Living in Evergreen, Colorado: Things to Do and See in Evergreen, Colorado
All the Charm of a Colorado Ski Resort Town 30-Minutes from Downtown Denver
Any discussion of Evergreen begins with the great outdoors. The city’s 29 parks, totaling 54,000 acres of recreational space for hiking, biking, and even skiing, are truly an outdoor Nirvana. A top-rated school system makes the town a great place to raise a family. Evergreen also welcomes multi-generational families, with top-notch amenities and activities geared for retirees. Many of Denver’s best dining, shopping, and cultural offerings are just a 20- to 30-minute drive from Evergreen.
The rolling and sometimes steep hills of Evergreen create neighborhood enclaves that are often tucked away, offering privacy and larger lots with acres of pine forests. Long, winding driveways lead to hidden gems that open to incredible scenic vistas. Residences along Upper Bear Creek enjoy the tranquil sounds of the babbling creek. Luxury architectural styles vary throughout the community. “Mountain modern” has become a prevalent style for its use of wood and stone exteriors to mirror the natural environment. Many homes have expansive decks and walls of double-height windows to frame the mountain and meadow views.
The overall vibe is decidedly small town but with an abundance of big city diversions. Main street is flanked by Bear Creek and lined with historic yet hip buildings housing local shops, theater space, coffee houses, art galleries and restaurants—some offering dining on decks overlooking the water. The famous Little Bear Saloon has hosted Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, George Thorogood, Rita Coolidge, Neil Young, and Gregg Allman to name a few. Red Rocks Amphitheater is only 15 minutes away.
History of Evergreen
The town’s name pays homage to the multitude of thick stands of Ponderosa pine, now fiercely protected. Its elevated location of 7,220 feet allows views of the Rockies that are nothing short of spectacular. Equestrians gravitate towards the Soda Creek neighborhood with its large tracts of land and dedicated bridle trail system. Bear Mountain, with its high vantage and large lots, is also popular with the horse-set. Other noted luxury neighborhoods include the Hiwan Golf Club, the Island at Hiwan and Troutdale in the Pines, former site of the fabled hotel resort of the same name in Upper Bear Creek that hosted Mary Pickford, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable and Groucho Marx in the 1920’s.
In 1859, a group of families settled here to form a ranching community. Later that century, Denver residents, attracted by its natural beauty and proximity to the city, ventured “up the hill” and built summer homes and hunting cabins. One was socialite and American Civil War widow Mary Nesho Williams. In the 1880s she erected a massive 25-room log lodge and hosted lavish summer parties. Guests, one of which was the poet Robert Frost, stayed in luxurious tents with wood floors and stoves. The property has since been converted to the Hiwan Museum, celebrating the area’s early history, including exhibits on the state’s first inhabitants, the Ute Indians.
Outdoor Acvities Around Evergreen
Lake Evergreen is a 55-acre expanse of water circled by a well-traveled 1.3 mile trail, parts of which are easily negotiated by strollers and wheelchairs. A boardwalk on the trail crosses a marsh, creating a perfect site for bird-watching. The area around the spillway dam that created the lake in 1928 has since become an art installment of statues. The lake allows wake-less boating such as stand up paddleboard, kayaking, canoeing, and sunfish sailing, as well as fishing but no swimming. Come winter, the lake claims to be the world’s largest Zamboni-groomed outdoor rink, including 10 drop-in ice hockey sheets with nets and plenty of room for ice skating. A grand log lodge provides equipment rentals, a venue for community events and summer concerts plus a warming hut in winter.
Extreme athletes are drawn to the area’s more nail-biting terrain, offering rock climbing, mountain biking, and running, white-water rafting, zip-lines, and heart-pumping hikes. The local ski area, Echo Mountain—60 acres with a terrain park—may not be the steepest or most glamorous in Colorado but the proximity and price of a lift ticket is almost impossible to beat.
Evergreen's Proximity to Denver
Evergreen offers much quicker and easier access to Colorado’s most famous ski resorts than most suburbs of Denver. In less than an hour, residents can be taking turns at Loveland, Keystone, or Copper Mountain, some of the local’s favorites for big mountain fun. Vail, Beaver Creek, and Aspen are also much closer thanks to Evergreen’s proximity to I-70 West at the base of the foothills.
How Many People Live in Evergreen?
Population: Approximately 9,000
What Languages are Spoken in Evergreen?
Language: English
What is the Currency in Evergreen?
Currency: USD
