Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by foxintheforest
Head up into the foothills just 45 minutes from Denver to find the quaint mountain town of Evergreen, CO.
Outdoor adventures abound in the hills and forests up here where you can escape from the city and enjoy nature and all of the awesome things to do in Evergreen, CO.
I’ve lived in Colorado for nearly 15 years, and recently moved from Denver to Evergreen.
Since I literally live here, if you’re looking to travel like a local, not a tourist, I’ve got all the insider info for you about things to do in Evergreen, CO in this post.
About this Guide to Evergreen
Inside this local guide to all the epic things to do in Evergreen, CO, you’ll find:
- Why Evergreen, CO is worth visiting
- A map of Evergreen
- Things to do in Evergreen, CO
- What to do in Evergreen in the winter
- Additional local Colorado travel resources
Is Evergreen, CO Worth Visiting?
Well, I moved here, so obviously I would say Evergreen, CO is absolutely worth visiting! Evergreen offers an outdoor escape in the foothills with great hiking, climbing, and a beautiful lake.
Map of the Best Things to do in Evergreen CO
Plan your next getaway with this free interactive map of all the very best things to do in Evergreen CO.
Does Evergreen, Colorado Have a Downtown?
While it might be tiny, Evergreen is one of the cute Colorado mountain towns with a charming downtown area.
Restaurants, shops, art galleries, and more are set against a beautiful backdrop in downtown Evergreen, Colorado.
What Is There to Do in Evergreen This Weekend?
You can always find things to do in Evergreen on the weekend! From live music to art exhibits to coffee tastings, there are lots of Evergreen, CO things to do this weekend and every weekend.
You can find a calendar of things to do in Evergreen, CO on the weekend here.
What Is There to Do in Evergreen Colorado in the Winter?
While Evergreen might be cold and snowy in the winter, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a fun place to explore!
When Evergreen Lake freezes over, people flock to ice skate on the lake, and you can ice fish there as well. The trails in Alderfer/Three Sisters Park are beautiful winter hikes near Denver as well.
The Best Things to Do in Evergreen, CO
The fun things to do in Evergreen, Colorado range from a variety of outdoor adventures to exploring art galleries to enjoying tasty food and drinks.
1. Visit Evergreen Lake
Evergreen Lake is a centerpiece of the town, featuring all sorts of things to do in Evergreen, CO all year round.
In the summer, you can go boating and SUPing on the lake, and in the winter, the frozen surface is perfect for ice skating in Colorado.
If you have a Colorado fishing license, you can also fish for rainbow trout on the lake – and even ice fish in the winter!
2. Explore Alderfer/Three Sisters Park
Alderfer/Three Sisters park is a popular destination in Evergreen for all sorts of outdoor activities, including some of the best Evergreen hikes.
Hit the Brother’s Lookout and Sisters Loop for one of the great easy hikes near Denver with awesome views of several Colorado 14ers and the Continental Divide.
The trails in the park are also good for mountain biking, and the rocks strewn about make the park a mecca for boulderers as well.
3. Check Out Evergreen Nature Center
Kids and adults alike can learn about local wildlife in the Evergreen Nature Center. Located on the shore of Evergreen Lake, the Nature Center is a great addition to a day spent enjoying the lake.
4. Drive the Mt Blue Sky (formerly Mt Evans) Scenic Byway
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is one of the most incredible scenic drives near Denver.
Climbing over 7,000 feet in 28 miles, the byway runs from Idaho Springs to the 14,265-foot summit of Mount Blue Sky on the highest paved road in North America.
Local Tip: The road to the summit is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is closed due to winter conditions for the rest of the year.
5. Camp at Echo Lake Park
Situated right at the base of Mount Blue Sky, Echo Lake Park is a beautiful place to hike or camp with awesome views of the 14er across the lake.
The Echo Lake Lodge is open seasonally in the summer and has a restaurant and shop.
Visiting the park is also one of the cool things to do in Idaho Springs, since it’s about equidistant between there and Evergreen.
6. Enjoy Flying J Ranch Park
Hiking in Flying J Ranch Park is one of the many fun things to do near Evergreen.
The park in nearby Conifer features a lovely 3-mile loop through lodgepole and Ponderosa pine that is a nice snowshoe trail in the winter.
Plus, the park has cool timber shelters that make great picnic spots in warm weather.
7. Summit Bergen Peak
One of the many must-do hikes near Denver, the Bergen Peak Trail is about 10 miles out and back through a forest.
It’s about 2,200 feet of elevation gain to reach the summit, but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Squaw Peak and the Three Sisters before you descend.
8. Admire the Art
Evergreen has a thriving arts community with a variety of galleries and programs to showcase the talent of local artists.
Shadow Mountain Gallery is an artist-owned collective featuring a wide variety of work, and The Evergreen Gallery is full of pottery, jewelry, paintings, photos and more created by Colorado artists.
The Center for the Arts Evergreen has a gallery of rotating exhibits and also offers community art classes and events.
9. Sample the Food
You definitely won’t go hungry on a day trip from Denver to Evergreen. Some of the local Evergreen restaurants include:
- Beau Jo’s – The iconic Idaho Springs pizza joint has a location in Evergreen so you can try the famous Colorado pizza.
- The Bistro at Marshdale – Colorado cuisine with a side of upscale mountain ambiance is on the menu here.
- Willow Creek Restaurant – Enjoy dinner with a view at this charming spot overlooking Evergreen Lake.
- Kalaka Evergreen – Not a downtown locale, but some of the most authentic Mexican food in the Denver area.
10. Have a Pint at Revival Brews
Sample local brews from a selection of Colorado breweries at Revival Brews. In the summer, the patio is a perfect place to have a pint (or two) and some tasty pub grub.
11. Experience the Old West at Little Bear Saloon
As you step through the classic swinging saloon doors, you’ll feel like you’re back in the old west days of Evergreen at Little Bear Saloon.
Mingle with locals and enjoy live music at this historic spot right downtown.
12. Taste the Wine at Creekside Cellars
Sip a glass of locally-made wine while sitting on a deck overlooking Bear Creek at Creekside Cellars. The cafe also offers special tastings and wine-pairing dinners.
13. Savor a Cup of Coffee
If you need some caffeine before exploring Evergreen, you’ve got a couple of wonderful options in town.
Bivouac Coffee roasts excellent environmentally-friendly coffee in a cute little tasting room, and you can grab a hand-crafted beverage and a bag of beans to take home.
Muddy Buck is a cute cafe serving breakfast burritos and avocado toast to go along with your coffee.
14. Find Something Unique at Ski Country Antiques
If you want your home to have a little more of a mountain town feel, head to Ski Country Antiques.
This family-owned shop specializes in northern European antiques including cool antique outdoor gear such as skis, ski poles, snowshoes, skates and sleds.
15. Explore Hiwan Heritage Park & Homestead Museum
One of the most interesting things to do in Evergreen, CO is explore the Hiwan Heritage Park and Homestead Museum.
Situated in a grove of ponderosa pines, the rustic architecture of this historic lodge was constructed between 1880 and 1942.
16. Wander the Garden of Mount Goliath Natural Area
Located on the northern shoulder of Mount Blue Sky, Mount Goliath Natural Area is the world’s highest-constructed rock garden. A 1.5-mile (one-way) trail winds through both subalpine and alpine areas.
Local Tip: The garden is only open in summer, and timed-entry tickets are required in advance.
17. Hike Along Beaver Brook Watershed
A moderate 5.5-mile loop hike showcases the natural area of the Beaver Brook Watershed. The trail passes a reservoir and provides pretty mountain views.
18. Take in the Scenery of Maxwell Falls
For a fun waterfall hike near Evergreen, you can’t beat Maxwell Falls. You have a few easy trail options to explore the falls, and the aspens make it a great fall hike (although the falls might not be running then).
19. Hit the High-Altitude Links
Evergreen Golf Course is located 7,220 feet high in Dedisse Park (which also encompasses Evergreen Lake). You’ll often encounter elk and other wildlife along the fairways and greens up at this elevation.
20. Play at The Wild Game
The Wild Game in Evergreen features arcade games, ping pong, shuffleboard, skeeball, bowling, and more. With two bars and a restaurant, you could spend a whole day here having a blast!
More Local Colorado Travel Resources Just for You
Ready to explore Colorado like a local, not a tourist? Check out these incredibly local recommendations:
