Mount Falcon (October 2). About 4 miles round trip and 800 feet of climbing in a park in the foothills just west of Denver, with views out over the plains and the ruins of an old stone house on top. If you've never hiked with us, or never hiked at all, this is the one. Ellen walks at the pace of the slowest person and considers it a point of honor.

Moab (October 8 to 11). Columbus Day weekend, four days, three nights in tents. We'll camp at a campground outside Moab and day-hike in Arches and Canyonlands national parks: slickrock, arches, canyon rims and a lot of red sand in your sleeping bag. It's a six-hour drive each way, so we carpool and leave Friday morning. Nights can drop below freezing in October, so bring a warm bag. Group dinners on Saturday and Sunday. Limit 16. Park entrance fees and campsite costs are split.

Eldorado Canyon (October 17). A day of top-rope climbing on the canyon's easier routes, for people who have never tied in before. David has been climbing for twenty-five years and will set up all the ropes and anchors and teach knots, belaying and how to trust your feet. Helmets, harnesses and shoes can be rented at the gear store where I work (ask for me). Limit 8.

Full-moon hike (October 23). The night before the full moon, which is close enough for us. We'll walk the Colorado Trail from Kenosha Pass in the early evening, watch the moon come up over South Park, and walk back by moonlight. About 4 miles. It will be cold: bring every layer you own, a headlamp with fresh batteries, and a mug. Joan brings the cocoa.

Waterton Canyon (November 6). A wide, flat road along the South Platte River southwest of Denver, about 12 miles round trip, where a herd of bighorn sheep lives on the canyon walls. Bring binoculars. No dogs are allowed in the canyon, because of the sheep.

Snowshoeing (November through January). If you've never snowshoed: if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Rentals are cheap. Robert, Teri and Ellen keep our snowshoe trips on gentle, well-traveled routes away from avalanche slopes, and they will turn around if conditions are bad. Dress in layers, bring extra gloves and a thermos, and wear sunglasses: the sun on snow at 10,000 feet will burn your eyes and your face.

Leaders wanted! If you'd like to lead a trip, even an easy one, let me know. We'll pair you with an experienced leader for your first one.