Denver Weekend Forecast: June 15-17

Hello, Denver hikers!

It’s dry out there from the Front Range to the high country, without much rain in the forecast till Sunday afternoon. Good news for hiking, bad news for wildfires. There are currently several fire bans throughout the state, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to do any campfire cooking. 

For prime hiking this weekend, take it easy in Rocky Mountain National Park and hit the .6-mile loop around Bear Lake before the July crowds rush in (continue on to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes for a longer, even more scenic trip). You’ll get to enjoy some tranquil alpine scenery without the work. But an early start is still a great idea, as Rocky still draws plenty of traffic even in June.

If you’re eager to start bagging some miles, tackle the 11-mile hike to Blue Lake from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead for a view that sums up summer in Colorado: A turquoise lake surrounded by steep, rocky peaks and hillsides dotted with wildflowers. And while you’re there, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, as this is their prime wandering season. What could be better that that? Not a whole lot, if you ask me!