Estes Park to ????

Question

Hello all, getting our itinerary settled and found out we can't stay an extra night in Estes, so we need to move on for one night before we head to Littleton for a wedding end of August. Heres what we have so far not sure if we want a "spa" day but definetely want to enjoy the beautiful landscape. Thank for any an all suggestions

Tuesday - arrive Denver Airport, pick up Jeep drive Peak to Peak to Estes Park, explore around our AirBnB. Huge Stephen King fans so will stop by Stanley to take a look.

Wednesday - hopefully obtain an early entry to RMNP drive Trail Ridge and find a couple of easy hikes,

Thursday - leave Estes Park and go where????

Friday - head to Littleton to check into hotel for wedding weekend

Saturday - Wedding fun

Sunday - head home hopefully exhausted and thrilled by our visit wanting to return!

Answer

After a couple of days in Estes Park exploring Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding area, you have several excellent options for your one-night stay before heading to Littleton. Since you’re looking to enjoy the landscape and maybe consider a spa or relaxing environment, here are some suggestions:

Option 1: Boulder

Boulder is about an hour from Estes Park and offers a beautiful backdrop of the Flatirons. You can enjoy a stroll along Pearl Street Mall, have excellent dining options, and if you want a spa experience, there are several high-quality spas in town. It’s also a convenient drive down to Littleton the next day.

Stay in a boutique hotel or a spa resort in Boulder for relaxation.
Walk along Chautauqua Park for scenic views of the Flatirons.
Check out local breweries or rooftop bars for evening fun.

Option 2: Lyons / Longmont / Niwot Area

If you prefer a smaller, quieter town with mountain charm, consider staying in Lyons, Longmont, or Niwot. These towns are along the route from Estes Park to Littleton and offer charming inns, local restaurants, and a more laid-back atmosphere. Perfect if you want a peaceful evening surrounded by nature without the crowds.

Lyons: Small mountain town vibe, walkable with local shops and casual dining.
Longmont: Larger town, more lodging options, and easy drive to Littleton.
Niwot: Quaint and quiet, boutique B&Bs or inns.

Option 3: Golden or Evergreen

For more of a “mountain escape” feel with proximity to Denver, consider Golden or Evergreen. Golden has a charming downtown and brewery scene, while Evergreen offers more rustic scenery with lakes and forested hikes nearby. Some resorts and lodges here offer spa services, which could be a relaxing stop before wedding festivities.

Golden: Downtown walkable, breweries, restaurants, and easy access to Littleton.
Evergreen: More secluded, scenic mountain views, potential for spa or lodge stay.

Tips:

Since you’ll be heading to Littleton the next day, focus on locations that minimize driving in the morning.
Book lodging in advance, especially for late August weekends, as Colorado destinations fill quickly.
If a spa day appeals, prioritize Boulder or Evergreen for easy access to wellness facilities.

Overall, Boulder is a strong all-around choice for scenery, amenities, and convenient driving to Littleton. For a more quiet, scenic experience, Evergreen or Lyons could be ideal. Golden strikes a balance between charm and accessibility.

Estes Park to ????

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