The two health systems issued a news release Tuesday announcing plans for a “joint venture” that will put AdventHealth in charge of the daily operations of Intermountain’s in Wheat Ridge, in Brighton and in Lafayette.

A version of the news release said that the health system is also exploring options for in Denver, including “potential partnerships.” It didn’t mention any plans for in Grand Junction, which is Intermountain’s only other hospital in Colorado.

Intermountain is based in Salt Lake City and all of its other 29 hospitals are in Utah.

Florida-based AdventHealth has five hospitals in metro Denver, including in Louisville, , , �����Ի� in Denver, along with dozens of medical practices and offsite emergency and urgent care centers.

The joint news release also noted that the “transaction” would close in early 2027, assuming regulators approve. States and the U.S. Department of Justice can intervene in sales and mergers if they believe a deal would reduce competition in a health care market.

Representatives for Intermountain declined to clarify what role, if any, the system would have in the joint venture. AdventHealth said the agreement isn’t a sale, but declined to give details about how the venture would work.

“Partnering with Intermountain Health represents an opportunity to build on our shared commitment to deliver high-quality, compassionate care,” David Banks, president and CEO of AdventHealth, said in a news release.

Rob Allen, president and CEO of Intermountain Health, said in a news release that AdventHealth shares a focus on helping people live their healthiest lives.

“We are excited about the prospect of a joint venture that would expand access to high-quality care and create a more connected experience for patients and care teams across the greater Denver area,” he said.

Two of the hospitals involved in the venture — Lutheran and Platte Valley — appeared on a list of financially vulnerable hospitals compiled by the union National Nurses United earlier this summer. Lutheran relocated to a new $680 million facility less than two years ago, however, which makes it difficult to tell whether the hospital truly has a pattern of losing money based on publicly available data.

will end its partnership with Intermountain this year, though it relocated its employed doctors to work in other hospitals in 2025.

Kaiser runs an insurance plan and medical facilities for about 500,000 members statewide, and said it was expanding partnerships with and to offer more choices at lower costs.

initially declined to call a a purchase or merger, though all employees of the smaller hospital transferred to work at .

Allan Baumgarten, a consultant who studies hospital markets, said he knew of at least two cases in Michigan in which a larger health system absorbed a smaller one, but called them a “joint venture” or a “substitution of control.”

To the public, however, they looked like straightforward sales, with the smaller brands disappearing, he said.

Baumgarten said he wasn’t sure why health systems might use that terminology, but it could be to avoid legal challenges. Hospitals expanding their market share, such as HCA HealthOne in the Denver area, traditionally had to make large donations to nonprofit foundations, he said.

“Maybe this approach avoids that,” he said in an email. “Or maybe you get lighter antitrust scrutiny, even though this joint venture would have significant market power.”

The  assigned points based on how many times each hospital lost money in the last five years, whether its debts were greater than its assets and whether its net worth had decreased between 2020 and 2024.

The report identified 602 hospitals as being “financially vulnerable” in all but four states — Alaska, Delaware, Maryland and Vermont.

“That doesn’t mean you’re going to close,” said Dan Johnston, a researcher who authored the report. “That’s just an indicator the hospital isn’t doing very well.”

The report didn’t identify Denver Health or Delta Health as at risk, despite both experiencing well-publicized financial struggles over the last five years. Both were close to the cutoff for financial vulnerability and could move into that category if their 2025 numbers don’t improve, Johnston said.

Only two of the 12 Colorado hospitals were rural, though facilities in less-populous parts of the state are more likely to run deficits.

The hospitals flagged as at-risk in the report were:

• Banner North Colorado Medical Center’s Loveland campus
• Banner North Colorado Medical Center’s Greeley campus
• CommonSpirit Longmont United Hospital
• CommonSpirit St. Elizabeth Hospital in Fort Morgan
• Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge
• Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital in Brighton
• St. Vincent General Hospital District in Leadville
• UCHealth Broomfield Hospital
• UCHealth Grandview Hospital in Colorado Springs
• UCHealth Greeley Hospital
• UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital
• UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital in Longmont

All hospitals will face challenges as patients fall off Medicaid because they couldn’t navigate work requirements or the need to prove their eligibility at least twice a year, Johnston said. Those facilities that were struggling even before the cuts under H.R. 1, known as the “big beautiful bill,” will be even more likely to have to raise prices or cut services, he said.

“This bill is going to have a major impact, and it’s going to cause a lot of problems,” he said.

In addition, the end of pandemic-era enhanced subsidies for people buying on the individual market will likely increase the number showing up at hospitals without health insurance, or with a plan that involves high out-of-pocket costs they may not be able to cover.

Technically, Medicare is also on track to undergo a 2% cut as part of “sequestration” efforts to rein in federal debt levels, though Congress has never let similar cuts take effect.

St. Vincent’s has acknowledged financial troubles in its recent past, including the need for an emergency cash infusion from Lake County to cover payroll in 2022. Earlier this year, CEO Bubba Bartlett said the hospital posted a small profit in 2025 and expects similar results this year.

Banner Health said its northern Colorado hospitals are “financially strong” and not at risk of closing. The Loveland location, formerly known as McKee Medical Center, to focus solely on surgeries and cancer care.

“As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems, we have designed an approach that enables us to live up to our mission and continue serving the communities that depend on us,” the system said.

Intermountain Health said it couldn’t comment on the report’s methodology or conclusions, but has concerns about how Medicaid changes will affect hospitals.

CommonSpirit Health referred questions to the Colorado Hospital Association, which said it couldn’t speak about the specific list of hospitals, but that facilities have endured losses in recent years and will have further struggles as patients lose insurance coverage.

“Colorado hospitals work hard (independently, as a system of hospitals across the state and with the Polis administration and other stakeholders) to avoid unnecessary closure or reductions in an effort to keep health care services in communities,” association spokeswoman Cara Welch said in a statement. “Despite these efforts, we are past the point of anticipating negative impacts to care – now it is happening, and it will get worse as more provisions of H.R. 1 take effect.”

UCHealth spokesman Dan Weaver said the list seemed “odd” because it includes some of the system’s more stable hospitals. The system is adding a tower and medical office building to its Highlands Ranch campus, suggesting it sees the market as profitable.

UCHealth has dealt with the strain of a sharp increase in uncompensated care, but it still acts as a refuge for other hospitals, with Pueblo’s Parkview Medical Center and Estes Park Health joining the system after years of losses, Weaver said.

“Importantly, no UCHealth hospitals are at risk of closing. UCHealth is the state’s largest provider of Medicaid care, and we are committed to the communities we serve,” he said in a statement.

In the mountains

Colorado’s 10 most popular hikes, according to AllTrails

Colorado waterfall hike: Copeland Falls best this time of year in early morning

This hiking trail near Red Rocks will help you get in shape for 14er season

Gorgeous Colorado hike reopens this summer with new rules for hiking, camping, human waste

An Estes Park getaway can be about more than just the outdoors

Camping

Gorgeous Colorado hike reopens this summer with new rules for hiking, camping, human waste

Forest service now charging $20 for dispersed camping in Homestake Valley

Within driving distance

These adult summer retreats can help Coloradans escape burnout

Big balloons will rise above Colorado’s heat this summer; watch ’em soar or take a ride

Looking for beach vibes? Here’s where to find them in landlocked Colorado

Movie-theater hotel adds vintage Airstreams, Quonset huts in San Luis Valley

Sleep in a treehouse, hike with llamas, stargaze and more summer whimsy

Pick your own flowers at these farms and garden centers in Colorado

Is city fishing safe? Yes, experts say, but there are updated guidelines to follow.

Big balloons will rise above Colorado’s heat this summer; watch ’em soar or take a ride

Here’s where to fish with kids near Denver

Summer fun

Biodegradable pickleballs, size-inclusive skorts made in Colorado and other sports gear we love

More women are playing padel than ever — and for good reason

Meet the Boulder dogs cast in this summer’s Colorado Shakespeare Festival

Gravel biking events are a hot commodity in Colorado this summer

Want to get off your phone? Learn blacksmithing or floral design at these Colorado classes and makerspaces.

Beyond Colorado

10 tree-house hotels in the U.S. for you to commune with nature in comfort

The man walked out of the front door of his apartment, startling a cow elk who attacked him, according to Estes Park public information officer Kate Miller.

He was transported to Estes Valley Medical Center; town officials did not know the extent of his injuries.

A Colorado Parks & Wildlife officer responded to the apartments to locate the cow elk and found that it had moved from the area along with its calf into a more secluded spot, away from the public, according to CPW public information officer Kara Van Hoose.

Miller said that Estes Park Police officers were dispatched to Manford Avenue three other times throughout the day Saturday, and to “multiple other areas of town” in response to aggressive elk. No other injuries were reported Saturday.

“We encourage people to be extremely cautious and aware of their surroundings at all times,” Miller said. “Calving season, just like the fall rut, reminds us that elk are wild and dangerous animals. This is the time of year cow elk can become very aggressive as they protect their newborns from perceived threats.”

There are currently no trail closures, but signs are posted on Manford Avenue, and on the Lake Estes trail between the public parking garage and the bird sanctuary warning about aggressive elk in the area.

Van Hoose said that elk calving season runs from mid-May to the end of June, and cows can display increased aggression during that time while their young are the most vulnerable and not able to move on their own.

She said that cow elk generally choose secluded places for their calves where they feel the calf is safe to be left alone while the cows search for food. But habituated elk — those that have lost their natural fear of humans due to repeated, close-up contact — are more likely to drop their calves in residential areas.

Van Hoose said it is generally recommended that people stay at least 75 yards from elk, because cow elk can charge from a great distance if they perceive threats to their calves.

“Please give them as much space as possible, which includes turning around on a trail if you spot an elk, or maybe parking in a different location,” she said.

If you encounter an elk acting aggressively, the safest response is to leave the area immediately, Van Hoose said.

“Start backing up and don’t turn to run,” she said. “If you have a dog, make sure the dog is on-leash at all times and does not run to interact with the elk. If the elk starts to approach your dog, do not pick up the dog because that can lead to the elk getting aggressive with you while you’re holding the dog. If you’re unable to safely leave the area, put large objects, like cars or trees, between you and the elk.”

On May 27, a mother and daughter reported being chased by an aggressive cow elk after they walked past her newborn calf in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The town of Estes Park says that encounters between the roughly 3,000 elk that call the Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park area home and the more than 4 million visitors who visit the park annually are inevitable.

The town warns people to observe wildlife laws that prohibit feeding or harassing wildlife, or allowing one’s pet to harass wildlife.

Reports of protective elk endangering people may be made to the Estes Park Police Department at 970-586-4000.

in Grand County, crossing the Continental Divide and topping out at 12,183 feet. Plow drivers began clearing snow in mid-April.

The Alpine Visitor Center and store near the summit also are open.

Although the road is a federal highway (U.S. 34), travelers are required to pay $30 for a one-day vehicle pass or secure another valid park entry pass. Timed-entry . Non-U.S. residents are required to pay an additional $100.

Adverse weather in the alpine environment can cause temporary closures of the road. Visitors can check road status by calling a recording at 970-586-1222.

There were waits of up to 90 minutes at park entrances, and once people got inside, they found the parking lots full, according to media reports and social media posts. A long line of hikers formed at the upper section of the hiker’s route on iconic Half Dome, just below the summit — a section so steep, there are steel cables for protecting hikers against falls.

Timed-entry requirements also were dropped this year at Arches National Park near Moab, Utah, after local county commissioners sent a letter to the park superintendent withdrawing their support for the reservation system. They cited an 18% decline in visitor spending since the imposition of reservation requirements in 2022. Glacier National Park in Montana and Mount Rainier National Park in Washington also got rid of their reservation requirements.

Supporters of entry reservation requirements, including conservation groups and some elected officials, have blamed the Trump Administration for pressuring the parks to remove them. It’s the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the National Park Service, which includes staffing cuts, mining expansion and an executive order that required the parks to remove exhibits that “inappropriately disparage Americans,” which critics said is an effort to whitewash history.

But in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park was allowed to keep its six-year-old peak-season timed-entry system, which took effect this year on Friday, May 22, and will run into October. That’s because Interior Department officials went along with the recommendation of superintendent Gary Ingram to continue with its two-tiered reservation system. And when Interior Secretary Doug Burgum met with community leaders last month, they expressed their support for the policy.

“There were a lot of businesses and other groups around the table, and it was pretty much universal that the [9 a..m. to 2 p.m.] timed entry for the vast area of the park — not counting the Bear Lake corridor — is not a deterrent to visit,” recalled Estes Park mayor Gary Hall.

“The timed entry in Rocky is not a substantial impedance. Most people agree with that in town,” he added.

People are much happier

Timed-entry at Rocky began in 2020 as a response to the COVID pandemic, but park officials were already evaluating potential strategies to prevent overcrowding at what was then the fourth busiest of the nation’s 63 national parks. Timed entry was retained as a trial “pilot” program from 2021 through 2023 and was adopted permanently in 2024.

Rocky was the sixth busiest national park in 2025, when Yosemite bumped it out of fifth place.

As in previous years, reservations for 2026 are required from 5 a.m. until 6 p.m. for the popular Bear Lake corridor, while reservations for the rest of the park are required from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Ingram, who has been in charge since 2023, is aware of what happened at Yosemite this month after its reservation system was eliminated.

“I can’t speak for the other parks,” Ingram said. “The key aspects we’re looking for are maintaining positive visitor experiences. The safety aspect has always been key to me. When you have gridlock going up to Bear Lake, or any one of these areas, it����ap hard to get emergency vehicles to someone who has fallen and hit their head at Rock Cut or having some sort of episode up at AVC,” a reference to the Alpine Visitor Center high on Trail Ridge Road.

“The other thing is that it protects the resources,” Ingram said. “We can manage people a heck of a lot better when we spread out that visitation through the day.”

In the four years before timed entry, Rocky averaged more than 4.5 million visitors annually. In the past four years, it averaged just over 4.25 million.

“When timed entry was first launched six years ago, it was a very difficult year following many difficult years of visitors and park employees being incredibly frustrated with crowding in the park,” said Estee Rivera Murdock, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, which is the park’s non-profit partner. “Fast forward six years, and the local community largely understands the value of timed entry. They see that they have a better experience.

“The local business community was really concerned in the beginning,” she added. “Now that we’ve had years of sales tax (data), they know people are much happier, rather than sitting in standstill traffic for two hours.”

At Yosemite, superintendent Ray McPadden said in an announcement that he decided to scrap the reservation system after conducting an analysis of last year’s traffic patterns, parking availability and visitor use.

“We are committed to visitor access, safety and resource protection, and will continue active traffic management strategies to ensure a great visitor experience,” McPadden said. “While reservation systems are one valuable management tool, our data demonstrates that a season-wide reservation requirement is not the most effective approach.”

John Buckley, executive director of the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center, strongly disagrees, citing frequent incidents of vehicles parked illegally between trees in Yosemite Valley along roads packed with cars.

“I’ve frequently seen vehicles parked along the edges of meadows where parking is not allowed,” Buckley said. “When visitor numbers are spiking, I’ve often seen sensitive habitat areas such as riverbanks along the Merced River in Yosemite Valley get so crowded that riparian vegetation gets trampled and stream banks suffer.”

Buckley is one who suspects pressure from the Trump administration and a local lawmaker were behind the decision to eliminate timed entry.

“The local congressman, Tom McClintock, has consistently promoted unlimited visitation to ensure higher profits for Yosemite region gateway businesses when there are maximum levels of tourism,” Buckley said. “He’s repeatedly expressed strong opposition to any limits on vehicles or visitors to the park, and he has publicly taken some of the credit for the administration choosing this year to abandon any day-use reservation system in Yosemite Park.”

McClintock has been a longtime advocate of expanding public access to Yosemite and opposing reservation requirements.

“The 750,000-acre national park can welcome many more visitors than it does today without restricting access,” he wrote last year in a column on his official website. “All that is missing is a visitor-friendly attitude by Yosemite Park management and a willingness to be a good neighbor to the gateway communities and businesses that depend on tourism.”

“Logical arguments”

If the decision to eliminate reservations at Yosemite came from the top in Washington, as critics allege, that doesn’t explain why Rocky was allowed to continue its approach.

“I can’t speak to their decision to approve this,” Ingram said. “I can tell you, since day one of my arrival here, it was all about the adaptability and flexibility that our timed-entry program has. It gives an opportunity for the short daytrippers who want to come in before 9, or just want to come up and see a sunset, they’ll be coming after 2. Even at Bear Lake, you can still get in there before 5 o’clock in the morning or after 6 (in the evening).”

Hall, the Estes Park mayor, suspects Rocky got approval for retaining its policy because of Ingram’s relationship with his superiors.

“You could call this speculation, but I’ve seen enough signs that I feel he makes good logical arguments, and it has been accepted,” Hall said. “I do believe that Mr. Ingram has a good relationship with Interior, that he has a good argument for why the 9-to-2 is not draconian, and why it does really help management of the park. I think his arguments got through and make sense to Interior, and he’s allowed to do it.”

In Moab, Grand County (Utah) commissioner Brian Martinez sees the decisions at Rocky and Arches as an indication that the Interior Department is sensitive to community sentiment.

“It sounds like the Department of the Interior listened to the local communities and gave them what they wanted,” Martinez said.

Timed entry at Arches cost Grand County businesses $40-$50 million per year in lost revenue since it was introduced in 2022, according to Martinez, plus about $10 million in county and state tax revenues.

“Over the last three years, Arches National Park visitation has been reduced to 2015 visitation levels,” the county commission wrote in its letter to the superintendent last year. “This is having a detrimental impact on Grand County’s economy, negatively impacting Grand County’s working people and the ability of the Grand County Commission to provide services to the local community.”

Community leaders in Moab have been working with park officials to create a shuttle system from town to manage traffic and parking issues in the park.

“When I look at the problem of the crowding that they talk about at Arches, it����ap not a people problem, it����ap a car problem,” said Martinez, who expects the shuttle service to begin this fall. “It����ap not that we have too many people, we just have too many cars, and we don’t have the infrastructure and the road to deal with them.”

While community leaders in Estes Park voiced support for timed entry when Burgum visited last month, they did raise concerns over conflicting messages coming from the Trump administration last year regarding national parks staffing in the wake of Elon Musk’s DOGE cost-cutting.

“Last year we lost a lot of potential business because people didn’t know what the status was going to be after those firings, rehirings, furloughs and various other things,” Hall said. “Consistency of messaging was the single biggest issue that was discussed around the table. The secretary seemed to accept that as a valid point.”

Ingram said his more than 33 years as a park ranger, which taught him how to deal with life-and-death situations, also helps him navigate the uncertainty coming from Washington.

“It taught me to be flexible and limber and always try to find solutions in worst-case scenarios,” Ingram said. “Whether it was a high-angle rescue, a swiftwater rescue, a car over the edge, a violent person in a campground, we’re always going to give it our best shot to find a solution.

“Whenever a new administration comes in, there’s always change,” he added. “I have counted on my ability to be flexible and to respond in a positive way that will have the least amount of impact to the park, the park employees and the visitors.”

A couple of previous experiences in the mountains have shaped my comfort level camping and lodging in Colorado.

On one hand, I had no issue sleeping in the back of my camper truck — when it still worked. (Rear-wheel-drive vehicles and ice don’t mix very well.) On the other hand, one weekend without Wi-Fi at a resplendent lakeside cabin had me climbing up the logs trying to get in touch with civilization.

Earlier this year, I found my sweet spot at Castle Mountain Lodge, a roadside inn with cabins and hotel rooms in Estes Park on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park. The lodge had almost everything we needed for a calming weekend getaway, whether our plan was to venture into the park, stroll the town or lie low and let hours go by.

Our excursion ended up being more of the latter. My wife recommended Castle Mountain Lodge as a destination for our “babymoon,” a getaway before our child is born, and a sort of redemptive opportunity after our last trip to the “Cabin with No WiFi.”

The lodge began with a single dwelling, purchased by architect Igor Polevitsky in the early 1950s. More cabins — including the Little Pines studio with kitchenette and fireplace where we stayed — were built by the adjacent Fall River.

Castle Mountain Lodge is now owned by Chris Wood and Michael Hodges, according to the website. It has 29 units, a playground, a hot tub room and picnic area, said Joel Tramel, the inn’s manager.

It has not changed much over the years, according to Tramel, who did single out the addition of the laundry services and hot tubs to some cabins. “It has always been a very family-focused collection of cabins.”

The lodge is on the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park, where many of the guests head for the day, he said. Others stay near the lodge, casting for fish stocked in the Fall River, watching for grazing elk or walking by not-so-wild turkeys that roam the grounds. Black bear sightings are possible, though we did not come across one.

Since we are expecting, we were not looking for excitement, so we splurged on a babymoon package that included a couples massage. Our room came ready with a vase of roses, a basket of treats, a box of chocolates and firewood dropped off by the front door. In the basket was also a gift certificate to Bird & Jim, an American restaurant in Estes Park, that did not go unused.

While that package is no longer available, there are others: The “Sweetheart” deal comes with roses and chocolates, a snack basket, a certificate to Bird & Jim and extra firewood. The “Spa and Pamper” package adds a one-hour couples massage performed on-site by professional massage therapists.

Truly, I would’ve been fine just enjoying the serenity of the outdoors out on the deck, or streaming a baseball game on the television, or reading from inside our warm room, as we did.

The lodge is open year-round. Rooms and cabins are still open despite the busy summer and fall season, Tramel said.

Many longtime guests are familiar with Wanda Bauder, who has worked there for about 20 years and now assists at the concierge desk. Tramel has an even longer history with Castle Mountain Lodge, having worked there while attending college in Kansas between 1989 and 1993. He is now two years in to what he considers his “third act” in life as lodge manager.

“I had been coming to Estes Park since I was a little kid and always loved it,” he said. “I worked summers in college here, made friends and kept coming back out year after year.”

I don’t have the same history with this area as Tramel does. I can definitely see myself coming back, though.

Castle Mountain Lodge is at 1520 Fall River Road, Estes Park. Check online at for bookings and availability.

The app is especially important to Colorado, it turns out, because the state placed second to California for the most navigations (activities recorded by app members) and elevation gained, according to 2025 data released by the company. Colorado was also third for hiking distance with 11.6 million miles logged, following Oregon and California.

But not all trails on AllTrails are created equal. Here are the 10 most popular hikes in Colorado, listed from most to least navigated using AllTrails last year. Routes range from easy to strenuous, and all are within a two-hour drive of Denver.

10)

Arapaho National Forest, Dillon

Hike length: 6.6 miles out and back

Elevation gain: 1,758 feet

This short but challenging stretch of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) is especially popular during peak wildflower season. Rosy paintbrushes and blue and white columbines line the path in July, followed by golden willows in autumn. The start of this hike is especially steep, as is the last half-mile to Herman Lake, but the views are unparalleled. Plan to start early, as this trail ascends above treeline.

9)

Roosevelt National Forest, Eldora

Hike length: 4.2 miles out and back

Elevation gain: 830 feet

A popular day trip and backpacking destination, Lost Lake is located just west of Eldora. A free shuttle operates between the town and the Hessie Trailhead on select dates between May 22 and Oct. 11, as parking is limited. This moderate route features several waterfalls and wooden bridges over Boulder Creek, along with eight designated campsites around the lake. Note that moose are often seen on this trail.

8)

Mount Evans Wilderness, Idaho Springs

Hike length: 7.3 miles out and back

Elevation gain: 2,736 feet

Many summit Mount Bierstadt as their first fourteener given its distance from Denver and lesser degree of difficulty. Still, this Class 2 trail demands serious effort. From the trailhead, a wooden boardwalk leads to steep switchbacks and some scrambling near the 14,064-foot peak, which offers panoramic Front Range views. Arrive before dawn to secure parking and to beat summer’s afternoon storms.

7)

Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park

Hike length: 5.2 miles out and back

Elevation gain: 1,112 feet

Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, this extension of Colorado’s most popular trail connects four alpine lakes: Nymph, Dream and Emerald, as well as Haiyaha. To reach the last in the series, take the side trail on the east end of Dream Lake, passing Longs Peak views before reaching Lake Haiyaha. Trout swim in its brilliant turquoise waters, while elk and sunbathing marmots are often seen from the path.

6)

Mount Galbraith Park, Golden

Hike length: 4.3-mile lollipop loop

Elevation gain: 921 feet

With its easy access, moderate difficulty and expansive views, the Mount Galbraith Loop is appealing. Follow the narrow Cedar Gulch Trail, then veer left at the junction to ascend the circuit clockwise, admiring Golden scenery and the distant Denver skyline. Though rocky, the loop’s descent is shaded by pines, unlike much of this otherwise sunny hike. Be wary of rattlesnakes in the warm months.

5)

Arapaho National Forest, Idaho Springs

Hike length: 1.7 miles out and back

Elevation gain: 508 feet

Past the town of Idaho Springs, drive up forested Fall River Road to this short but famous and much-loved trail with its grand views. The route gains steady elevation to the glistening shore of Saint Mary’s Lake, which is set beneath a semi-permanent snowfield. Many hikers cool off on this patch of frost before returning the way they came. Be sure to arrive early, as lots fill quickly during peak season; there is also a $20 parking fee.

4)

Pike National Forest, Manitou Springs

Hike length: 4.1-mile loop

Elevation gain: 1,978 feet

Despite its heart-pounding difficulty, the Manitou Incline is the state’s fourth busiest trail. Railroad ties of a former cable car track create its steep staircase, which ascends around 2,000 feet in less than a mile. Downhill hiking is not permitted on the Incline, but three bailout points help ease concerns. Those who reach the top return via the Barr Trail’s switchbacks. Note: free online reservations are required.

3)

Clear Creek Canyon Park, Golden

Hike length: 2.5-mile lollipop

Elevation gain: 239 feet

Located west of downtown Golden, the Gateway Trailhead provides hikers access to this easy lollipop route, which features a short segment of the paved Clear Creek Trail (previously known as the Peaks to Plains Trail). Around the one-mile marker, cross the sturdy Welch Ditch suspension bridge and start back towards the trailhead, following along the rugged canyon walls that often draw rock climbers.

2)

Red Rocks Park, Morrison

Hike length: 1.6-mile loop

Elevation gain: 364 feet

Visitors to Red Rocks Amphitheatre see a new perspective of the landscape on this short, moderate loop. The dusty path weaves between spiky yucca, twisted shrubs and towering sandstone formations of rusty hues. Despite the frequent crowds, mule deer are a common sighting. Hikers can start this trail at the Trading Post or from access points adjacent to the Upper South Lot.

1)

Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park

Hike length: 3.3 miles out and back

Elevation gain: 715 feet

It may come as no surprise that Colorado’s busiest trail is set in Rocky Mountain National Park. On this moderate route, hikers pass lily pad-covered Nymph Lake and dramatic Dream Lake views before reaching the edge of sparkling Emerald Lake. From May 22 to Oct. 18, timed-entry reservations are required, and the park’s free shuttle is recommended, given limited parking at the Bear Lake Trailhead.

“I made a couple of nice plays and got a couple of shots on that (Kings crease) and obviously was lucky to get one,” Avalanche forward Nicolas Roy reflected when asked about his scrappy overtime goal, the one sending Colorado into Los Angeles on Thursday night with a 2-0 series lead.

“But again, I like to be in this area (of the crease), and a lot of those goals are scored there. So I try to be there as much as I can.”

The Nic of Time came 7:44 into overtime late Tuesday, not long after the referees had gifted the K.O. Kings a 1-0 cushion — forcing Marty Necas to go reverse 5-hole with Gabe Landeskog and claw the Avs back.

The 6-foot-4 Roy, acquired from Toronto for a first-round pick at the trade deadline this past March, is built like the girder of an old-time baseball park. He’s strong, lean, sturdy, and hard as all heck to see around during parts of the action.

In the Colorado spirit, once Big Nic started camping in Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg’s crease, it was only a matter of time before somebody started a fire. While Roy and Kings defender Brandt Clarke swapped shoves in front of the L.A. net, the Avs’ Josh Manson collected a feed from Nazem Kadri, cocked his stick back, and fired from the blue line.

With that, Brandt blocked Manson’s wrister, only to lose the rubber as it trickled under him. An alert Roy leaned in and shoveled the loose puck past Forsberg to end one of the weirdest playoff nights in Ball Arena history.

“(Roy has) been awesome,” Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon said later. “I mean, he’s a great player. He’s a really smart player, awesome guy. (Joel Kiviranta) almost scored right before him, and then (Roy) found a way to get it done.”

Avs 2, Kidney Punch Kings 1. They found a way. They found a Roy, in spite of it all. Hockey justice is supposed to be blind in April. But not nearly as blind as the zebras that worked Avs-Kings Game 2.

Artemi Panarin lofted the puck over Colorado net-minder Scott Wedgewood on the power play with 6:56 left in the third period to break the deadlock, giving the underdogs a 1-0 lead. But ain’t it funny how officials didn’t notice the cross-check in front of the Avs goal, as Los Angeles’ Scott Laughton shoved Devon Toews halfway to Littleton?

Cale Makar? Elbow to the chin.

Marty Necas? Elbow to the nose.

That second one, a cheap shot by the Kings’ Mikey Anderson, is a felony in 45 states. On Tuesday, it was two minutes for roughing.

From four blind mice in stripes to in-game stadium repair, it turned into one long, strange trip of an evening. The second period had a little bit of everything. Everything, that is, except a goal.

Some goaltenders raise the roof. Wedgewood rattled the windows — helping to break the glass that separates Avs fans from the Kings’ bench.

Not directly, mind you. See, roughly 3:12 into the second stanza, Wedgie stoned a penalty shot awarded to the Kings’ Quinton Byfield, the result of a particularly curious call on Cale Makar. The Avs goalie dove hard to his left, extending a glove to stop the Los Angeles forward’s backhanded try.

With that, the superb gave way to the surreal. Ball went justifiably bonkers over Wedgewood’s stop. So bonkers, in fact, that the glass partition behind the L.A. bench completely shattered due to repeated banging by Avs faithful. The collision sent a shower of shards into the back and shoulder of unsuspecting Kings coach D.J. Smith and his staff.

And cue the oddest of odd playoff delays. The away bench had to be cleared as cleaning and maintenance crews rushed in to sweep up debris. New glass was installed after a 17-minute delay, during which both teams remained on the ice.

In hindsight, the stoppage might have slowed down a chance for the Avs to immediately capitalize on the juice generated from Wedgewood’s penalty save.

“That’s a different one,” said Avs coach Jared Bednar, who took a stray puck to the face against Vegas earlier this month. “I mean, stuff happens.”

The rough stuff happened early and often. Manson separated Laughton from his spine with 10:28 to go in the first. After Wedgewood smothered a Trevor Moore wrister on a Kings 2-on-1, a full-scale donnybrook exploded near the Colorado net.

Once order was restored, the assailants skated to the Los Angeles end of the ice. But not all — Necas got sandwiched between the Kings’ Mathieu Joseph and Anderson at center ice, a collision punctuated by Anderson reaching up to elbow the Avs winger right between the nostrils.

Meanwhile, Artturi Lehkonen boarded a dude behind the Los Angeles net with the subtlety of an Estes Park elk. Somebody grabbed Sam Malinsky, and we had another scrap, only on the other end, and with everybody on the dance floor.

When the dust settled for a second time, Brett Kulak got four minutes — two for roughing, another two for cross-checking — in the box, and Anderson only had to serve two in his box on a roughing charge.

Nevertheless, the chippy persisted. The Kings’ 6-foot-5 forward Jeff Malott bopped the 6-foot Makar in the face with 4:18 left in the opening period as they hovered above Wedgewood’s crease just before a stoppage in play.

Necas got a little of his back in the Avs’ last possession of the opening 20 minutes, shoving Anderson into the boards behind the Kings’ net a few seconds ahead of the stanza-ending horn. Why should Vegas and Utah have all the fun?

“I guess I’d better keep my head up, huh?” . “No bicycles on the highway.”

The goalie duel continued, even as the Avs generated a 3-on-1 with 4:26 left in the second stanza, a rush that had the natives rising to their collective feet again.

Only Necas dished to Landeskog rather than ripping one while he had a good look. That little hesitation gave Forsberg enough time to snuff out the danger.

Shoot, Marty!

Ah, shoot, Marty.

Playoff Necas rebounded. With 3:35 left in regulation and the Avalanche down, 1-0, Marty camped out behind Forsberg’s left shoulder, waited for help, and found an open Landy cutting into the crease. No. 88 slipped a perfect diagonal pass between Forsberg’s leg pads and onto the stick of the Captain, who didn’t miss — lighting the lamp and sending another grindy contest into overtime.

In case of awful officiating, just break glass. And call on Roy to clean up the NHL’s mess.

“I’m joining a group of guys (in Colorado) that have built something really good here,” Saint Nic said of Avs life. “(I’m) just trying to chip in as much as I can, help these guys out in any way I can.”

No bicycles on this highway, kids. Here today. Goon tomorrow.

Saturday. The touring screening of “The Princess Bride” with star Cary Elwes is finally coming to Denver, having been postponed from Dec. 27, 2025. The shows at 1 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, both feature the 1987 movie and Elwes, who played the dashing Westley, on stage after the credits roll. He’ll talk about the film’s best behind-the-scenes moments — including working with director Rob Reiner, who died tragically last year along with his wife, Michele.

The “Inconceivable Evening,” as it’s called, takes place at the Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place in downtown Denver. All previously purchased tickets will be honored, and new ones are on sale for $39-$54 at .

Frozen Dead Guy Days

Various activities and entrance fees are covered with tickets starting at $55. Some events are free to attend. Estes Park Events Complex, 1125 Rooftop Way in Estes Park. Free parking at 691 N. St. Vrain Ave. includes shuttles to the event. See the full list of bar crawls, brunches, a polar plunge and more at .

Meow Wolf’s trash-fashion

Thursday. Meow Wolf Denver is bringing back its trash-fashion show this month with “Absolute Rubbish: EXTRA Terrestrials.” The immersive-entertainment company’s alien theme fits well within the surreal sculptures at its Denver outpost as designers and models take the stage at its Perplexiplex venue for a night of beautiful and bizarre creations. Names this time range from Andrea Fischer and Autumn Olive Crochet to starrsprite and Wimsysways.

The 8 p.m., 18-and-up show on April 2 is hosted by Alisha Sweeney from Indie 102.3, with music from DJ Blaque Gurl and a show from performance artist Gale Force. 1338 First St. in Denver. Learn more and buy tickets, $44.75, at .

Denver Gay Men’s Chorus

Friday-Saturday. Last month, the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus renamed its spring show from “Party in the USA” to the more civic-minded “The Pursuit of Happiness: Warding the Freedoms of America,” in response to the current national climate, producers said. “We could not move forward without embracing a new charge: to protect those who need protecting, to stand firm in the face of tyranny, and to fight, as our forefamilies have done, in our pursuit of happiness,” according to the 40-plus-year-old LGBTQ organization.

That gives its performances on Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28, a bit more social urgency, though the chorus will no doubt inject the same joyous vigor and skill that it is known for. The musical showcase takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Elaine Wolf Theatre at the Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center, 350 S Dahlia St. Tickets are $27-$43 via .