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Evergreen, Colorado

A mountain town on the edge of the Rockies, 30 miles from Denver, where elk wander the meadows and Evergreen Lake freezes solid enough to skate on in winter.

Why Evergreen?

Evergreen sits at 7,000 feet in the foothills of the Front Range, close enough to Denver for a day trip but far enough to feel genuinely removed from the city. The town centers on Evergreen Lake, a 40-acre reservoir that draws kayakers and paddleboarders in summer and ice skaters in winter. Elk are a regular sight on the meadows around town, and the surrounding Jefferson County Open Space parks offer hundreds of miles of trails. Downtown Evergreen has a small-town feel with good restaurants, independent shops, and a music scene anchored by the Evergreen Rodeo and the summer concert series at the lake. It's the kind of place people visit once and start looking at real estate.

Things to Do

Top Attractions
From the lake to the trails and the rodeo grounds, these are the experiences that define Evergreen.

Evergreen Lake

The heart of town. Paddleboard and kayak in summer, skate on the natural ice in winter. The boathouse rents equipment and the trail around the lake is an easy mile.

Elk Meadow Open Space

One of the most popular parks in Jefferson County, with 12 miles of trails through meadows and ponderosa forest. Elk sightings are common, especially at dawn and dusk.

Evergreen Mountain Trail

A 6-mile loop climbing through dense forest to open ridgeline views of the Continental Divide. One of the best half-day hikes on the Front Range.

Evergreen Rodeo

Running every June since 1929, one of Colorado's oldest rodeos. The parade through downtown draws crowds from across the Front Range.

Historic Downtown

A walkable stretch of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants along Evergreen Parkway. The Hiwan Homestead Museum tells the story of the town's early settlers.

Alderfer/Three Sisters Park

Rocky outcroppings and meadow trails with panoramic views. The Three Sisters rock formations are a short hike from the trailhead and worth every step.

Evergreen at a Glance

A mountain town with year-round outdoor access, 30 miles from downtown Denver.

  • 7,000 ft in the Front Range foothills

  • Evergreen Lake: skating, kayaking, trails

  • Hundreds of miles of open space trails

  • 30 min from Denver, 45 min from DIA

Evergreen Through the Year

Every season brings something different to this mountain town.
Evergreen Through the Year

Summer and Fall

Peak season for hiking, paddleboarding on the lake, and the Evergreen Rodeo in June. Fall turns the aspen groves gold and the trails empty out. The lake concert series runs through August.

Winter and Spring

Evergreen Lake freezes naturally most winters, drawing skaters from across the metro. Nearby Loveland and Arapahoe Basin are under an hour away. Spring brings wildflowers and fast-running creeks.

Year-Round

The Jefferson County Open Space parks are open every day. Downtown restaurants and shops keep regular hours. Elk are visible in the meadows in every season, most reliably at dawn.

Local Favorites

Where to Eat and Drink
Evergreen's food scene is small but solid, with a handful of places worth planning around.

The Little Bear

A legendary Colorado honky-tonk that's been pouring cold beers and hosting live music since 1972. The burgers are good. The atmosphere is better.

Beau Jo's

The original location of Colorado's most famous mountain pie. The honey on the table is for the crust. Order the Idaho Springs-style pizza and plan to take half home.

Cactus Jack's

A casual Tex-Mex spot with a big patio and strong margaritas. Good for groups, easy on the wallet, and reliably busy on summer evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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