Angela Rae Harris's Blog, page 30

How to watch: Colorado State Rams football vs. UTSA Roadrunners

Colorado State vs. UTSA

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: FS1

Stream: foxsports.com/live

Broadcast crew: Dan Hellie (play-by-play), Petros Papadakis (color analyst)

Radio: 104.3 FM (Denver), 99.1 FM (Fort Collins)

Rams broadcast crew: Brian Roth (play-by-play), Ricky Brewer (color analyst), Marty Cesario & Kevin McGlue (sideline reporter)

Jay Norvell, Colorado State sticking with QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi for ‘measuring stick’ game vs. UTSA | Rams Gameday

Jay Norvell should remember what it felt like last time he was in Canvas Stadium.

Yes, it was a packed house for Colorado State’s home opener. But, as his team trailed 10-0 at halftime and later needed a minor miracle (or two) in the final minute to beat Northern Colorado (an FCS team with two wins since the start of 2023), the excitement that existed before the game quickly turned to nervousness and then frustration.

After a crucial, early-season bye week, many wondered if change was coming, particularly at quarterback, ahead of an important game against UTSA this Saturday (7:30 p.m. FS1).

“(Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi) has been our quarterback, and he is our quarterback,” Norvell said at the start of this week.

Well, that settles that.

Even after arguably the most disappointing performance since becoming the starter (13-for-25 passing for 132 yards with no touchdowns and one interception), Fowler-Nicolosi remains Norvell’s guy.

Colorado State quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi runs the ball during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

“Brayden didn’t play well, especially (in) the first half of the last game,” Norvell said. “He’ll be the first one to admit that and we gotta get him playing with more continuity and comfort. We had a chance to go back and really look at things that he likes that we can hang our hat on. 

“(Backup) Jackson Brousseau is ready. We practiced Jackson with the (first team offense) some last week. Our guys are comfortable with Jackson being in that (first team) huddle, but Brayden’s our guy, and we gotta get playing good and feeling confident. This is an important week for us to do that.”

It’s an important week in several respects. If Washington and Northern Colorado are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of caliber of opponents the Rams will face this fall, UTSA is somewhere in the middle. The Roadrunners are what CSU aspires to be, and as the saying goes, ‘to be the man, you gotta beat the man.’

“They’re one of the top Group of Five programs in the country,” Norvell said. “If you look over the last four or five years, UTSA, Memphis, Tulane, Liberty, Boise (State) — probably the top schools in America at our level.”

 UTSA is led by Jeff Traylor, whom Norvell coached alongside for a year as assistants at Texas a decade ago, and quarterbacked by Owen McCown, the former CU Buff who has established himself as one of the top players at the position in the Group of Five.

UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

To win this week, Norvell is likely going to need the better coach and Fowler-Nicolosi will almost certainly need to be the better quarterback. Once Fowler-Nicolosi gets in a rhythm, the Rams are confident they’ll have the better quarterback in every game the rest of 2025. 

“Brayden understands his role on this team,” Norvell said. “I think his role has intensified, obviously, because he’s the quarterback, but I think all of our guys gotta understand how their execution and understanding of situational football affects the whole team. 

“I’ve spent a lot of time with Brayden over this past week, watching ball, talking ball, talking about situations, and how he can kinda change his thought process and how to help the football team. At the end of the day, that’s his job. His job is to complete passes, to get his teammates involved, and put us in position to win. I think he sees that better than he has (in the past). Brayden’s a good football player. He’s won a bunch of games for us, he’s got a lot of experience, and now, we need to lean on that experience as we move forward.”

Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell looks on from the sideline during an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

When the Rams take the field on Saturday night for the first time since nearly losing to the team from Greeley for the first time, two things are for sure: the home crowd’s patience won’t be nearly as long and everyone is going to learn a lot about the 2025 version of Norvell’s squad.

“Whenever you can play one of the top Group of Five schools, it’s gonna give you a measuring stick for what type of program you have,” the CSU coach said. “This (UTSA) team has been a very good one. We’re gonna play on national TV, a lot of people are gonna see us play. We’re gonna play in front of our home fans again. (I) can’t wait to get back in Canvas (Stadium) again and get it stirred up. Our team understands how important this game is. We’ve been pointing to it.”

King’s prediction

UTSA 31, Colorado State 21

It’s just hard to trust these Rams after what we saw two weeks ago. Sure, maybe they come out with a renewed sense of urgency and jump on a quality Roadrunners team, but to bank on that at this point isn’t wise. UTSA has a talented, balanced offense that will put pressure on the CSU defense from the opening drive and while UTSA is vulnerable defensively, it’s not easy to believe Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and the Rams offense will be consistent enough to take advantage and keep up on the scoreboard. 

King’s Players to Watch

Colorado State: WR Jordan Ross, OLB JaQues ‘Donut’ Evans

No one in the AAC has allowed more passing yards per game so far than UTSA. The Rams have the horses at wide receivers to make plays downfield, namely Ross, the sophomore who only made big plays in the buildup to the season. He should be one Norvell looks to get involved early and often. On defense, the Rams could use a breakout game from Evans, the Baylor transfer who was talked about all summer as a key player. He’s yet to make a play in the backfield through two games and a few of those Saturday would go a long way.

UTSA: QB Owen McCown, LB Shad Banks Jr.
For the first time since he left Boulder nearly three years ago, McCown returns to Colorado as the leader of the Roadrunners. He’s thrown for nearly 600 yards on just under 65% completions with 6 touchdowns and 0 interceptions through three games, and he could make CU fans happy by taking care of business in Fort Collins. Defensively, Banks has been the top playmaker for UTSA as the team’s leading tackler, who also has a pair of interceptions and a fumble recovery.

Justin Strnad is Broncos’ sacks leader entering Chargers game | Broncos notebook

The Broncos’ sacks leader after two games might surprise you. 

Inside linebacker Justin Strnad — thrust back into a starting role, again, with injured teammate Dre Greenlaw (quad) ruled out a third consecutive game — is the only Broncos player with consecutive sacks in the early season. 

In Week 1, he chased down Titans quarterback Cam Ward as he tried to escape the pocket. In Week 2, he blitzed up the middle and quickly sacked Colts quarterback Daniel Jones. 

“Honestly, right now, it doesn’t mean a whole lot. I just want to win games,” Strand told The Denver Gazette when asked about being Denver’s sacks leader entering Sunday against the Chargers. “Obviously, last week, we didn’t get that done. So, that was unfortunate. … Sacks always help the team win. Would love to get as many as I can. But the wins are much more important.” 

Strnad started eight games last season when starter Alex Singleton went down with a torn ACL. He said that “experience helps” and “any time you get snaps in this league, it’s going to help you down the road.” His current focus is bouncing back from that 29-28 road loss to the Colts.  

Strnad was targeted in coverage twice by Jones, and according to Next Gen Stats, the inside linebacker gave up 29 yards. Strnad explained a key focus to help limit those kinds of explosive plays facing Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.  

“I think communication is the biggest part in all of defense in this league,” Strand said after practice Friday at Broncos Park. “Especially when you’re playing so much match or pass-off coverage. You’ve got to be able to communicate so that, when things do happen, you’re passing things off and you’re able to stay on them.” 

Strnad was a full participant Friday after missing Wednesday practice with a foot injury. He was limited on Wednesday but is now on track to play Sunday with no injury designation against the Chargers. 

“I think the experience from a year ago certainly has helped (Strnad),” coach Sean Payton said. “He’s smart. I think that he’s a guy that can play in coverage, and it’s good to see him with the production rushing the passer.” 

Greenlaw, Engram ruled out  

Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw and tight end Evan Engram both sat out practice Friday, and neither will play Sunday at the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Greenlaw, who has a quadriceps injury, and Engram, who has a back injury, both worked on a side field at Broncos Park. The Broncos then officially ruled them out after practice. 

“I think the back became a factor (for Engram) during the game last week,” Payton said. 

Greenlaw, who was hurt July 31 and hasn’t played or had a full practice since the regular season began, is in line to miss his third straight game. Broncos coach Sean Payton said Engram, who didn’t practice all week, was hurt in last Sunday’s 29-28 loss at Indianapolis. 

All other players on Denver’s 53-man roster were full participants in practice Friday and no other players had an injury designation for Sunday’s game. That includes tight end Nate Adkins, expected to make his season debut after missing the first two games following ankle surgery in August. 

Briefly 

Wide receiver Courtland Sutton finished the loss in Indianapolis with four targets and just one reception for 6 yards. Payton acknowledged there are more ways to get Sutton involved in the passing game. He said: “I think it’s important in the third down (situations). I think it’s important in the red zone, and then, throughout the gameplan. Yes, there are a number of things.” … Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey is off their injury report after missing practice Wednesday (biceps). Two chargers are questionable: linebacker Daiyan Henley (illness) is questionable and cornerback Cam Hart (hip). Defensive back Elijah Molden (hamstring) and tight end Will Dissly (knee) are both out against the Broncos. 

The Denver Gazette’s Broncos reporter Chris Tomasson contributed to this report.

Downtown Westminster to open dog park bar this fall

Bring your pups and buy your beers at Downtown Westminster’s new container bar area and dog park.

The City of Westminster announced a new bar in its Downtown Westminster neighborhood in partnership with local brewer, Kokopelli Beer Co., that is set to open next to a dog park this fall.

The Kokopelli Social Bar will be inside of a shipping container at 90th Avenue and Fenton Street, right in front of the temporary dog park and across the parking lot from Bowlero, according to a press release from the city.

Currently, Kokopelli is seeking a liquor license for the location, but once approved, the area will allow acholic beverages on the patio in front of the container and in the dog park.

“Provided your dog will leave you alone, you may also bring those items into the dog park itself where people can visit with friends and small play groups,” the city told The Denver Gazette Friday.

Kokopelli Beer Co.’s main location is in the Solaire Shoppes at 8931 Harlan St., just down the street from downtown, and is the first solely woman-owned brewpub in the state, according to the company’s website.

It offers 30 unique taps, including at least 27 of its own, in-house made craft beers covering the style spectrum, as well as a few guest taps of ciders and sour beer, according to its website.

“The bar container is an effort to provide activation in downtown and to the surrounding temporary dog park and create a destination for residents and visitors throughout the city. Dog owners and the public at large will have the opportunity to enjoy a beverage and a snack. It will be a great place to unwind after a busy day or week,” the city said.

The dog park will later be relocated to the central park that is currently under construction and is set to be completed by spring 2026, but the city did not say if the container bar will remain at the location or move to the other park.

Downtown Westminster — located off U.S. 36 and bounded by 92nd Avenue to the north, 88th Avenue to the south, Harlan Street to the west, and Sheridan Boulevard to the east — has been a slow and ambitious project from the city since the Westminster Mall closed down in the same area in 2011.

The area where the mall used to sit was purchased in three different chunks between 2009 and 2012 by the Westminster Economic Development Authority after the mall saw a significant decline in tax revenue. 

The city held community planning meetings to develop a master plan for the area. With residents’ feedback, the city crafted a plan officials hope would create a walkable, community-friendly area to both show off what small businesses had to offer and create a replacement for the mall.

Since, the city has continued to add businesses and parks to the area, hoping to create a central location for the city. Along with the new bar, Sherman Associates teamed up with Henry Lee, owner of all Bonchon restaurants in Colorado and Salady, to bring about a “next-generation eatery” called Red Lotus Den on the ground floor of the Aspire Apartments at 5815 West 89th Avenue in the summer of 2026.

The city is still holding a resident survey regarding the Kokopelli Social Bar on Downtown Westminster’s website until Sept. 29.

Coach Prime, Colorado maintain belief despite 1-2 start | Buffs Gameday

BOULDER — Deion Sanders is turning to the best for advice.

Coach Prime’s third Colorado team is off to the worst start of his tenure. Entering Saturday night’s showdown against Wyoming (8:15 p.m. ESPN), the Buffaloes are 1-2.

By the time Ralphie VII makes her debut and leads the team out onto the field on what looks to be a gorgeous end-of-summer night at Folsom Field, CU will have had eight days to think about everything that went wrong in last Friday night’s Big 12 opener at Houston. 

Sanders already has his message for his group: ‘Why not us?’

It came from what Sanders heard Clemson coach Dabo Swinney say after his team’s loss to Georgia Tech last Saturday. The Tigers are 1-2, just like the Buffs and Swinney, one of just three active college coaches with a national championship, told his Tigers team that the last time they were in this spot (2014), they went on to finish with 10 wins. 

Coach Prime believes his team can do the same.

“Dabo Swinney is one of my favorites. I love him to life. I love the man he is, the coach he is. Just a great guy. Just a guy that I could look up to in this coaching realm,” Sanders said this week. “They’ve been sitting here before, sitting here (at) 1-2, and they turned it all around. I think they went 10-2 that season. 

“Why not us? Why can’t we turn it around? Why can’t we correct the wrongs with the rights and display consistency because we have the talents in-house. We’ve just gotta put it to use and do what we’re capable of doing.”

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The Buffs have had the right approach all week.

It started when the Buffs got back on the practice field for the first time following the 36-20 loss in Houston. It’s usually a day where the regular starters get the day off and those who didn’t see the majority of the snaps get more work in than usual. But this time around, all 11 defensive starters came out in full pads. The offense followed suit with nearly all 11 starters.

“We didn’t feel like we played well, we gotta work,” Sanders said the players told him.

“When you win, you can kinda have an off day,” junior tight end Zach Atkins added. “But we didn’t, so it’s right back to work. I think that’s the whole mentality of the team right now. We’re not getting it done, so we just gotta work extra hard.”

Even after a performance where both the offense and defense played well below expectations, CU feels like a breakthrough is close.

“I don’t think we’re in a car just running aimlessly the wrong way,” Coach Prime said. “I feel like we could be better and we are better, we’ve just had a hiccup here and a hiccup there that has disarmed us in its totality. It’s no excuse for what transpired last week.”

That message has particularly resonated with an offense that is still figuring out what it is. With Shedeur Sanders at quarterback and multiple future NFL wide receivers, the offensive identity was not hard to come by the past two seasons. But no quarterback has solidified himself through three weeks, and although three have played, veteran Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter is poised to make his third start of the season.

“We gotta find our identity as an offense, who we are as an offense,” tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Brett Bartolone said. “Us coaches have to find that, and we have to get that out of our players. We’ve gotta solidify the quarterback position and make sure he’s comfortable and do things that maximize his skill sets. Once we find that (identity) — and I feel like we’re truly on track in doing that — then we’re gonna be in a much better place.”

Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter, front, runs for a short gain as offensive lineman Zarian McGill, back left, and Georgia Tech defensive lineman Jordan van den Berg trail the play in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

It’s not so far away that the coaches can’t see the improvement, either.

“I do think we’re close. I think we just gotta let loose and play, and I think that starts in practice,” Bartolone said. “We gotta practice the right way, we gotta prepare the right way. We gotta execute. We can’t just execute during the week, we gotta execute when the lights are on. We also gotta be able to respond. If something negatively occurs and something doesn’t happen our way, we gotta be able to respond to adversity, smile in its face, and play the next play. That’s where we struggle right now.”

It’s not in his nature not to, but the man in charge is a believer, too.

“Maybe Saturday, maybe a couple games after that, but we’re gonna get there with the consistency we desire,” Sanders said. “I can see it.”

How to watch: Colorado Buffaloes football vs. Wyoming Cowboys in nonconference finale

Colorado vs. Wyoming

Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. Saturday

TV: ESPN

Stream: espn.com/watch

Broadcast crew: Dave Flemming (play-by-play), Brock Osweiler (color analyst), Stormy Buonantony (sideline reporter)

Radio: 94.1 FM & 850 AM

Buffs broadcast crew: Mark Johnson (play-by-play), Gary Barnett (color analyst), Andy Lindahl (sideline reporter)

Denver school board advances policy to set rules for hiring outside attorneys

In a split vote Thursday, the Denver school board narrowly advanced a policy outlining when it can hire its own attorney, sparking debate over whether the measure undermines the district’s first Black general counsel.

The measure advanced with a 4-3 vote.

Directors Xóchitl Gaytán, Scott Esserman and Michelle Quattlebaum — all of whom are up for re-election in the fall — voted against the measure.

The policy will be voted on twice more before being adopted.

Gaytán argued that adopting a policy that would create parameters around when and for what purposes the board will hire outside counsel would actually undercut the first Black person appointed to general counsel. She also contended that the policy — which doesn’t require the board to hire its own general counsel — would be duplicative and costly.

“I believe this policy fractures the district’s legal voice and undermines the governance of this board,” Gaytán said, reading from prepared remarks. “Second, it does send the wrong message to our staff, our DPS staff, our DPS community, by stripping away the duties from our very first Black general council. Third, it does waste money on duplicative, unnecessary, outside council when the dollars should be going directly to our classrooms.”

Proposed by Director Kimberlee Sia, who was elected two years ago, the policy is intended to create parameters around when the board uses outside counsel, not replace the district’s counsel, who is Aaron Thompson, she told The Denver Gazette Friday.

Most legal issues are handled by Thompson.

“The intention of this is to outline the process for how we as board members select an outside counsel,” Sia said.

Having adopted in 2021 what’s called a “policy governance” model, the board is still building those policies. For example, in addition to creating a policy around hiring outside counsel, the board considered three other measures that included the end goals of teaching and learning.

Policy governance establishes the responsibilities and relationship between the superintendent and board of education. In theory, the model allows the board to focus on advancing its vision for the district.

Sia first proposed the measure in June.

Members have been hammering out the language for this policy for weeks.

The pushback stunned Sia.

“None of this came up at the work session,” Sia said. “That’s what caught me by surprise.”

District Spokesperson Scott Pribble said he could not provide how much the board spent on outside legal services last fiscal year or what types of issues prompted the spending.

In June, the board hired an outside attorney to investigate racial discrimination allegations levied by Superintendent Alex Marrero against Director John Youngquist, formerly a longtime DPS employee and principal of East High School.

In May, Marrero asked Board President Carrie Olson to censure Youngquist, accusing him of both “racial insensitivity” and a conflict of interest — alleging he was quietly vying for his job.

The board hired the Denver firm Garnett Powell Maximon Barlow & Farbes to conduct the investigation.

The proposed general counsel policy comes after the board voted 5-2 on new language for a two-year contract extension for Marrero, which included a supermajority requirement to remove him without cause and 90-day notice, up from the 60-day notice that was previously required.

The board did not retain outside counsel in negotiating Marrero’s new contract.

That work was done by Thompson, who reports to Marrero.

As previously reported by The Denver Gazette, board members directed the language they wanted in the contract to Thompson and a secret, two-member committee, in a move legal experts have said may have run afoul of Colorado’s open meetings law.

Bill Good, a district spokesperson, has said that they acted appropriately.

Board members Thursday did raise questions about how, if the board elected to hire its own outside counsel, that could impact interactions with Thompson.

Thompson could not immediately provide the board an answer.

“If you’re represented you’re representative and I would have to go through your council to talk to you,” Thompson told the board.

Some of the proposed language included who the attorney would report to (the board president), how frequently a request for proposals would go out (every three years) and potential duties (reviewing the superintendent’s contract, attend meetings).

Earlier language had proposed requiring the general counsel to report to the board regulatory violations, lawsuits and monetary damages. This was removed, Sia said, because, under policy governance, the board can only give direction to the superintendent.

The legal counsel would be subject to the board-approved budget.

Peak leaf peeping season begins in Colorado: Here’s what to know, and how to locate your towed vehicle off Guanella Pass

Plus CDOT offers safety tips for drivers, and 5 other scenic drives to see the state’s fall color change

Colorado’s aspen trees are entering peak leaf changing currently and Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to anticipate additional traffic on roadways and to plan ahead, especially on weekends, as people head out to see the changing of the leaves. 

CDOT said all drivers and pedestrians need to watch out for each other and maintain a safe environment for everyone. 

Cyclists bike up Guanella Pass as foliage begins to turn shades of yellow and orange on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 near Georgetown, Colo. (Tom Hellauer/Denver Gazette)

This includes the very popular leaf-watching drive along Guanella Pass south of Georgetown in Clear Creek County, which accommodates between 10,000 to 20,000 vehicles a day during week days and between 25,000 to 30,000 vehicles daily on weekends.

CDOT said although the Guanella Pass Road between Georgetown/Interstate 70 and Grant/US 285 is not part of the state highway system, drivers should be aware that parking restrictions are in place at the top of the pass and extend at least a half mile to the north and south of the summit.

Clear Creek and Park counties implemented the restrictions to ensure emergency vehicles have the required access to maintain safety on the pass. 

According to Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office Communication Manger Jennifer Fulton officers have not towed any vehicles the past two weekends from near the Guanella Pass summit.

But she was quick to add: “as the peak leaf-peeping season starts, if vehicles need to be towed we are doing the following:”

Towed vehicles will be taken to the Geneva Basin lot, which is at Mile Marker 11 on Guanella Pass Road in Clear Creek County. Park County will also be towing vehicles to this location.If a vehicle is towed, the CCCSO will put a traffic cone with the attached notification in the spot where the vehicle was illegally parked.If the CCCSO has to tow any vehicles, once it starts towing, it will have its Detentions van driving the roadway to shuttle any towed vehicle owners to Geneva Basin or a safe location where the owner can await personal transport.A motorist drives through yellow aspen groves along Guanella Pass on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 near Georgetown, Colo. (Tom Hellauer/Denver Gazette)

“Our plan is to tow vehicles to Geneva Basin, but if the Geneva Basin lot fills up or we need additional towing companies to assist, it is possible the vehicles will be towed to the tow company’s lot,” Fulton said. “At a minimum, we will provide transportation to a location where the vehicle owner can make calls to locate their vehicle and/or arrange a ride.”

Denver Gazette news partner 9NEWS reported Friday that one group did experience a towing incident on Aug. 31 atop Guanella Pass after hiking in the area.

According to 9NEWS, Adam Dickerson and his parents returned to the spot where they had parked their vehicle to find it gone.

“The hike was great, we come down, and there’s no cars on the road at all,” Dickerson said. “And so, it was confusing, but quickly we realized that the car was towed.”

A tow truck and sign warning motorists about illegal parking sit alongside switchbacks up the Georgetown, Colo. side of Guanella Pass on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. (Tom Hellauer/Denver Gazette)

With no cell service on the pass, Dickerson said his family had limited options. At one point, his 71-year-old mother tried to flag down cars and ask rangers for help. The family eventually hitched a ride down to Georgetown, then back up to Silver Plume, where their car had been towed.

According to CDOT, leaf-viewing traffic at its peak on weekends, travelers should consider, if possible, traveling Tuesdays through Thursdays to ease traffic congestion and overcrowding for a more pleasant visitor experience.

However CDOT cautions if people are traveling on weekends, travelers still can encounter work zones on state highways. Weather-dependent projects sometimes take advantage of favorable conditions to continue construction before adverse weather stops work until spring. 

Leaf peeping safety tips from Colorado Department of Transportation

Leaf Peeping Safety Tips:

Be aware of vehicles traveling at lower speedsWatch for vehicles pulling off the roadway or parked along the roadFind safe, designated areas to parkDrivers, be aware of pedestrians out of their vehicles taking photosPedestrians, watch out for passing vehicles

It is also a great time to kick off the autumn travel season with Colorado Byways #Roadtrip Weekend from Sept. 26 through Sept. 28. That weekend aligns with National Public Lands Day on Sept. 27. Pairing up a beautiful scenic drive along with the popular enjoyment and volunteer conservation of public lands can provide an economic boost to rural communities. The bonus: admission to the national parks and monuments is free on NPLD.  For more information, visit: National Public Lands Day.

For those who would rather not drive on NPLD, CDOT’s Bustang to Estes bus service provides an alternative for travel to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Tickets will be 25% off for the weekend of Sept. 27 and 28, and for the weekend of Sept. 20 and 21. For more information, visit: www.ridebustang.com and use the code ESTES25. 

Water cascades down a waterfall on Guanella Pass on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 near Georgetown, Colo. (Tom Hellauer/Denver Gazette)Five popular scenic driving routes to enjoy fall colors in Colorado:Red Feather Lakes Loop – Fort Collins

This Northern Colorado route skirts 612,000 acres of the Roosevelt National Forest and features alpine lakes and a diversity of wildlife including Colorado’s state mammal, the bighorn sheep. The region’s scenic beauty is especially captivating during the fall when the foliage changes.

Northeast of Fort Collins, drivers can take northbound U.S. Highway 287 to the town of Livermore, where they will connect with Red Feather Lakes Road. Just south of the Lakes and near the loop’s halfway point is where Potbelly Restaurant and Lounge are. Connect to Manhattan Road (also known as Co Rd 69), and take it south to Rustic connecting with Colorado Highway 14, which travels back eastbound to Fort Collins.

Pikes Peak – Colorado Springs to the summit and backAspens begin to turn golden near Victor, Colo., as a fresh coat of snow blankets 14,115-foot Pikes Peak Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Due to the variety of elevations and ecosystems along the drive to Pikes Peak’s summit, fall foliage enthusiasts will be able to witness a variety of colors (and even seasons!) on the way to the top. Be sure to bring a jacket for the summit.

From Colorado Springs, take U.S. Highway 24 west to Cascade and continue onto Pikes Peak Highway/Fountain Avenue, which eventually turns into a toll road to the Summit.

Glenwood Springs to Delta to Hotchkiss back to Glenwood SpringsThe aspens on the Grand Mesa turn golden with the Book Cliffs in the background early this month.

This leaf viewing route takes approximately 10 hours total roundtrip from Denver and the leaf viewing loop will be approximately four hours of that drive. Plan accordingly to condense this into a day trip or extend it into an overnight stay.

Via the Front Range, take I-70 west 56 miles past Glenwood Springs to De Beque to connect with Colorado Highway 65 south, also known as the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway. Take CO 65 south to Delta to connect with Colorado Highway 92 eastbound. At Hotchkiss, connect to Colorado Highway 133 northbound to get to Carbondale, then connect to Colorado Highway 82 back to Glenwood Springs and the I-70.

Gunnison Loop – Front Range to Gunnison to Paonia and backSnow covers the turning aspens on the west side of Cottonwood Pass on Oct. 3 near Buena Vista.

Leaf peepers should be prepared, as this is one of the longer routes that can be completed as a day trip. However, be advised that this route encompasses 10 to 11 hours of driving time. Those looking to embark on this adventure must be prepared for an early start, or stay overnight in Gunnison or Crested Butte. For campers, please note to camp only in designated camping areas on National Forest lands.

From the Front Range, take U.S. Highway 285 south to connect with U.S. Highway 50 westbound to Gunnison. Connect with Colorado Highway 92 west of Sapinero and take it northbound to Hotchkiss. Once in Hotchkiss, connect back to Colorado Highway 133 eastbound to go north to Carbondale. Connect onto Colorado Highway 82 and head south to summit Independence Pass east of Aspen. Connect to U.S. Highway 24 at Twin Lakes and either head north into Leadville and onto Interstate 70 to return to cities in northern Colorado or head south to connect to U.S Highway 285 then U.S Highway 24 to travel back to southern Colorado cities along the Front Range.

Southwest Colorado Loop: Durango/Cortez/RidgewayColorado’s Mount Sneffels as viewed from the top of the Dallas Divide in Ridgway.

This route weighs in as the heavy hitter on this list, but trust us, it will be worth it. The drive itself clocks in at five hours of drive time in the southwestern corner of Colorado. For residents of the front range, we recommend tackling this with an overnight stay or as a multiday weekend excursion.

To reach the loop via Montrose from the Front Range, take U.S. Highway 50 from Pueblo or connect in Salida from Colorado Springs via U.S. Highways 24 and U.S. Highway 285. You can also connect to U.S. Highway 50 by taking U.S. 285 southbound from the Denver metro area.

To reach this loop via Durango, take I-25 south to connect to U.S. Highway 160 westbound at Walsenburg and take it all the way to Durango.

The loop can be taken westbound, taking U.S. Highway 160 west to Cortez before veering northwards towards Ridgeway via Colorado Highway 145. Once in Ridgeway, you can find your way back to Durango via U.S. Highway 550 through Ouray and Silverton. Alternatively, you can take the loop in reverse if starting in Ridgeway via Montrose.

Denver area events for Sept. 19

If you have an event taking place in the Denver area, email information to carlotta.olson@gazette.com at least two weeks in advance. All events are listed in the calendar on space availability.

Saturday

Joy Park Free Night — Zip through the air, dig in the sand dunes, splash in the river or scramble, slide and soar through Adventure Forest, 4:30-8 p.m. or sunset, Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver; mychildsmuseum.org/whats-happening.

Atmosphere & Friends — With Hieroglyphics, Dilated Peoples, Living Legends, Immortal Technique, CunninLynguists, DeeJayBird, 6 p.m., Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison, $88 and up. Tickets: axs.com.

photo attachedJessie Murph — 6:30 p.m., Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St., Denver, $151 and up. Tickets: ticketmaster.com.

Jazz Odyssey All-Stars: KUVO 40th Anniversary Celebration — 7-9:30 p.m., MCA Denver at The Holiday Theater, 2644 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, $40. Tickets: mcadenver.org.

Kyle Kinane — 8 p.m., Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place, Denver, $57 and up. Tickets: ticketmaster.com.

Dombresky — 9 p.m., Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, $49.42-$100.83 Tickets: axs.com.

Nimino — 9 p.m., Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, $36-$61. Tickets: axs.com.

Friday-Saturday

Jeff Garlin — 6:30 and 9 p.m. FridaySept. 19, 6 and 8:30 p.m. SaturdaySept. 20, Comedy Works South at the Landmark, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village, $30-$40. Tickets: comedyworks.com.

Friday-Sunday

Denver Oktoberfest — Larimer and 21st in the Ballpark District, go online for prices. Tickets: thedenveroktoberfest.com.

Friday-Nov. 2

Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns — A glowing trail of more than 7000 hand-carved pumpkins, The Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, $14.99 and up. Tickets: magicofthejackolanterns.com.

Corn Maze — 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, Chatfield Farms, 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, $10-$20, free for ages 2 and younger. Tickets: botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/corn-maze.

CARLOTTA OLSON, The Denver Gazette

Barry Morphew posting $3 million bond

Barry Morphew, in jail on murder charges in the death of his wife, is in the process of making bail, his attorney confirmed.

But he remains in an Alamosa County jail as he waits to be fitted for a GPS ankle monitor and to finalize details with a local bondsman.  

His attorney, David Beller, confirmed late Thursday night that “funds for the bond were paid by friends and supporters,” and added that there are no guarantees that Morphew would be released from jail by the weekend. 

Barry Morphew smiles as he’s escorted Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in court in Alamosa. (Screen grab, AP pool via KRDO)

Earlier this month, District Court Judge Amanda Hopkins denied a request by Morphew to reduce bond to $500,000, though she did change the requirement from a cash bond to a $3 million surety bond, which meant he could await trial at home if a bail bond company was willing to guarantee the money or someone is willing to put that value of property on the line.

Usually 10-15% of a surety bond is required, and is non-refundable.

Morphew is liquidating all of his assets in order to pay his legal bills, according to Beller, and will be preparing for trial while confined to a Colorado residence. Under stipulations from the court, he will only be allowed outside for legal and medical appointments. 

An Alamosa County Sheriff’s deputy confirmed Wednesday night that Morphew was still at the Alamosa County Detention Center as he prepares for his release. 

The fact that Morphew made bail was first reported by the Alamosa Citizen. 

Morphew has been in custody since June after he was indicted by a 12th Judicial District grand jury. He was arrested in connection with the murder of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, June 20 in Gilbert, Arizona during a traffic stop by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

For months, he had been living in Arizona under the name Lee Moore. 

Suzanne Morphew, 49, disappeared from the couple’s Chaffee County home in May 2020, sparking a massive search. Despite never finding a body, Morphew, 57, was arrested on suspicion of murder in 2021 but the case was dropped after alleged prosecutorial misconduct.

Prosecutors allege he and Suzanne Morphew were in a combative relationship and that his phone was turned off for a long period the day she vanished.

In subsequent interviews, he and his daughters professed his innocence. But in 2023 human remains were found in rural Saguache County in the San Luis Valley that were identified as those of Suzanne Morphew. According to the grand jury indictment, the bones tested positive for a wildlife tranquilizer for which Morphew had access, and that he is the only person in Colorado with access to it.

The next hearing in the case is set for Nov. 3. As for when the case could go to trial, attorneys said it would be next summer at the earliest.

Denver Gazette contributor R. Scott Rappold contributed to this report.