The Best of Evergreen, CO
Picture this, you’ve just purchased tickets for that sold-out, bucket-list concert at Red Rocks you’ve been dying to see. The long awaited show is booked, plane seats reserved and now you need a place to stay. Instead of the obligatory Denver hotel pursuit, accompanied by heavy traffic & a $112 Uber bill to and from the venue, why not stay a little closer to the famous amphitheater? Nestled into the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, just a short drive from Red Rocks, you’ll find a small mountain town called, Evergreen. Dawned in Alpine Meadows, alongside western wildlife and an abundance of…yes, Evergreen Trees, you’ll find yourself wondering why you’ve never made the trip.
Whether you’re paddle boarding on Lake Evergreen during the warmer months or belly-up at the bar inside Little Bear Saloon on a snowy, holiday evening, this hidden gem is worth the exploration whatever season you may find yourself in.
WHERE TO STAY:
Highland Haven Creekside INN 🌙
If find yourself in Evergreen, you’ll want to make sure you’re staying at the Highland Haven Creekside Inn. One summer afternoon in 2021 while on a walk, I stumbled upon Highland Haven. Tucked along the Bear Creek, this 18 room bed & breakfast proves to be something out of a storybook. My first stay at the Inn was in September of 2022. The staff was incredibly gracious and friendly. So much so that I found myself in conversation with one of the groundskeepers who told me tales of his time in Evergreen as a teenager working for Willie Nelson at his former home nearby. And one morning, as I sat alongside the creek with coffee in one hand and a book in the other, a parade of Elk wandered in one by one to say hello. A sight to behold.
At the Highland Haven, breakfast is served fresh and delivered to your room each morning. The main lodge has a full coffee bar set up at dawn followed by pitchers of sweet tea and warm chocolate chip cookies offered at lunch time. In the evenings, HH hosts a complimentary happy hour featuring a boozie hot coco bar in the colder months. Their gift shop houses curated pieces, local jewelry & merchandise from neighboring stores in town. And the accommodations itself are first class - the cottages are cozy and rustic while simultaneously equipped with modern amenities and jacuzzi tubs big enough to swim in.
Highland Haven Creekside Inn is the place to be in Evergreen all year long - from summer to winter, the Inn abundantly accommodates to whatever season you stay.
I won’t stop talking about this place, which is why I’m excited to offer-up a little discount code for one of my favorite spots. Take 10% off your stay at the Highland Haven Creekside INN when using code ANGWEL10at checkout!
WHAT TO DO:
Evergreen Lake - In the summer, Evergreen Lake is the place to be. The lake offers activities such as paddle boarding, boating, kayaking, fishing and concerts on the lawn. The water is part of the 55 Acre Evergreen Lake Park that is surrounded by a picturesque walking trail alongside the Evergreen Golf Course. During the winter, you can find locals ice-skating & ice fishing on the frozen water. Just a short walk from downtown Evergreen, you’ll find year-round activities at the Lake to be the epicenter of this Colorado gem.
Hiking - Looking for a morning hike or an all-day affair? Evergreen has you covered. From alpine meadow parks to loop trails, the surrounding hiking landscape of the region makes you feel like you’re inside a Patagonia catalog.
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park - Evergreen Mountain Trail, Evergreen Mountain East, Wild Iris + Three Sisters Loop, Brother’s Lookout
Elk Meadow Park - Meadow View, Bergen Peak Trails
Arapaho National Forest - Maxwell Falls Upper & Lower Trails
Pence Park - Independence Mountain Trail
JPs Total Farmer’s Market - “Open 7 days a week, 10am til dark, every day but Christmas,” is a familiar intro Cathy rattles off when one inquires about her famous JP Total’s Farmers Market. This sweet spot just beyond Bear Creek is an Evergreen staple. Upon entering, you can’t help but notice the thematic tropical undertones & Jimmy Buffet inspired…everything. From delicious peaches, to apple pies, sweet treats and the freshest produce in the Rockies, be sure to add this stop to your list.
Explore Historic Downtown Evergreen - From art galleries to handmade jewelry and all the crystals your little hippy heart desires, don’t forget to #shoplocal in downtown Evergreen. A variety of shops & restaurants line this mountain-like boardwalk making it the perfect afternoon excursion.
Evergreen Golf Course - Fancy a round of golf? Evergreen Golf Course has you covered. Just outside of downtown, you will find this 18 hole executive course to be an integral part of the Evergreen athleisure experience. Pine trees line the fairway as local wildlife tend to coinhabit the course, providing an authentic and affordable outing to include in your next trip.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK:
Little Bear Saloon - From what I can tell, the Little Bear Saloon seems to be the holy grail of Evergreen. This historic watering hole holds far more than local draft and bison burgers. In fact, when you swing through those western saloon doors and breeze past the brass registers on your way to the bar, it’s hard not to notice how the place is dripping in history and begging for a good time. The walls, covered in American license plates, roadie merch and signed posters tell the tale of those who’ve wandered in before you. As do the hundreds of bras that hang from the ceiling above the stage putting any frat house to shame. The very place that the Denver Post deemed, “popular pandemonium” has seemingly proven itself to be just that over the years. From Willie Nelson, to Niel Young, Greg Allman and other local neighbors, the LBS Stage has seen it all and still houses musicians 6 nights a week. I’d add this one to the top of that Evergreen Bucket List if I were you.
Honorable mentions…
Brunch
Muddy Buck
Blackbird Cafe
Wildflower Cafe
Parkside Cafe
Dinner
Murphy’s Mountain Grill
Campfire Evergreen
Lariat Lodge Brewing
The Bistro at Marshdale
Cactus Jack’s Saloon
Bo Jeau’s (Colorado Pizza Favorite)