Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1892, President Benjamin Harrison created the Grand Mesa Forest Reserve in western Colorado—one of the earliest steps in protecting what would become Grand Mesa National Forest.

Today's edition of The Colorado Flyover is running a bit shorter as our team takes time to celebrate the holiday with loved ones.

Today's sponsor is Money. Colorado drivers have seen insurance costs climb sharply in recent years, especially with higher repair costs and weather-related claims. If you haven't checked your rate lately, now may be a good time.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

River Talks Still in Limbo

Officials from the seven Colorado River states met for an annual conference in Las Vegas last week, but negotiators made scant progress on how to manage the water supply for 40 million people.

Upstream states, including Colorado, have been deadlocked with downstream states for months over the new rules that will decide who bears the brunt of cuts in the drought-strained basin.

The states, which missed a federal deadline in November, now face a Feb. 14 deadline to draft an agreement. If a seven-state consensus can't be reached, the federal government will decide how to manage the river.

In the absence of a long-term consensus, the states may consider a five-year deal as a stopgap to avoid litigation, one negotiator said.

RMNP to Manage Moose Boom

The National Park Service (NPS) is weighing how to address the impact of growing moose populations on the fragile wetlands of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).

Moose, once rare in Colorado, have steadily grown in number statewide and now total about 3,500, with around 240 in RMNP. Because they heavily browse tall willows, moose are a key factor in the ongoing loss of the park's wetlands.

Though wetlands make up just 4% of the park, officials say they're uniquely valuable and difficult to restore once damaged. Scientists hope to prevent the wetlands from permanently becoming grasslands.

The NPS is inviting the public to provide input on possible approaches to balance moose populations with wetland restoration. The comment period runs through Jan. 8.

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Car insurance premiums up 64% since 2020

Car insurance premiums are up more than 64% since 2020, and Colorado drivers are paying some of the fastest-rising rates in the country. From hail damage to increased repair costs and traffic growth, insurers have adjusted pricing statewide. See how your current rate compares with Money's auto insurance comparison tool.

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➤ Breckenridge and Palmer Lake rank among the 10 most festive holiday towns in America, according to a new Zillow analysis. (See List)

➤ Need last-minute stocking stuffer ideas? This list of Colorado-inspired goodies has everything from Telluride truffles to Boulder-based pet treats. (See Stuffers)

➤ Denver is the 18th-best city in the U.S. for celebrating Christmas, according to a new list based on indicators like traditions, shopping, and costs. (See List)

➤ Elitch Gardens has transformed into a winter wonderland—complete with 4 million Christmas lights, a 25-foot snowman, and a 300-foot candy cane tunnel—for Elitch Holidays, which runs through Jan. 4. (See Details)

➤ Aspen lands on Travel + Leisure's 2025 reader-voted list of the 15 best cities in the U.S. Readers cited its natural beauty, recreation opportunities, and boutique shops and restaurants. (See List)

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Are Colorado drivers overpaying for car insurance?

Many are. Between hailstorms, higher repair costs, and growing congestion along the Front Range, rates can vary significantly by provider. The policy you chose years ago may no longer be the best deal. Take a few minutes to compare quotes and see if you could save.

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