Looking for 10 of the best hikes in beautiful Evergreen, Colorado? Evergreen is the place I am lucky enough to call my home. This little town offers up some really great and easily accessible hiking with stunning views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains and other local vistas. Many of the trail systems intertwine, which can be extremely fun for creating your own adventure options, but it is something to pay attention to, to avoid taking the wrong turn. Along the way, you’ll have high chances of seeing wildlife such as deer, elk, birds, and other critters. Many of the hikes are family friendly, and it’s worth noting that most trails are shared with mountain bikers so just be aware of others using the trails. As always, show up to the trailhead prepared with the 10 essentials, including a rain jacket layer if you are planning on hiking in summer. Afternoon thunderstorms are a part of the Colorado experience so plan ahead, be safe, and enjoy one of my favorite places in the state! Without further ado, here are my top 10 hikes in Evergreen!
Let’s kick it off with a short and sweet option to Brothers Lookout. This trail is a moderate out and back hike that is just over 1 mile long round trip. It gains about 300 feet in elevation, so it is a really nice option for a quick leg burner. You’ll get rewarded with great views from the top! Keep in mind, there are a few different trail options to get here, so feel free to get creative with your hike.
2. Lower and Upper Maxwell falls
This is another great moderate option that is a loop style. It’s 4 miles long with just under 900ft of elevation gain. The trail itself meanders through the forest for pretty much the entire hike, so it is a great shaded option and a very peaceful experience. The waterfalls are higher volume earlier in the summer, but the hike is still worth doing at any point.
Chief Mountain is one of my absolute favorite trails for getting out and stretching the legs. While it can absolutely be a winter hike (snowshoes or spikes recommended), I like to hit Chief Mountain when I want to work the legs a bit and take in incredible views in spring, summer, or fall. It is a moderate trail with just under 1,000 feet of elevation gain in about 3 miles. The top offers 360 degree views of the surrounding area where you can easily see Longs Peak and Pikes Peak. On a clear day you can see Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt, and even downtown Denver. A few things to keep in mind about this hike – parking can be limited on weekends when the trail gets a bit busier, so plan to get there a little early.
Neighboring Chief Mountain, Mesta’aehehe Fire Lookout is a great hike with beautiful 360 degree views as well. It is right around 4 miles round trip – out and back – and just under 900ft elevation gain. The “trail” is more of a gravel access road, so a wonderful options for beginners and/or families. You can also rent out the lookout cabin for a night at recreation.gov!
This is another great mountain top option with incredible views of the area. It is about 4.5 miles round trip and just over 800ft elevation gain. After the initial start walking through a meadow, the trail is shaded the rest of the way. This makes it a great option for a warmer day or if you get a later start and are looking for something with less exposure.
This hike is one of my favorites in the area, with truly stunning views at the top. In total, you’re looking at just over 5 miles and about 1,300ft of elevation gain. From the summit, you can see Evergreen Lake, surrounding peaks, and the beautiful alpine meadows that speckle the area. The last mile is a bit rocky, so keep that in mind depending on skill level. Overall this is a great hike, and perfect for trail fitness training!
7. The Brother and Sisters Loop
Bringing it back around to include Brothers Lookout, this is a longer option that combines two loops and multiple viewpoints. In total, you’re looking at 3 miles and about 450ft of elevation gain. It is a great option if you are wanting a more moderate hike with a little longer distance.
This is a short and sweet leg burner that will get your heart rate pumping. It is a 2 mile out and back with about 750ft of elevation gain. Depending on skill level, trekking poles may be a good option, especially towards the top. Much of the trail provides a good amount of shade.
This trail is a mix of a loop and out and back option clocking in at just over 3 miles and about 650ft of elevation gain. The views at the top are great, as always, and most of the hike is decently shaded, so another great option for warmer days. There are a few narrow trail sections, but nothing too crazy – just something to note for families with smaller children.
Last but not least, this hike is a great mix of beauty and history. It is about 4 miles round trip and just over 500ft elevation gain. You’ll pass by a lookout tower, and castle remains that were originally meant to be a summer vacation home for the U.S. Presidents that was never completed. Along the way you’ll also be able to look down on Red Rocks, downtown Denver, and across to the expansive Rocky Mountains.
Of the many hiking options surrounding the Evergreen area, these are just a few of my personal favorites. As always, be sure to recreate responsibly and leave no trace. If you are looking for some workout options to help prep you for the trails, check out my Free Week of Workouts!
Happy + Healthy Trails,
Bradee
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