August Was One of the Hottest Months in Denver History
Ninety to 100-degree heat, coupled with very dry conditions has sparked intense wildfires and exacerbated drought conditions across the state.
How I Put a Pandemic Pool in My Front Yard
One editor saved her summer (while endangering her marriage) with a kid-friendly above-ground oasis.
Hike We Like: Isabelle Glacier Trail
Visit glistening alpine lakes, fields of columbines, and one of Colorado’s last remaining glaciers along this lesser-known Brainard Lake highlight.
5 New(ish) Restaurants Worth Checking Out in Broomfield
Potato doughnuts, fresh pasta, chicken satay, and brunch cocktails are on the menu at these spots, all of which opened within the past year.
The Best Staycation Deals at Front Range Hotels
Reeling from COVID-19 cancellations, local hotels are turning to stir-crazy Coloradans to fill empty beds.
Where Our Food Editors Are Eating Right Now, September 2020
On the menu this month: jerk chicken, lamb neck tacos made from food scraps, and ramen in Boulder.
3 Wildlife Viewing Opportunities Made Possible by Animal Instincts (to Get It On)
Every fall, these Centennial State animals prove they’ll do whatever it takes to find a mate.
How 4 of the State’s Most Colorful Fishing Flies Got Their Names
Intricately designed flies aren’t the only way Colorado tiers show off their imaginations.
How Jack’s Solar Garden Hopes To Transform Farming—For Good
The Boulder County solar farm uses an emerging concept called agrivoltaics to make more money off the land. But that’s just the start.
3 Ways To Wear Your Favorite Spring Clothes in the Fall
Three local fashion experts share their best tips for making spring pieces work in the fall.
Room for Milly Is a Denver Cocktail Haven
Swanky drinks, inventive small plates, and a whimsical ambiance make the LoHi bar an enchanting escape.
Restaurant Review: Is Fruition a Pandemic-Defying Wonder?
With a new chef in the kitchen, the farm-to-table pioneer impresses and delights.
The Man Who Saved the Nation From One of the Worst Environmental Disasters in History
Hugh Bennett was critical in rescuing the United States from the Dust Bowl. Yet almost no one has ever heard of him.
The 5280 Insider’s Guide To Rediscovering Boulder
As the state continues to reopen after a tough summer, it’s the perfect time to rediscover locales close to home, like this city at the base of the foothills. Welcome to the Boulder you’ve been overlooking.
8 Ways To Ease Overcrowding at Our National Parks
Rocky Mountain National Park has been overrun with visitors for years. Throw social distancing measures into the mix and thinning the herd becomes even more complicated—and necessary.
Generation Next
A letter from the editor of 5280‘s September 2020 issue.
How Poor Broadband Access Is Hurting Colorado’s Rural Communities During COVID-19
Patients across the Centennial State turned to telehealth as the novel coronavirus swept across the nation. But for rural residents struggling with internet access, this important tool may be out of reach.
How Twin Pandemics Transformed Denver’s Black Leadership
The confluence of COVID-19 and this summer’s Black Lives Matter protests brought a new generation of Black leaders to the forefront of Mile High City politics and activism.
So You Think You Had COVID-19 Before March?
We asked experts the likelihood that your illness last winter was actually the new coronavirus.
A Conversation About Black Entrepreneurship With the Co-Owner of Konjo Ethiopian Food
Fetien Gebre-Michael speaks out about owning a culinary business in Colorado.
City Park Golf Course Is Finally Set To Tee off Again
After a three-year, $45 million facelift—plus a few delays—the landmark City Park Golf Course is reopening with modern flourishes.
Denver’s Iconic Paramount Theatre Turns 90
5280 staffers celebrate the occasion by remembering taking the Iron Throne, meeting their idols, and seeing some amazing performances inside the Art Deco masterpiece.
These 10 Black Creatives Want More From Denver’s Fashion Scene
We asked nearly a dozen Denver-based models, hairstylists, designers, and creative directors to share what it means to be Black in the city’s fashion industry and the changes they would like to see. Here’s what they had to say.
Beetcoin Connects Everyday Investors With Local Agricultural Businesses
Boulder-based social entrepreneur Woody Tasch established the program to provide zero-percent interest loans to farmers and food start-ups using funds from private micro-donations.
A Boulder Artist Brings a New Glow to an Old Art Form
Hannah Hazel tells us about the bright future of stained glass.
It’s Time You Met the Spirit of Grace Gospel Singers
Spirit of Grace has been active in Denver for nearly a decade. But now, as protests sweep across the city, the gospel group is finding a new audience.
Visible is Bringing a Stacked Lineup to Red Rocks. Will it be Worth Watching?
Nathaniel Rateliff, Phoebe Bridgers, Sam Hunt, and others will perform at Red Rocks Unpaused next week in what might be the most interactive concert series of the pandemic.
Denver Has A New Drag Queen Pie Delivery Business
Meet Martin Howard, the acclaimed pastry chef behind the Pie Queen, who is also known as Chocolatina, Queen of the Dessert.
Zero Foodprint Partners With Colorado Restaurants To Combat Global Warming
A one percent surcharge on your bill helps local farms establish regenerative agricultural practices that may make all the difference.
Family of Elijah McClain Celebrates His Life a Year After His Fatal Run-in With Aurora Police
Sheneen McClain and her family honored her son with music, fellowship, and the “Cupid Shuffle.”
Hecho en Colorado Is a Celebration of the State’s Chicano and Mexicano Community
The exhibition, on view at History Colorado Center through January 2021, features the works of 40 artists.
Trouts Fly Fishing Is Casting into the Platte River at a New Location
Trouts Fly Fishing, founded in 1995 in Washington Park, just moved into its biggest Denver location yet.
6 Drivers Have Hit Colorado Protesters With Vehicles This Year
The incidents are part of a nationwide trend—and could have connections to far-right memes.
There Won’t Be Any James Beard Award Winners in 2020
Colorado had six finalists for the culinary awards, which were canceled by the James Beard Foundation today.
Why is This Woman Carrying a Green Box to the Top of Colorado’s Fourteeners?
Brittney Woodrum is summiting all 58 of Colorado’s fourteeners to help raise awareness for ShelterBox—and all of those impacted by the natural disasters that didn’t stop just because of COVID-19.
Breckenridge Brewer Suzanne Nance Debuts Women’s Equality Day Sour
The Eliza-rita, available on tap starting August 26, honors Colorado suffragist Eliza Pickrell Routt.
Denver’s Icon Source Is Like Match.com for Athletes and Brands
Nearly a year old, Denver-based startup Icon Source’s online platform helps businesses big and small make authentic, meaningful connections with athletes.
This Colorado Getaway Is the State’s First Certified “Passive House”
A Q&A with the designer of this 1,300-square-foot, certified International Passive House tucked into the mountains outside of Fort Collins. And, yes, you can rent it.
Want to Save Independent Restaurants? Contact Your Elected Officials
If passed, the RESTAURANTS Act will provide vital grants to mom-and-pop businesses—but the bill still needs the support of four Colorado Congressional representatives.
Arvada: Van Bibber Creek Trail
Van Bibber Park somehow delivers a paved trail with a natural vibe.
Boulder: Chapman Drive Trail
Bring Fido along for a romp through wildflowers while you enjoy gorgeous valley views.
Castle Rock: Rimrock Trail To Creek Bottom Trail
Castlewood Canyon State Park offers interest-piquing outdoor recreation for history buffs.
Castle Rock: Challenge Hill
Philip S. Miller Park’s staircase is a good warm-up for the more famous Manitou Incline.
Evergreen: Bergen Peak Trail
Big elevation gain provides access to great views and the aspen-dotted summit of 9,701-foot Bergen Peak.
Golden: Rawhide Trail
Don’t miss the trails at idyllic White Ranch Park.
Lakewood: Mount Carbon Loop
Bear Creek Lake Park proffers lake and mountain views.
Loveland: Wild Loop To Blue Sky Trail
A popular route for mountain bikers, Blue Sky Trail allows hikers to connect Devil’s Backbone and Horsetooth Mountain open spaces.
Lyons: Grindstone Quarry Trail To Lichen Loop
Grindstone Quarry Trail is a stunning—and blessedly bike-free—path in Heil Valley Ranch.
Parker: Perimeter Trail To Two Bridges Trail
Bayou Gulch Open Space is your ticket to a long but relatively flat jaunt.
Littleton: Carpenter Peak Trail
Roxborough State Park’s Carpenter Peak is a manageable—and enjoyable—climb.
5 Urban Stretches
Escaping Denver’s concrete jungle doesn’t require a drive all the way into the foothills. Explore these five city trails for a quick connection to the outdoors.
Why Now is the Perfect Time to Dine at the Fifth String in Highland
Summer’s bounty shines at the week-old restaurant, which brings chef Amos Watts’ seasonally-inspired cooking to Tejon Street.
Is Tutoring the Right Move for Your Kid During COVID-19?
The vagaries of public school systems are driving parents to find other options.
Kiowa is Colorado’s Only County With Zero COVID-19 Cases. What Has Spared the Community?
Despite resistance to mask-wearing, Kiowa County has yet to record any COVID-19 cases. Some think they beat the virus last year. Others think God is protecting them. We visited Kiowa County to find out.
What Makes Seoul Mandoo’s Giant Dumplings So Special?
A team of experts shape hundreds of perfectly pleated mandu daily at the Aurora restaurant, which is solely dedicated to Korean dumplings.
Will the Pandemic Make Us Rethink Nonsurgical Facial Procedures?
Although doctors are accepting clients for cosmetic procedures again, many customers are rethinking what treatments are worth the upkeep.
Good River Beer Helps Clean Up Local Waterways
After shuttering its Santa Fe District taproom in May, the brewery refocuses on community projects and expanding distribution.
How I Taught My Cat to Use a Toilet During the Pandemic
This isn’t some Meet the Parents gag. You can actually train your cat to do their business in a human toilet. All you need is a cat, a training device, and a global pandemic.
Large Wildfires Are Raging West of the Continental Divide in Colorado
Colorado is dealing with four dangerous wildfires right now, including one of the largest in state history and another that has closed I-70 in Glenwood Canyon.
Black Is Beautiful Is Now On Tap in Colorado
Twenty-seven local breweries are participating in the worldwide initiative to fund causes to support police brutality reform, relevant legal defenses, and equality and inclusion programs.
Kanye West (and Nearly 20 Others) Are on Colorado’s Presidential Ballot
Kanye West and 16 other candidates have made the ballot. But does it actually matter? Probably not in Colorado.
Is Adventure Gear Running Low on the Front Range?
Some gear might be harder to find right now, but local shops are working to meet high demands as more Coloradans take to the mountains. Plus, six places to buy or rent gear.
Don Cheadle Was Once A Mime in Denver
Yes, that Don Cheadle. And we have pictures.
Shop Paulina Buckley’s Wild and Whimsical Floral Creations
The Denver-based floral designer’s new Larimer Square pop-up shop, Buckley House of Flowers, is in full bloom this summer.
Right Cream Delivers Addictive, Small-Batch Ice Cream to Your Door
A tech salesman by day, David Right offers ultra-chunky creations packed with decadent mix-ins like cashew and potato chip brittle and Palisade peach jam.
Meet the Sisters Who Founded FIT & NU, Colorado’s First Health Club for Women of Color
Like many Black women, sisters Brittney Rae Reese and Joslyn Reese were tired of feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome in gyms throughout Denver. So they opened their own.
A Look Back at Vesta Through the Eyes of Those Who Made It a Denver Icon
Former staff members and regulars reflect on what made the Blake Street restaurant so special.
Skydiving With One of Denver’s Largest Marijuana Smugglers
A new podcast from Denver journalist Chris Walker investigates a multimillion-dollar, Colorado-based marijuana trafficking ring. Before The Syndicate drops this week, Walker recounts skydiving with one of the crew’s key members in order to secure his story.
A Colorado-Inspired Menu Is the Draw At the Local Jones In Cherry Creek
The restaurant, which opened in the former Departure space in early June, offers dishes like locally sourced trout schnitzel and rack of lamb in an airy, inviting space.
Help Hosea and Lauren Rosenberg Fight Their Daughter’s Rare Disease
Sophie’s Neighborhood is hosting a second virtual auction on August 15 to support research for MCTO, the rare skeletal disorder afflicting three-year-old Sophie.
Colorado’s Coin Shortage: King Soopers and Others are Penniless Right Now
Customers aren’t spending coins right now. We spoke with the U.S. Mint in Denver to find out what’s actually going on.
How Many People Are Actually Contact Tracing in Colorado?
Contact tracing is an important step in containing the spread of COVID-19. What does it actually look like in Colorado?
House Rock Kitchen in Buena Vista Offers Kombucha Cocktails, Feel-Good Fare
The fast-casual spot on Main Street is the perfect post-adventure pit stop.
Denver’s Average Single-Family Home Price Exceeds $600,000 for First Time
COVID-19 didn’t slow down Denver real estate last month—in fact, it’s soaring to new heights for single-family homes.
COVID-19 Update: Colorado Case Numbers Are Looking Better
After a concerning rise in case data in July, new infections are leveling off in the wake of a statewide mask order.
The Coronavirus Shutters Bru Handbuilt Ales & Eats in Boulder
The eight-year-old neighborhood brewpub, known for its inventive beers and brick-oven-fired bites, served its last pint on July 31.
The Broncos Are Poised for an Exciting Year—but Will the NFL Hold up Amidst the Pandemic?
The Broncos have hit the practice fields again, but the NFL has done little to inspire confidence about a safe season worth supporting.
Inside the Electrifying World of Colorado Birding
Birding is on the rise during the pandemic. Here are eight ways to get in on the action in Colorado.
Mixn Match Offers Customized Dining Experiences with Local Pros
The start-up from chef Biju Thomas and event industry vet Reed Rowley sends chefs and mixologists to you to create restaurant-caliber meals.
3 Mixed-Media Artists Share the Secrets of Collage
Need a creative outlet to keep from going stir crazy? These artists share some of their must-have materials and tips to inspire you to make your own masterpieces.
Celebrate National IPA Day with Lady Justice Brewing Company’s Tasting Experience
On August 6, the brewery will host IPA school, featuring to-go flights paired with a virtual tasting class.
What Happens If There Are No More Farmers’ Markets in Colorado?
Brian Coppom, executive director of Boulder County Farmers Markets, speaks out on the essential nature of these local open-air markets.
Richard Sandoval’s Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge Opens in Cherry Creek
The pan-Latin restaurant inside the JW Marriott is the first outpost for the brand, bringing a spacious patio and a ceviche bar to the tony neighborhood.
8 Free Things to Do Around Colorado This August
Whether it’s immersing in local creations or continuing community conversations, here are eight things to do this month without dropping a dime.
Is It Safe to Travel to See My Family?
I would love to visit my 94-year-old grandmother in Georgia. I also don’t want to kill her. So I spoke with an infectious disease expert at UCHealth to see what I need to do to make that happen.
Will We Have a 2020-’21 Ski Season? Copper Mountain’s Summer Park Offers Insight
The scene in July at Copper Mountain’s Woodward terrain park sheds some light on ski industry’s plans for the upcoming season.
Front Range County Jails Have a Suicide Problem
Far too many Colorado jail inmates are dying from suicide, a cause of death critics say can be prevented with reasonable health care services. The problem? Private correctional health care firms may have a goal other than providing adequate care.
Is Colorado Ready for November?
Whether it’s 1920 or 2020, any election cycle is fraught with talk about security and voting rights—but this year is unlike any ballot season we’ve seen.
By the Numbers: Women in Office
The push for equal political representation for women has gone beyond the ballot box in recent decades.
How Suffragist Strategies Are Used Today
Suffragists didn’t invent political organization tactics, but they took what others had used before, adjusted them for their needs, and found success. And campaigns and advocates are still using that same adopt-build-change strategy.
Why Colorado Women Vote
In their own words, Centennial State women explain what exercising their right to vote means to them.
Voting Rights Milestones
Making sure that Americans have equal access to the polls has been a long process—and it’s still evolving.
The Ongoing Fight Against Voter Suppression
Securing franchise—the right to vote—didn’t end in 1920.
Inside Colorado Women’s Tactics
Centennial State suffragists devised a broad and brilliant strategy to earn their spots at the ballot box.
Road-Trip Itinerary: Suffragist Sites
Get in the car for a historical road trip planned around suffragist hangouts and exhibits in both Colorado and Wyoming.
Was Colorado the First to Let Women Vote?
Awarding a blue ribbon is complicated—but Western states, including Colorado and Wyoming, were early adopters when it came to extending suffrage to female citizens.
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Helped Coloradans Enjoy Their Porches More
We asked some of the people photographer Jennifer Olson captured for the #frontstepsproject how staying home more allowed them to appreciate the outdoor spaces.
How to Help Your Kid Deal With School Stress
Three techniques from Denver’s Asset Education to help your back-to-schooler relax this year.
New Programs Intend to Help SAR Volunteers Heal
Backcountry missions pile life-altering stress on the rescuers.
5280’s Restaurant Critic Looks Back on Meals Past
Writer Scott Mowbray pines for the pre-coronavirus communion and showmanship that came with dining out.
A Lakewood Company Is Using UV Light to Make Traveling Safer During COVID-19—and Beyond
Puro UV Disinfection Lighting’s technology kills 99.9 percent of existing pathogens—including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Winter Counts Is a Page-Turner—and an Eye-Opener
David Heska Wanbli Weiden’s debut thriller novel reveals problems on U.S. reservations.
Where to Shop, See Art, and Sip Hot Cocoa According to the Brain Behind Babe Walls
Alexandrea Pangburn, the creator of a new mural festival for women and non-binary artists, reveals her local sources of inspiration.
This Podcast From Two Denver Educators Teaches Lessons About Inclusivity
Gerardo Muñoz and Kevin Adams cover some tough topics on Too Dope Teachers and a Mic. That’s exactly why their listeners love them.
Heroes Among Us
A letter from the editor of 5280‘s August 2020 issue.
HiRa Cafe & Patisserie Brings Ethiopian Cake-And-Coffee Culture to Aurora
Pair pastry chef Hiwot Solomon’s Black Forest cake, cookies, and tiramisu with house-roasted, single-origin Ethiopian coffee at the cheery spot.
4 Front Range Asian Restaurants to Try Right Now
These new spots enhance the already stellar Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese dining scenes in Denver and beyond.
Students Give DPS a Lesson on Black History
A group of students is leading the movement to weave Black history into Denver Public Schools’ white-centric curriculum—including changes that will be implemented this month.
Denver’s Top Doctors 2020
For more than 25 years, 5280 has asked physicians in the Denver area whom they would trust to treat themselves or a loved one. The following 339 doctors—in 98 specialties—were nominated by their peers this year.
