Peak color, warm air, and a Sunday at Apex

Weekend outlook

October is showing off. Expect sunny skies and highs near 80 both days, with light winds and cool mornings in the 50s. The foothills are hitting peak fall color right now, so the high trails are glowing gold. Start early to beat the heat and the crowds, carry more water than you think you need, and you will have one of the best riding weekends of the year.

Closures

No major closures are on the books this weekend. As always, check JeffCo Open Space alerts and Boulder OSMP trail updates before you leave, since conditions can change fast in the fall.

Top 3 trails this weekend

1. Apex Park, Golden (Sunday)

October 4 is an even calendar day, which means the designated bike trails at Apex are yours. Climb Apex Trail and drop into Enchanted Forest while the aspens are at their brightest. Note: Saturday is a hiker day at Apex, so plan this one for Sunday.

2. Buffalo Creek

When it is 80 degrees in town, the shaded ponderosa forest along the Colorado Trail feels 10 degrees cooler. Smooth, flowy, and fast, with plenty of miles to make a day of it.

3. Dakota Ridge at Matthews Winters

Red rock slabs and technical lines with big views back toward the plains. Go at sunrise to beat both the heat and the crowds on the ridge.

Trail work and events

COMBA's fall dig days are winding down for the season, so check their calendar if you want to give back before winter. No major events on the Front Range calendar this weekend.