Evergreen

Tucked along Bear Creek in a narrow canyon beside Evergreen Lake, Evergreen is perhaps the closest real mountain town to the west of Denver (35 minutes away, in fact). This charming community surrounded by natural beauty is a true hidden gem.

With its sprawling alpine meadows teeming with wildflowers, cool forest hikes, secluded waterfalls and shaded canyons, Evergreen has been attracting visitors since the Ute and Arapaho journeyed here to hunt long before the first homesteaders arrived. Later, Evergreen became a favorite vacation destination of celebrities such as Teddy Roosevelt and Greta Garbo. Willie Nelson once called Evergreen home, Trey Parker — co-creator of the TV show, "South Park" — grew up here, and more recently, the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Justin Timberlake spent time here.

Shops, Attractions & Restaurants in Evergreen

The heart of town is Downtown Evergreen. Here, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a different time thanks to its raised Western-style wooden boardwalk. Enjoy unique shopping and recharge your body and soul at local eateries, coffee shops and spas. Absorb some local history at the Hiwan Homestead Museum, stroll through local art galleries or taste award-winning, locally crafted wines and beers. Or catch a live theater performance or live music in town. Speaking of music, the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre is just 20 minutes down the road, and many Red Rocks attendees stay in Evergreen or spend an afternoon here. If you’re in town in December, don’t miss the Downtown Evergreen Holiday Walk, where the street is closed to traffic for pedestrians to revel in the season.

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Seasonal Events at & Around Evergreen Lake

Downtown is connected to Evergreen Lake by a walking path along Bear Creek that continues around the entire lake. You can catch trout in both the lake and Bear Creek. Or why not test your luck by purchasing entries to race in August’s Downtown Evergreen Dam Ducky Derby? In June, catch the Father’s Day weekend Evergreen Rodeo and Parade. This professional rodeo is on the Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association circuit and brings top competitors to town, including tough-as-nails pro bull riders.

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Outdoor Activities

For the adventurous, Evergreen makes an excellent base camp with abundant lodging that ranges from rustic cabins to luxurious accommodations. Take advantage of mountain biking, trail hiking, golfing and all manner of backcountry exploring. Stop by the visitor center for free maps. You can rent a paddleboard or kayak on Evergreen Lake. In winter, you’ll discover why this zamboni-groomed lake has been named one of the most beautiful places to ice skate outdoors in the United States. You’ll find even more winter fun at Echo Mountain, Evergreen’s cozy downhill ski area with larger-than-life vistas.

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Evergreen Wildlife

Spotting wildlife in Evergreen is a favorite activity. Visitors often see majestic elk grazing in appropriately-named Elk Meadow Park or perhaps Alderfer Three Sisters Park. Bald eagles nest at the lake. You might even see elusive mountain goats if you venture up the highest paved road in the continental United States, Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, taking you to the summit of 14,000-plus-foot Mount Blue Sky. From there, with just a few hundred more feet on foot, you can bag a Colorado fourteener with relatively minimal effort.
 
Whether you want to relax in an armchair with a roaring fire next to the creek or you'd prefer to explore the abundant scenery, you'll find your perfect activity in Evergreen — a Colorado destination not to be missed.

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