Iām a Colorado local with insights into the absolute best things to do in Evergreen, CO!
In Evergreen, Colorado, things to do are available year-round. This guide features several outdoor activities from summertime hikes to ice hockey on Evergreen Lake. I also share cultural attractions, nearby destinations in the Rocky Mountain foothills, and a few hidden gems you wonāt want to miss!
Oh, and before you dive in, bookmark my guide to the best places to stay in Evergreen if you want to plan a mountain escape.
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18 Best Things to Do in EvergreenĀ
Evergreen Lake
Paddle, fish, or ice skate at Evergreenās most popular spot.
š Google Maps | Phone: (720) 880-1300 | Website | Hours: Sunrise ā Sunset | š Browse Tours on Viator
Evergreen Lake is a great spot for year-round outdoor recreation. The Evergreen Lake House rents pedal boats and paddle boards, and people can bring their own gear for a peaceful float. Private boats require a day pass that costs $10 during the week and $15 on weekends.Ā
The lake is stocked, making it a popular fishing spot from boats or from shore. In winter, some people brave the cold for ice fishing as well. You can also rent skates and enjoy ice skating and hockey on the lake.Ā
Evergreen Nature Center
Learn about the birds and animals that live near Evergreen Lake.
š Google Maps | Phone: (303) 330-0489 | Website | Hours: Open spring & summer 10 am ā 4 pm Sat-Sun | Entrance: Free
The nature center is located in the historic warming hut found along the shores of Evergreen Lake. It features a Touch Table where kids can feel real animal fur and examine antlers. Adults can get more info on the birds and other animals that live in the area. Thereās even a resident snake and a salamander for visitors to meet.Ā
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park
Find a variety of hikes at this foothills park with the most trails per acre.
š Google Maps | Phone: (303) 271-5925 | Website | Hours: One hour before sunrise ā one hour after sunset | Entrance: Free
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park has everything from easy walks for even the littlest kids to challenging hikes like the Evergreen Mountain East Trail. There are plenty of spots for climbing rocks and great views of the surrounding mountains. This park is especially pretty in the fall!
Maxwell Falls
Bring the whole family on this waterfall hike.
š Google Maps | Phone: (970) 295-6600 | Website | Hours: Sunrise ā sunset daily
This is one of my familyās favorite hikes near Denver! Follow Maxwell Creek one of three ways to the falls. The easiest hike is from the Upper Parking Lot, where you walk just half a mile. The Cliff Trail Loop from the Upper Lot is three miles, and the Lower Maxwell Falls trail is a more challenging climb over 4.6 miles.
Mount Goliath & Dos Chappell Nature Center
Enjoy amazing views and the highest cultivated garden in the U.S.
š Google Maps | Phone: (970) 295-6600 | Website | Hours: Summer Nature Center 10 am ā 5 pm daily | Entrance: $10 vehicle fee | š Browse Tours on Viator
The Mount Goliath Natural Area contains an alpine garden and lots of Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine trees. The nature center teaches visitors how life adapts to the high elevation environment in this alpine tundra. Itās a great spot for both kids and adults to learn about Coloradoās unique environments and the ways life thrives at high altitudes.Ā
Evergreen Golf Course
Enjoy greens surrounded by elk and mountain views.
š Google Maps | Phone: (720) 865-3430 | Website | Hours: Open Spring-Fall, Sunrise ā Sunset daily | Green fees: from $10, adults, from $6 under 18
The Evergreen Golf Course is in Dedisse Park and found near Evergreen Lake. Youāll get great lake and mountain views while teeing off or practicing on the putting green. Itās not unusual to see elk on the course as well.Ā
Downtown Evergreen
Browse local shops and cafes in this mountain town.
š Google Maps | Website | š Browse Tours on Viator
Downtown Evergreen features boutiques, art galleries, garden stores, and plenty of restaurants and cafes for hungry tourists. The Wildflower Cafe is known for its brunch, and Evergreen Crafters has souvenirs, jewelry, and more.
When visiting this charming area, youāll understand why Evergreen ranks as one of Coloradoās best mountain towns.
Blackbird Cafe
Kick back with a mimosa and brunch classics at this popular spot along Bear Creek.
š Google Maps | Phone: (303) 658-0309 | Website | Hours: 8 am ā 8 pm Thu, 8 am ā 4 pm Fri ā Mon, Closed Tues & WedĀ
Blackbird Cafe is my favorite brunch spot in Evergreen ā and many localsā favorite, too. Itās especially a hot spot on the weekends and parking can be a bit of a challenge. But trust me, Blackbird Cafe is worth the effort and the potential wait. Sip coffee to pass the time and if youāre lucky, you might be handed a complimentary mimosa!Ā
The food menu here is absolutely stellar. I was thrilled by the number of vegan options, which include the breakfast burrito pictured above. It may not be pretty, but never skip on green chile! Other signatures include smoked salmon avocado toast and savory benedicts topped with housemade hollandaise sauce.Ā
I recommend dining on the creekside patio when the weather allows. Hummingbird feeders make the ambiance even more magical!
ā AbigailĀ Ā
Revival Brews
Try a local beer and some tasty pub food.
š Google Maps | Phone: (303) 670-3224 | Website | Hours: 3 pm ā 9 pm Wed ā Fri, 12 pm ā 9 pm Sat, 12 pm ā 8 pm Sun, Closed Mon & Tues
Revival Brews is just on the edge of downtown Evergreen, and a great place to eat after a hike. They feature Colorado beers, along with some craft brews from farther-flung places. They also have a pub menu with burgers, wings, salads, and a kidsā menu.
Creekside Cellars
Sample local wines while sitting creekside.
š Google Maps | Phone: (303) 674-5460 | Website | Hours: 11 am ā 5 pm Wed ā Mon, Closed Tuesdays | š Browse Tours on Viator
The pours youāll sample at this winery are made on-site from Colorado grapes. You can sit beside Bear Creek and enjoy a glass, or order some food to go along with it. Itās a great spot to relax after a hike ā but be sure to book reservations!
Hiwan Heritage Park
Step inside Evergreen history.
š Google Maps | Phone: (720) 497-7650 | Website | Hours: 12 pm ā 4 pm Thu ā Fri, 12 pm ā 4:30 pm Sat & Sun, Closed Mondays | Entrance: Free
This unique museum was once the home of one of Coloradoās first female doctors, Josephina Williams Douglas. Itās an unusual house with two octagonal towers and an indoor chapel. Outbuildings include a game room where kids can plan their wagon trip across the west and a Pioneer Workshop.
āļøĀ Visiting Colorado for the first time? If this is your first time in the Centennial State, check out our list of tips & tricks for traveling here!Ā
Little Bear Saloon
Listen to live music at this western saloon.
š Google Maps | Phone: (303) 674-9991 | Website | Hours: 5 pm ā 10 pm Thu, 11 am ā 12 am Fri ā Sat, 11 am ā 10 pm Sun, Closed Mon
The Little Bear Saloon has been hosting bands for more than 40 years, including Willie Nelson who used to live in the area. The building was once a church, a drug store, and a dance hall, but now serves food and features live music on weekends.
Head through the swinging doors of the saloon, and see if you donāt swagger just a bit on your way in!
Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway
Drive North Americaās highest paved road to the top of one of Coloradoās 14ers.
š Google Maps | Phone: (970) 295-6600 | Website | Hours: Summer 8 am ā 6:30 pm daily | Entrance: $15 vehicle fee | š Browse Tours on Viator
Rather than hiking, drive to the summit one of Coloradoās 14ers! The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway gains more than 7,000 feet of elevation during the 28-mile drive.
The byway is also the highest paved road in North America. Youāll pass mountain lakes, beautiful vistas, and even a high-altitude botanic garden on your way to the top of Mount Blue Sky (formerly known as Mount Evans).Ā
Note that the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway requires timed tickets. It opens when the road is safe to drive, usually in late May or June, and the road to the top closes the day after Labor Day.
Echo Lake Mountain Park
Stop at this mountain lake on the way to Mount Blue Sky.
š Google Maps | Phone: (801) 226-3564 | Website | Hours: Sunrise ā sunset daily | Entrance: $10 vehicle fee
Echo Lake Park makes a great stop on the way to Mount Blue Sky. Take a breather after the winding mountain road and enjoy the amazing scenery. Enjoy a picnic lunch or pick up food and souvenirs at the Echo Lake Lodge, a historic building built in 1927.
Echo Mountain
Ski at Denverās closest resort.
š Google Maps | Phone: (720) 899-2100 | Website | Hours: Winter 10 am ā 5 pm Sun ā Tues, 10 am ā 9 pm Wed ā Fri, 9 am ā 9 pm SatĀ
ā ļø Closure Note: Echo Mountain is temporarily closed for the season.
Echo Mountain is the closest ski resort to Denver. Because it gets less snow than other ski areas, you do need to check that itās actually open for skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. But itās an easy, less-expensive alternative if you just want to hit a few runs instead of making a whole day of it. For extra fun, try night skiing!
Idaho Springs
Browse shops in this historic mining town or raft nearby Clear Creek.
š Google Maps | Phone: (303) 567-4382 | Website
Idaho Springs is less than half an hour from Evergreen and has a host of fun activities for families and adventurous adults!
You can take a short walk to the Charlie Taylor water wheel, which you can see from I-70, or soak in the nearest hot springs to Denver. Tour the Argo mine, take a rafting trip on Clear Creek, or browse the shops downtown.
Beaver Brook Watershed
Hike through the foothills and forest paths.
š Google Maps | Website | Hours: Sunrise ā sunset daily
This loop trail is just over 5 Ā½ miles and passes a lake, lots of forests, and plenty of spots where deer and elk like to visit. It gains just over 1,000 feet in elevation, making it a moderately challenging hike for older kids or adults who want to get their blood pumping. Itās also a popular spot for mountain biking as well.
Ski Country Antiques & Home
Browse European antiques at this family-owned shop.
š Google Maps | Phone: (303) 670-8726 | Website | Hours: 10 am ā 5 pm Mon ā Wed, Fri & Sat, 12 pm ā 5 pm Sun, Closed Thursdays
This antique store focuses on northern European antiques, and the family that owns it takes frequent trips there to find new treasures. Youāll find everything from furniture to small home goods in the store, and itās a great place to while away an afternoon.
FAQs on What to Do in Evergreen, CO
What are some things to do near Evergreen, CO?
Some things to do near Evergreen, CO include Idaho Springs and the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway which passes Echo Lake Mountain Park.
Is Evergreen, CO worth visiting?
Evergreen, CO is worth visiting. Itās one of the top day trips from Denver and near some of the best hikes in Colorado.
Visitors can also paddleboard, fish, golf, or wander the quaint downtown area. In summer, one of the best farmer markets in the area sets up in Evergreen each week.Ā
What is Evergreen, CO known for?
Evergreen, CO is known for Evergreen Lake. The lake is home to year-round outdoor activities. In summer, you can walk around Evergreen Lake, or paddleboard, kayak, or fish.
In winter, visitors enjoy ice skating and ice fishing on the lake. Regardless of the season, watch for wildlife including elk, muskrats, and a variety of birds.Ā
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Evergreen is the perfect spot for a getaway, whether youāre coming from Denver or farther away! Hopefully, this list of fun things to do in Evergreen, Colorado has inspired you to visit this adorable mountain town.