If you’ve spent any time researching things to do in Evergreen Colorado, you probably already know that the state has plenty of ski resorts and other great spots for winter adventures. But what about everything else? What if you aren’t a ski lover but still want to explore the outdoors when the snow melts?
What if you love hiking and exploring new places but don’t want to get all sweaty in triple-digit heat every day of summer? And what if you just like having new and exciting things to do on any given Saturday or Wednesday? If that sounds like you, then you should plan a visit to Evergreen.
This little town is known as much for its gorgeous, old-growth forest as it is for its proximity to several other incredible locales. There are plenty of different things to do in Evergreen CO anytime of year, so whether or not winter seems like your thing right now, there’s no need to wait until next season before visiting this special place.
Spring in Evergreen Colorado
While some places are still just trying to wrestle their way out of winter’s icy clutches, spring is when Evergreen Colorado truly begins to shine. There’s something about the smell of fresh pine needles and rising temperatures that reminds us all to cheer up and enjoy the world once more. And no spot does that better than the Alpine Trail in nearby Horseshoe Park.
This short, exposed trail is designed to be hiked when the weather is warm but the ground is still a bit too soggy for safe hiking. The Alpine Trail will take you through a grove of aspens that are just beginning to burst with color. It might also take you through a few shallow streams as the ground slowly dries out for the summer.
Summer in Evergreen Colorado
Aspens are all well and good, but if you really want to see the best that nature has to offer, you should visit the Rockies in the summer. In the mountains, that means you should visit in June or July, when the aspens have given way to lush green forests of pine and fir. During this time, you should definitely visit the Alpine Trail. But the views will be even more spectacular from the nearby Bear Creek Trail, which has been called one of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado.
You’ll pass through a wide variety of ecosystems on this trail, and you might even see some wildlife, including bears, elk, and wild turkeys. You’ll also get a great look at the landscape of the Colorado Rockies as a whole, so you can see why people love this area so much. You can also visit nearby Eldorado Canyon State Park, which is a great place to hike, bike, and cliff jump or hang out at Evergreen Lake.
Fall in Evergreen Colorado
The fall is the best time in Evergreen to see the Aspens turn Gold. The timing of this event is highly dependent on the yearly weather and can be highly unpredictable, but if the conditions are right, you will be able to see an amazing show of bright gold leaves against a dark blue sky as the sun sets. The Alpine Trail is closed for much of the fall due to high fire danger, but you can still take in this gorgeous view from the Bear Creek Trail, which is open all year round.
You can also check out the Great Harvest Trail, which is a shorter but still very lovely hike. And if you want to enjoy the outdoors in a more relaxed fashion, you can visit nearby Conifer, which is another great nearby town for fall adventures.
Winter in Evergreen Colorado
If you want to visit Evergreen in the winter, but you don’t think skiing is your thing, you should know that you might be visiting at the perfect time. You see, while nearby Aspen is one of the most popular ski destinations in the world, winter doesn’t have as much of an impact on Evergreen. This is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because you can enjoy a rare kind of quiet, with not many other people around. It’s a curse because you might have a hard time finding things to do.
But if you don’t mind bundling up, you can still enjoy plenty of outdoor activities in Evergreen during the winter, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. You can also explore the nearby Great Harvest Trail when it’s too cold for water sports.
Arts and Culture Excursions Evergreen
Although you can explore plenty of outdoor activities in Evergreen, you shouldn’t come here solely for the great outdoors. You should also come here for the arts. There are several art galleries in Evergreen, including the Colorado Forest Arts Gallery, which showcases the work of local artists. The Gallery at the Commons also has a wide variety of art, and you can even sign up for a free art walk to explore the galleries in the area.
And if you want to enjoy some live music while you’re in Evergreen, you can attend the annual Bluegrass Ramble, which features concerts and campsites. Or you can visit the Wildwood Concert Series, which features outdoor music in the nearby Wildwood Park.
Hiking and Biking in Evergreen Colorado
Whether you visit in the winter or summer, you should make time to walk or bike around the town of Evergreen. This is the best way to really get to know this special little place, and you might even stumble across some of the great things to do in Evergreen that don’t involve being outside.
You can also get a great view of the town from Big Bear Mountain. This hike is about seven miles long, but it’s well worth it for the great views you’ll get from the top. There are plenty of other great hikes in the area, including the Bear Creek Trail and the Great Harvest Trail.
Tips for Visiting Evergreen Anytime of Year
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Evergreen, Colorado, at any time of year. The trick is getting there. You can fly into Denver and rent a car, but you’ll probably find yourself driving through Rocky Mountain National Park, which can be a huge hassle in the summer.
You’d be better off taking the bus from Denver International Airport to the downtown station and then renting a car once you arrive in Evergreen. It’s not cheap, but it’s the best way to get there without spending all day on the road and waiting in traffic.
Activities During Spring and Summer
If you visit Evergreen in the spring or summer, you might have a hard time finding a nearby trail that isn’t still covered in snow. Thankfully, Evergreen is home to the Great Harvest Trail. This gravel trail is only about six miles long, but it’s an excellent place to walk, run, or bike, even after the snow melts. You can also visit nearby Conifer. This is a great place to hike, bike, or just hang out, especially if you want to avoid the crowds that visit Evergreen.
You can also visit Eldorado Canyon State Park for more activities. If you want to explore the outdoors but aren’t much of a hiker, you can take the tram to the top of the canyon.
Activities During Fall and Winter
If you visit Evergreen during the fall, you can still enjoy many of the outdoor activities you can enjoy any other time of year. You can visit the Great Harvest Trail, walk or bike the Great Harvest Trail, explore nearby Conifer, or visit Eldorado Canyon State Park. You can also visit the Vilar Performing Arts Center to enjoy some live music. If you visit in the winter, you can still enjoy many of the activities that are open year round, but you might want to bundle up. You can
