An easy thirty minutes from Denver lands you in the scenic mountain town of Evergreen, Colorado for a picturesque hike in Elk Meadow and a cold brew at Evergreen Brewery.

RUN or HIKE

ELK MEADOW PARK

You can run, hike, bike, or ride horses on over 14.5 miles of trails through aspens, pines, and grassy meadows. And if you’re lucky, you may even see herds of elk!

LEWIS RIDGE TRAILHEAD

Enter the park at the Lewis Ridge trailhead (bathrooms available). From here there are many options. I’ve listed three of my favorites below. Dogs must be leashed, or you could pay a hefty fine.

1: Painters Pause

2.3 miles RT - short, sweet hike in the meadow

Catch Painters Pause Trail to the right of the parking area. Continue 1 mile.
Left at Meadow View Trail for 0.4 miles.
Left at Founders Trail for 0.6 miles.
Right at Painters Pause Trail for 0.3 miles back to the parking area.

2: Painters Pause, Meadow View, Elk Ridge

4 miles RT - meadow and trees

Catch Painters Pause Trail to the right of the parking area. Continue 1 mile.
Left at Meadow View Trail for 1.9 miles.
Left on Elk Ridge Trail for 0.6 miles.
Left on Sleepy S Trail for 0.5 miles back to the parking area.

3: Bergen Peak

9.6 miles RT - steep, in the trees, but great views

Catch Painters Pause Trail to the right of the parking area. Continue 0.3 miles.
Left at Founders Trail for 0.6 miles.
Left at Meadow View Trail for 0.5 miles.
Right on Too Long Trail for 2.4 miles.
Right on Bergen Peak Trail for 1.0 miles.
Return the way you came.

BEER

Evergreen Brewery

Evergreen Brewery offers handcrafted beer and artisan cuisine.

Whether you’re in the mood for a lager, pale ale, sour, wheat, saison, IPA, or stout, Evergreen Brewery gets you.

I try the bright Blueberry Wheat, the citrusy Da JuiceBox IPA, the rich Two Kilts red ale, and the bourbony BA chocolate stout. Sitting on the outside deck with my two pups is a perfect place to steal away from responsibilities for a while and to soak up the view of Bergen Mountain.

The kitchen cranks out a delicious assortment to complement your bevvie. Try pretzel bites, the mandarin salad, a savory BLT with summer slaw, a juicy cheeseburger, or a sour apple whiskey reuben. I’ve tried at least half their menu (a girl’s gotta eat!) and loved every bite!

SPLURGE : Burger of the Month or Sour Apple Whiskey Reuben

FUEL FOR HEALTH : Butternut and Beet Salad topped with grilled chicken breast

Evergreen Brewery is located above the popular Boone Mountain Sports, offering skis, snowboards, tuning, and rental as well as hip mountain clothing to keep you stylish on and off the trails. It’s a family affair for Boone and Evergreen Brewery, so be sure to pop into Boone and grab any gear you may need.

Did I mention Evergreen Brewery faces west? This means a spectacular sunset over Bergen Peak. I’ll meet you there!

Evergreen Brewery - 2962 Evergreen Parkway, Evergreen

Kid and dog-friendly. Upstairs game room with foosball and pool table. Iced tea, soda, and free water available.

RUN HIKE BEER - Evergreen, CO