Evergreen
A pine-scented foothills town with a lake at its heart and elk in its meadows.
About Evergreen
Evergreen is an unincorporated mountain community of about 9,300 people in western Jefferson County, roughly 19 miles west of Denver at just over 7,000 feet. It takes its name from the conifer forests that wrap the town.
Evergreen Lake is the centerpiece, with the Lake House on its shore, paddling in summer and one of Colorado's best-known outdoor skating rinks in winter. Around town you'll find Denver Mountain Parks like Dedisse and O'Fallon, and Jefferson County Open Space parks including Elk Meadow and Mount Falcon.
For photographers, Evergreen offers easy-access mornings: mist on the lake, elk grazing meadows near Bergen Park and Elk Meadow, and Bear Creek tumbling through town.
A foothills town built around Evergreen Lake, with Bergen Peak and the surrounding forest giving it a genuinely different character than the drier canyons closer to Denver. Frost and rime ice on the pines here after a cold, calm night is a real and recurring phenomenon worth checking for specifically — an overhead or close-in angle on frosted branches makes for a graphic, almost abstract winter shot most Front Range towns can't offer.
History
The area was first settled in 1859, when it was still part of Kansas Territory, and the Evergreen post office opened in 1876. Thomas Bergen's ranch gave its name to Bergen Park, now a Denver Mountain Park and historic site, and the Hiwan Homestead, a historic log lodge, is now a museum. Evergreen Lake was created in 1927 by damming Bear Creek above downtown. CO 74 still follows Bear Creek Canyon east toward Morrison and Red Rocks.
Photographing Evergreen
Best light: Sunrise at Evergreen Lake brings mist on cold mornings and calm reflections of the Lake House and pines. In winter, the frozen lake and skaters make lively scenes, and fall rut season brings elk activity to local meadows.
Shots to look for
- The Lake House and surrounding pines reflected in Evergreen Lake at dawn
- Winter skaters on the lake from the shoreline with a mid-telephoto
- Elk grazing at Elk Meadow Park with forested hills behind, 200-500mm
- Bear Creek cascading through town with a slow shutter speed
Photo tips
- Give elk plenty of space, especially during the fall rut
- Arrive early for parking at Evergreen Lake on summer weekends
- A polarizer helps with lake glare and fall color
- Highway 74 between Evergreen and Morrison is scenic but narrow; use pullouts safely
Know before you go
- Evergreen is unincorporated; parks are run by Jefferson County, Denver Mountain Parks and the local recreation district
- Wildlife, including elk, is common on roads, especially at dawn and dusk
- Lake ice use is managed seasonally; skate only where the rink is officially open
Prints from Evergreen
Every photo is available as a print on metal, canvas, wood or fine art paper.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Evergreen from Denver?
About 19 miles west of Denver, usually reached via I-70 and CO 74.
When was Evergreen Lake created?
In 1927, by damming Bear Creek above downtown Evergreen.
Featured in: Winter Photography Spots in Colorado · Where to Photograph Wildlife in Colorado
Combine it with
Floyd Hill · Buffalo Herd Nature Preserve · Chief Mountain · Red Rocks Park
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.