22 Best Things to Do in Evergreen, Colorado

Evergreen, CO is named for the region's large population of conifers and old-growth trees. Thousands of acres of parkland are offered throughout the city and its surrounding region, which is located at an elevation of more than 7,220 feet. Popular outdoor recreation sites include Evergreen Lake, which was created in 1927 by the damming of nearby Bear Creek.

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1.Evergreen Lake

Evergreen Lake is a charming public lake and park facility in Evergreen, offering beautiful panoramic views of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The lake offers opportunities for fishing throughout the summer months, with ice skating permitted during winter months when the lake is frozen over. The 1.3-mile Evergreen Lake Trail traverses a loop around the lake, offering natural surfaces for walking and jogging, though visitors should note that sections of the trail do not permit strollers or wheelchairs. Evergreen Lake House, located within the park, serves as a public community center, offering private special event rentals and a skating center during months when the lake is open for ice skating. During the summer months, free concerts are offered at the lake as part of the Evergreen Lake Summer Concert Series.

29612 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen, CO 80439, Phone: 720-880-1300

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2.Alderfer/Three Sisters Park

Alderfer/Three Sisters Park is a beautiful 1,127-acre public park within the heart of Evergreen, home to impressive old-growth stands of ponderosa pine trees and stunning vista overlooks of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The park is home to more trails per acre of any public park within the Rocky Mountain foothills, offering over 15 miles of public-access trails for hiking and biking. Trails range from easy, family-friendly strolls to strenuous hikes for more advanced hikers, including the mountain meadow-traversing 0.6-mile Wild Iris Loop, the Evergreen Mountain East Trail, and the summit-scaling Sisters Trail. Rock climbing and horseback riding opportunities are also offered nearby, with a 10-mile hiking loop offered around the outer rim of the park.

30357 Buffalo Park Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439, Phone: 303-271-5925

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3.Flying J Ranch Park

Flying J Ranch Park is a peaceful public park in Evergreen best known for its four-mile loop hiking route, which offers opportunities to see spectacular old-grown Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and lodgepole pine tree forests. The loop hiking route offers two access trailheads at the park's main parking lot and I-173 parking lot, beginning at the Junction House Trail, which spans 0.6 miles along beautiful meadows and traverses lovely public boardwalks. Throughout the four-mile loop, hikers gain more than 1,200 feet of elevation, weaving through open grassy meadow areas and thickly-forested regions. Rustic timber shelters offer opportunities for picnics, with snowshoeing opportunities available during the winter months.

9661 County Hwy 73, Conifer, CO 80433, Phone: 303-271-5925

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4.Evergreen Wilderness Guides

Evergreen Wilderness Guides offer spectacular opportunities to explore the majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains, specializing in hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, and wilderness survival expeditions for beginner through expert travelers. The company, which is the only rock climbing and survival school in Evergreen, operates year-round with the exception of dangerous weather conditions and designs each tour to meet participants' needs, catering to small personal groups exclusively. Visitors can book tours by contacting the company directly via phone or email, traveling to areas within a 60-mile radius of the Denver metropolitan area. Dogs are welcome on tours, with the exception of rock climbing tours. Participants should note that temperatures frequently vary at tour sites throughout the day and should dress accordingly in layers.

4944 S Pine Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439, Phone: 303-968-0388

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5.Echo Lake Park

Echo Lake Park is a lovely public park in Evergreen that has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1995, preserving the Echo Lake Lodge, constructed in 1926 by Denver-area architect Jules Jacques Benoit Benedict to mimic a traditional indigenous earth lodge. The park's namesake lake is an oligotrophic lake located near Mount Evans at an elevation of more than 10,000 feet above sea level, originally formed from glacial retreat within the Chicago Creek Valley. Beautiful subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, and limber pine tree forests surround the lake and park, which border the Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests and the Pawnee National Grassland. Park activities include hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching, with opportunities available for day-use picnics and overnight camping.

CO-103 & Mt Evans Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439

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6.Bergen Peak

Bergen Peak is a stunning mountain peak near Evergreen reaching heights of 9,708 feet above sea level, located within the Denver Mountain Park but accessible via the Elk Meadows-Jefferson County Open Space. The impressive peak is accessible via an 8.8-mile moderate out-and-back trail that is recommended for use between March and October, accessible to the public for free. Though the peak's summit offers obscured views due to its heavily-forested terrain, an overlook vantage point is offered just south of the summit, offering stunning views of nearby Mount Evans, Mount Warren, and Epaulet and Spalding Mountains. To the south, visitors can catch glimpses of Pike's Peak and the Denver skyline. Dogs are permitted on the trail with leashes.

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7.Shadow Mountain Gallery

Shadow Mountain Gallery is a charming artist-operated gallery in downtown Evergreen, serving as one of the region's prime artistic destinations since 1991. The cooperative gallery is operated by a group of more than 40 member artists, whose works are showcased throughout the year as part of special rotating exhibitions. Artists work in a wide variety of mediums, including watercolor and oil paintings, stained glass, decorative ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, photography, leather, and mixed media. The gallery is regularly staffed by artists from the cooperative, offering opportunities for visitors to chat with artists about pieces on display and learn about the creative process.

28186 CO-74, Evergreen, CO 80439, Phone: 303-670-3488

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8.Mount Goliath Natural Area

Mount Goliath Natural Area protects North America's largest stand of bristlecone pine trees, serving as an internationally-recognized site for alpine ecology study. The natural area is centered around the majestic Mount Goliath, which stands near Idaho Springs within the Arapaho National Forest near Mount Evans. Some of Colorado's oldest trees are housed within the natural area, including trees growing as old as 2,500 years old. Visitors can explore the United States' highest cultivated botanical garden facility at the Dos Chappell Nature Center or traverse the 1.5-mile M. Walter Pesman Trail, which passes beautiful subalpine forest and wildflower areas. Guided garden explorations are offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the summer months, with free shuttle service offered to the nature center.

Mt Evans Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439

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9.The Evergreen Gallery

The Evergreen Gallery is one of the Colorado area's premiere art galleries often described as whimsical and a favorite place to bring visitors. This gallery opened in 1987 by Meryl Sabeff, who continues to show her functional pottery. Today, the gallery is owned by fine art photographer Beth Riser, and showcases the work of more than 90 talented artists throughout the state, including artists working in painting, ceramics, woodworking, glass, photography, textiles, jewelry, and mixed media. Many pieces of art are inspired by the gorgeous landscape of the Colorado region, with textures and light elements meant to evoke the majesty of the Rocky Mountains and other natural wonders. Artwork on display includes Arlyss Grosz’s glass aspen sculptures and Henry Bergeson’s wood-carved kaleidoscopes.

28195 CO-74, Evergreen, CO 80439, Phone: 303-674-4871

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10.The Beaver Brook Watershed Trail

The Beaver Brook Watershed Trail is a lovely out-and-back trail in Evergreen that offers an easy route for hikers of all ability levels, spanning the Beaver Brook Watershed. Unlike the majority of area hiking trails, the trail begins at its highest elevation point, traversing downward toward the watershed. As the majority of the hike traverses a former four-wheel drive route, most of the trail features sand and dirt terrain. Hikers can loop around the reservoir at the terminus of the hike or continue back up the hiking route after reaching the bottom. Dogs are permitted on leash at the trail, which passes a variety of native wildlife, including mountain lions, elk, deer, and wild turkeys. Horseback riding is permitted at the watershed, along with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter months.

25123 Squaw Pass Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439

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11.Humphrey History Park and Museum

Humphrey History Park and Museum is a throwback historical museum that preserves the experience of life on a 1930s-era ranch in the American West, located on the grounds of the Kinnikinnick Ranch, which was founded in 1920 on 35 acres in Evergreen by the Humphrey family. Today, the ranch is operated as a nonprofit historical museum, open to the public throughout the year for self-guided interactive tours. Visitors can see a recreated trading post and antique store, along with restored original summer home, garage, play house, and garden facilities. All museum staff are dressed in period-appropriate attire to immerse guests in full historic experiences, with opportunities available for visitors to try their hand at soap making, wood chopping, and other traditional period activities. Daily afternoon tea is available at the Humphrey Home with reservations for up to 25 diners.

620 Soda Creek Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439, Phone: 303-674-5429

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12.Dedisse Park

Dedisse Park is a 420-acre Denver Mountain Park in Jefferson County, located on the site of an historic 1860s-era pioneer mountain ranch owned by Julius C. Dedisse. The park, which was purchased by the City of Denver in 1919, is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and is home to a large stone picnic shelter originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, available for rental for small groups and organizations. Other features include the 65-acre Evergreen Lake, which offers fishing opportunities during the summer months and ice skating opportunities during the winter. The Evergreen Golf Course is also located within the park, along with a stone bridge constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and a public restaurant.

29200 Upper Bear Creek Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439

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13.Wulf Recreation Center

Wulf Recreation Center is a state-of-the-art public recreation center operated by the Evergreen Parks and Recreation District, located on beautiful Wulf Park, which offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Inside the center, visitors can enjoy a six-lane lap pool, along with a 1,600-square-foot weight room with a wide range of cardio and athletic equipment and a state-of-the-art gymnastics room. Basketball and volleyball courts are also offered, along with a full dance studio. Outside in the park, visitors can use an all-new skateboarding park, sand volleyball court, tennis court, and children's playground, along with a mile-long fitness trail.

5300 S Olive Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439, Phone: 720-880-1200

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14.Center for the Arts Evergreen

Center for the Arts Evergreen's history dates back to the early 1970s, when the facility was conceived by local art enthusiasts. After operating at several temporary facilities, the center's new permanent facility was opened to the public in 2017, showcasing a wide variety of curated and juried exhibitions of work by regional and national artists, including award-winning and internationally-acclaimed artists. Up to eight unique gallery shows are presented each year at the center's main gallery facility, with high-quality art instruction offered through a variety of classes and workshops for amateur artists of all ages and ability levels. Regular art programming is offered at the center for the public, including artist demonstrations, book talks, lectures, concerts, and wine tasting events.

31880 Rocky Village Dr, Evergreen, CO 80439, Phone: 303-674-0056

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15.Evergreen Family Golf Center

Evergreen Family Golf Center is the premiere golf course of Dedisse Park, offering 18 executive holes at an elevation of more than 7,220 feet near Bear Creek. The par-69 course traverses beautiful rolling mountain foothills and pine tree-lined fairways, with elk spotted frequently within the course area. Children can golf for free on weekends year-round at the course's par-31 course, with men's, women's, and junior golfing leagues and junior golfing camps offered at the facility throughout the year. Professional golfing instruction and clinics are also offered, along with a putting green and full pro shop facility. After hitting the rounds, golfers can dine at the Avalanche Grill, which offers a wide variety of American-style fare.

29614 Upper Bear Creek Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439l, Phone: 720-865-3430

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16.Maxwell Falls

Maxwell Falls is a lovely four-mile roundtrip hike in Evergreen, showcasing the scenic waterfall of the same name at the end of its route. The easy hike is located along a loop trail that is accessible for hikers of all ability levels, with dogs permitted on leashes throughout the trail. Minor elevation gains reach approximately 644 feet, with two trailhead options available from parking lots in the area. The route traverses along Maxwell Creek within a beautiful conifer forested region, eventually reaching two small waterfalls before arriving at Upper Maxwell Falls. Visitors are recommended to hike during the spring for best falls views, with plentiful snow runoff making waters impressive. During the autumn months, the trail also provides excellent panoramas of changing colored leaves.

7627 S Brook Forest Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439, Phone: 970-295-6600

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17.Ski Country Antiques and Home

Ski Country Antiques and Home is a family-owned and operated antique store in Evergreen, originally opened to the public in 2011. Rare and one-of-a-kind antiques from throughout northern Europe are the focus of the store's inventory, which are all hand-picked by store staff on buying trips throughout the region. Visitors can peruse a wide variety of large antique furniture items, including dining sets, armoires, bedroom sets, and hutches. Decorative antiques are also showcased, ranging from jars and vases to antique skiing equipment, snowshoes, skates, and sleds. Home decor is offered for every room in the house, with all pieces shipped anywhere in the world for visitor convenience.

114 Homestead Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439, Phone: 303-670-8726

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18.The Wild Game

The Wild Game is a family entertainment complex and restaurant in Evergreen that offers delightful activities for visitors of all ages, including eight bowling lanes within a bowling alley offering a state-of-the-art scoring system and a number of high-definition televisions and projection screens. A full video game arcade offers more than 50 video and redemption arcade games, including the hottest current release games. Billiards, ping-pong, and shuttleboard are also offered at the facility's Clubhouse, which serves up delicious American fare throughout the day. Dining options include classic pizzas, clever sandwiches and burgers, and shareable appetizers, with entrees such as blackened mahi mahi tacos, bourbon salmon, and shrimp pasta also served. A full-service bar pours signature cocktails, draft beers, and a large wine and liquor selection.

1204 Bergen Pkwy, Evergreen, CO 80439, Phone: 720-630-8888

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19.Colorado Trout Guide

Colorado Trout Guide offers opportunities to explore the beautiful lakes and rivers of the Evergreen area as part of fishing excursions led by licensed fishing guide Rick Larson, an area resident since 1969. Personalized fishing charters give participants a chance to catch kokanee salmon, mackinaw, and rainbow, brown, and brook trout, with catches guaranteed on all trips. Trips are offered for fishers of all ages and ability levels, with refunds given for any fishers who do not catch throughout trips. Trips are available for reservation Mondays through Saturdays for fishers with valid Colorado licenses, with reservations required in advance to secure desired tour dates.

Phone: 303-941-9029

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20.The Bistro at Marshdale

The Bistro at Marshdale is a delicious American and European style restaurant housed within an historic Rocky Mountain tea room, originally constructed in 1923. The restaurant, which is helmed by executive chef Allicia Baldwin, serves up refined Colorado-influenced fare at brunch and dinner, including a selection of classic pastas such as gnocchi sorrentino, penne a la basil pesto, and beef bourguignon, available traditional or gluten-free. Land and sea entrees include duck confit, Angus filet mignon, Colorado lamb chops, and Great Lakes walleye, served with elegant side dishes such as parmesan chive polenta cakes or rosemary roasted potatoes. Full wine and cocktail menus are available, with clever cocktail ingredients such as blackberries, elderflower, and thyme syrup.

27376 Spruce Ln, Evergreen, CO 80439, Phone: 303-674-7670

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21.Willow Creek Restaurant

Willow Creek Restaurant has been featured in USA Today as one of the United States' top spots for homemade pasta entrees, opened to the public in 2009 by Kristopher and Curtis Lincoln. The restaurant offers spectacular mountain and lake views from its dining room adjacent to Evergreen Lake, serving up delectable dishes all prepared from scratch within the restaurant's kitchen. Brunch, lunch, and dinner service are served up throughout the week, with frequently rotating menus prepared with locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. Popular dishes include the restaurant's Boulder natural brick chicken, George's Bank scallops, barramundi with citrus chimichurri, and housemade Italian sausage pasta. Though not required, reservations are recommended to secure dining spots.

9029 Upper Bear Creek Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439, Phone: 303-674-9463

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22.Beau Jo's Pizza

Beau Jo's Pizza is a popular regional pizza parlor chain, originally opened to the public in 1973. Today, the restaurant offers several locations throughout the Denver area, including a location in Evergreen overlooking Bear Creek. Diners can create their own mountain-style and prairie-style pizza pies, choosing from a variety of sauces and clever toppings such as andouille sausage, hatch green chiles, artichoke hearts, and sliced prime rib. Specialty pizzas are available in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes, ranging from traditional favorites such as margherita pizzas to clever Hawaiian and veggie deluxe variants. Calzones are also served up, along with a variety of hot sandwiches prepared traditional or gluten-free, creative pasta options, and a number of shareable appetizer selections.

28186 CO-74, Evergreen, CO 80439, Phone: 303-670-2744

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