Ideas for Golden

Question

Hello

I'll be with two other girlfriends in Denver on July 14 to attend Eric Church at Red Rocks. Any tips before arrival to concert? Secondly, we are staying until the 16th and would like to pick a place to stay in Golden as opposed to a hotel along 70. We want to be in town to walk places like local restaurants and bars. For Tuesday and Wednesday, I want to coordinate a nice hike, good food and drinks. Maybe venture within less than an hour of where we stay. I don't know if whitewater rafting exists just west of Denver. Would prefer to be active with my friends and not driving in a car over a scenic pass for two hours. Really just looking to fills those two days with activities

Answer

Golden, CO, is a charming small town with a historic downtown area, local breweries, restaurants, and easy access to outdoor activities, making it a great base for a couple of days after your Red Rocks concert. Staying in town rather than along I-70 allows you to enjoy a walkable environment with plenty of dining and casual exploration options.

For your arrival and concert day:

Arrive at Red Rocks early to enjoy the area before the concert. Parking is usually first-come, first-served, so plan to get there at least 1-2 hours before showtime if you don’t have pre-paid parking.
Consider a ride-share from Denver or Golden if you want to avoid parking hassles and traffic after the concert.
Bring layers; even summer evenings at Red Rocks can get cool after sunset.

In Golden for July 15-16, here are activities that combine hiking, food, drinks, and outdoor adventure, all within about an hour of Golden:

Hiking: Lookout Mountain Trail or North Table Mountain Trail offer moderate hikes with great views of the foothills and Denver skyline. Both are within 15-20 minutes from downtown Golden.
Whitewater Rafting: Clear Creek runs right through Golden, and local outfitters offer half-day rafting trips suitable for beginners. It’s a convenient way to enjoy water activities without a long drive.
Breweries & Distilleries: Golden has several, including Coors Brewery (tour and tastings), Golden City Brewery, and New Terrain Brewing. Many are within walking distance in downtown Golden.
Food & Drinks: Dine at local favorites such as Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza, Table Mountain Grill, or Sherpa House for something different. Afternoon coffee or cocktails are easy to fit in between activities.
Scenic Drives & Short Excursions: If you want a short drive under an hour, you can visit Lookout Mountain or take a quick trip to Morrison for Dinosaur Ridge and the small museum exhibits there.

Other tips:

Plan your active day in the morning and early afternoon; evenings can be reserved for relaxed dinners or casual bar hopping.
Golden is compact and very walkable, so you can enjoy strolling through shops, local art galleries, and riverside paths along Clear Creek.
Bring hiking shoes and a daypack for water and snacks; summer weather can be warm but afternoons occasionally see short thunderstorms.

Overall, Golden offers the perfect mix of outdoor activity, accessible adventure, and laid-back local charm, all within a short distance of Denver and Red Rocks.

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