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Question

Hello! Mother(64)/Daughter (32) trip for a wedding end of August. Never been to this area or any part of the Rockies. We plan on arriving Tuesday morning. Wedding is Saturday, so Friday night and Saturday are booked in Littleton. Not sure if staying there is good location for the other3 days. Obviously RedRock is on our radar and we want to see mountains with some hiking, Mount Blue Sky? Suggestions where we should stay. Point me in itinerary ideas would be awesome. Obviously renting a vehicle. Thank you!

Answer

This sounds like a wonderful mother–daughter trip, and late August is a fantastic time to enjoy Colorado’s mountains. With three free days before your wedding activities in Littleton, you can fit in Red Rocks, some beautiful mountain scenery, and beginner-friendly hikes without doing anything too rushed.

Below is a clear breakdown: where to stay, how to plan each day, and which mountain/hiking options make the most sense when staying near Denver or Golden.

Where to Stay Before the Wedding (Tue–Fri)

You do not need to stay in Littleton the entire time. In fact, for sightseeing and hiking, staying closer to Golden, Morrison, or downtown Denver gives you much better access to mountains and attractions.

Golden – Best base for your goals. Very close to Red Rocks, Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans), Lookout Mountain, Coors Brewery, and tons of easy/moderate hikes. Great walkable downtown with restaurants.
Morrison – A tiny mountain town right next to Red Rocks. Peaceful, charming, and extremely convenient for outdoor activities.
Downtown Denver – Good if you want museums, restaurants, and no mountain-town vibe. Still 20–25 minutes to Red Rocks.

I recommend Golden for the perfect balance of convenience + scenery.

Where to Stay for Friday–Saturday
Since the wedding events are in Littleton, staying locally for those two nights is ideal. Littleton is safe, pretty, and has a very cute downtown area (Littleton Main Street). You’ll be comfortable and close to all events.

Suggested 3-Day Itinerary (Tue, Wed, Thu)

Day 1 – Tuesday: Arrive, Settle In, Explore Golden & Lookout Mountain

Arrive in the morning, drive to Golden (about 35–45 minutes from the airport).
Walk around downtown Golden – small shops, Clear Creek trail, cafes.
Lookout Mountain Scenic Drive – paved, easy, spectacular views of Golden and the foothills.
Optional gentle hikes:
- Windy Saddle–Lookout Mountain Trail (intermediate but short sections).
- Clear Creek Trail (easy, paved, flat).

This is a great light day to adjust to elevation.

Day 2 – Wednesday: Mount Blue Sky Scenic Drive + Alpine Lake or Meadow Hikes

Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) is one of Colorado’s most beautiful high-mountain drives. You do NOT need to hike to enjoy it — the road itself takes you above 14,000 feet with overlooks, mountain goats, lakes, and viewpoints.

Start early (8 AM departure).
Drive Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (reservation required in summer).
Stops:
- Echo Lake – flat loop options.
- Summit Lake – dramatic glacial lake, short walk to viewpoints.
- Summit Overlook – no hiking needed, but short viewpoint walks available.
Return to Idaho Springs for lunch.

Optional afternoon activity:

Soak in Indian Hot Springs (easy, convenient — not the fanciest, but relaxing).
Or stroll around Idaho Springs / Golden for a relaxed evening.

If you want a very gentle alpine hike:

Chicago Lakes Overlook trail (short sections, views only — no need to do full hike).
Meyer Ranch Park (foothills forest hike, beginner friendly).

Day 3 – Thursday: Red Rocks + Morrison + Denver Afternoon

Start early at Red Rocks Park – visit the amphitheater, walk Trading Post Trail (1.4 miles, beginner/intermediate, stunning). Highly recommended.
Explore Morrison town for brunch or coffee.

Then choose one of these easy add-ons:

Dinosaur Ridge – cool fossils and short walks.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park – beautiful views, beginner hikes like Panorama Point.
Denver attractions – Botanic Gardens, Union Station, or Denver Art Museum.

Finish your day by driving to Littleton for your Friday and Saturday wedding commitments.

If You Want Mountain Hikes Without Intensity

Beginner to intermediate trails near Golden / Morrison / Boulder:

Red Rocks Trading Post Trail – short, scenic, perfect intro.
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park (Evergreen) – mild trails through pretty forests and rock formations.
South Valley Park (near Littleton) – smooth red-rock trails without elevation strain.

Chautauqua Area (Boulder)

Tips for Late August Visit

Expect temperatures around 60–90°F depending on elevation.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common — do outdoor activities early.
Hydration is VERY important at elevation.
Rent a vehicle with good brakes for mountain roads (any standard car is fine).
Make a timed-entry reservation for Mount Blue Sky as soon as they open for the season.

Summary – Best Plan for Your Trip

Stay in Golden or Morrison Tue–Fri morning.
Move to Littleton Fri–Sat for wedding events.
Do Mount Blue Sky one day, Red Rocks another day, and Golden/Lookout Mountain + easy hiking on the third day.
Your itinerary will be scenic, relaxed, and very doable for both ages.

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