Vol. 12 · No. 274
Saturday, October 3, 2026
12°C · Clear · $2.00
The Atlas Gazette
All the news that fits the grid
Parks · Page A4
Ridge trail reopens after a summer of repairs
Crews rebuilt the switchbacks below the saddle and swapped the old footbridge for steel. Hikers can head up on Monday.
By the Gazette staff · Atlas Ridge
After a summer of rockfall repairs, the North Ridge Traverse reopens to hikers on Monday morning. Crews rebuilt nearly two kilometers of switchbacks below the saddle and replaced the old footbridge at Aspen Junction with a steel span that should outlast everyone reading this.
“We moved about four hundred tons of rock by hand,” said trail crew lead Maya Ortiz. “Some of it twice.” The crew worked in ten-day shifts, camping at Saddle Hut and hauling tools up on foot when the weather grounded the helicopter.
The park expects a busy first weekend. Rangers recommend starting before seven, carrying more water than seems reasonable, and checking the fire danger board at the trailhead before heading up.
Lake Atlas freezes early for the first time in a decade
Ice reached the far shore by Thursday, two weeks ahead of the usual date. Skaters are asked to wait for the rangers' all-clear.
Harbor Point line adds a late train on weekends
A 23:40 departure from Atlas Central starts next Friday, giving concertgoers a way home that doesn't involve a taxi.
Library extends hours for the winter reading club
The main branch now stays open until nine on weeknights, with free coffee for anyone who finishes a book.
Weather · Page A2
First snow of the season by Monday
A cold front slides in Sunday night. Expect a few centimeters on the ridge and a slick commute.
| Day | High | Low | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT | 12° | 3° | Clear |
| SUN | 9° | 1° | Wind |
| MON | 6° | -2° | Snow |
| TUE | 8° | 0° | Cloud |