Visit Evergreen Colorado Any Time of Year
You can visit Evergreen, Colorado any time of year and find plenty to do: spring aspen walks, summer mountain hikes, golden fall foliage, and quiet winter days of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. On top of the outdoors, this little mountain town has art galleries and live music, so there’s no need to wait for ski season.
Colorado is famous for its ski resorts, but what if you aren’t a skier? What if you love hiking without the triple-digit summer heat, or simply want something new to do on any given Saturday or Wednesday? If that sounds like you, plan a visit to Evergreen. The town is known as much for its gorgeous old-growth forest as for its proximity to other incredible places.
Evergreen Colorado Season by Season
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Spring | Aspen groves bursting with colour on the Alpine Trail |
| Summer | Bear Creek Trail, wildlife, Evergreen Lake, Eldorado Canyon State Park |
| Fall | Golden aspens, Bear Creek Trail, Great Harvest Trail, Conifer |
| Winter | Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking and quiet |
Spring in Evergreen Colorado
While some places are still wrestling their way out of winter, spring is when Evergreen Colorado truly begins to shine. The smell of fresh pine needles and rising temperatures remind everyone to enjoy the outdoors again.
A good spring pick is the Alpine Trail, described in the area as being in nearby Horseshoe Park. This short, exposed trail suits warm days when the ground is still a bit soggy. It leads through a grove of aspens just beginning to burst with colour and may cross a few shallow streams as the ground dries out for summer.
Summer in Evergreen Colorado
If you want to see the best nature has to offer, visit the Rockies in summer. In the mountains that means June or July, when the aspens give way to lush green forests of pine and fir. The Alpine Trail is still worth a walk, but the views are even more spectacular from the Bear Creek Trail, which has been called one of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado.
You’ll pass through a wide variety of ecosystems and might spot wildlife such as bears, elk and wild turkeys. You’ll also get a great look at the landscape of the Colorado Rockies as a whole. For more, head to Eldorado Canyon State Park to hike, bike and climb, or simply hang out at Evergreen Lake.
Fall in Evergreen Colorado
Fall is the best time in Evergreen to see the aspens turn gold. The timing depends on each year’s weather and can be unpredictable, but when conditions are right you’ll see bright gold leaves against a dark blue sky as the sun sets.
The Alpine Trail may close for part of the fall because of fire danger, but you can still take in the view from the Bear Creek Trail, which is open year-round. The Great Harvest Trail is a shorter but still lovely hike, and for a more relaxed day you can visit nearby Conifer, another great town for fall adventures.
Winter in Evergreen Colorado
If skiing isn’t your thing, winter might be the perfect time to visit. Colorado’s big ski resorts draw the winter crowds, and Evergreen is far less affected. That’s a blessing, because you can enjoy a rare kind of quiet, and a bit of a curse, because there’s less going on.
If you don’t mind bundling up, you can still enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking. The Great Harvest Trail is a good option when it’s too cold for water sports.
Arts and Culture in Evergreen
Don’t come to Evergreen solely for the great outdoors; come for the arts too. There are several art galleries in town, including the Colorado Forest Arts Gallery, which showcases local artists, and the Gallery at the Commons, which has a wide variety of art. You can even sign up for a free art walk to explore the galleries in the area.
For live music, look out for the annual Bluegrass Ramble, which features concerts and campsites, and the Wildwood Concert Series of outdoor music in nearby Wildwood Park.
Hiking and Biking in Evergreen Colorado
Whether you visit in winter or summer, make time to walk or bike around town. It’s the best way to get to know this special little place, and you may stumble across great things to do that don’t involve being outside.
For a view over the town, hike Big Bear Mountain. The route is about seven miles long, but the views from the top are well worth it. Other great hikes in the area include the Bear Creek Trail and the Great Harvest Trail.
Activities in Evergreen During Spring and Summer
Early in the season, some higher trails may still be covered in snow. The Great Harvest Trail, a gravel trail of about six miles, is an excellent place to walk, run or bike once the snow melts. Nearby Conifer is also great for hiking, biking or just hanging out, especially if you want to avoid the Evergreen crowds.
Eldorado Canyon State Park offers more activities, including options for visitors who aren’t big hikers.
Activities in Evergreen During Fall and Winter
In the fall you can still enjoy most outdoor activities: walk or bike the Great Harvest Trail, explore Conifer or visit Eldorado Canyon State Park. Music lovers sometimes combine a trip with a show at the Vilar Performing Arts Center, further afield. In winter many year-round activities remain open, so just remember to bundle up.
Tips for Visiting Evergreen Any Time of Year
There are plenty of things to do in Evergreen, Colorado at any time of year; the trick is getting there. Most visitors fly into Denver and rent a car, although summer mountain traffic can be a hassle.
An alternative is to take the bus from Denver International Airport to the downtown station and arrange a car from there. It’s not cheap, but it can save time sitting in traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Evergreen, Colorado?
Any season works. Summer (June or July) is best for lush forests and hiking, fall for golden aspens, spring for fresh aspen groves, and winter for quiet cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
What are the best hikes near Evergreen?
The Bear Creek Trail, the Alpine Trail, the Great Harvest Trail and the roughly seven-mile Big Bear Mountain hike.
Is there anything to do in Evergreen besides the outdoors?
Yes. Visit the Colorado Forest Arts Gallery and the Gallery at the Commons, join a free art walk, or catch the Bluegrass Ramble or the Wildwood Concert Series.
Conclusion
Whether you come for spring aspens, summer hikes, fall colour or winter quiet, you can visit Evergreen, Colorado any time of year and never run out of things to do.
