90s. Mountain temps will top out around 80 degrees with chances for storms each day.

Colorado's aspen trees are getting their fall colors early in 2026 due to drought. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)

Your Weekly 5:

1. Fall colors expected to peak along Front Range in the next week or so
2. Heads up: Illegal parking while leaf-peeping could mean a ticket or a tow
3. Budget-friendly Indy Pass now on sale for 2026-27 ski season
4. Forest Service could open much more of Colorado’s 11 million acres of public land to motorized vehicles
5. Love for Nepalese delicacy began at 17,800 feet in the Himalayas

Worth Your Time

A vintage, restored camper on site at Starlite Vintage Resort in Cañon City, is just one of the lodging options for “glampers.” (Provided by Starlite Vintage Resort)

Vintage camper and trailer rentals are surprisingly eco-friendly these days. Here’s what to look for.

Get Yourself Outdoors

OHVs are a popular source of recreation for many who venture into the Bureau of Land Management property surrounding Rangely for rock crawling. (Publicity photo by James Caldwell)

The old west is alive and well in this Colorado town near the Utah border

Vintage autos, pictograph excursions, an off-roading park and more make Rangely worth visiting

MORE HEADLINES

• Large, fast-burning wildfires are making it hard for Colorado forests to recover
• Nearly 300 bears euthanized across Colorado as sightings spike statewide
• Colorado wildlife officials kill 2 wolves suspected in livestock depredations
• One bear killed after charging deputies, another euthanized after eating trash

DOG OF THE WEEK

"Tayanna (on the left) is a 18-month-old mixed breed rescue. She loves to hike with her parents and big sister Xóchitl (a previous Dog of the Week)," writes owner Kevan Ketterling.

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