The soothing, emerald forests of the unique, Rocky Mountain community of Evergreen, Colorado are less than a half an hour west of Denver real estate. Once an exquisite retreat just for the few, Evergreen is now home to over 9,000 and as many as 30,000 call her "home".
Horse properties in Evergreen's 130-square-mile community are tucked throughout pine- and aspen-laden hills. From the 14,260-foot Mount Evans on the west to the beginning of the high plains on the east, Evergreen ranch homes and Evergreen log homes with facilities for horses add grandeur to the natural landscape. Yes, western Jefferson County real estate for horses is peaceful and healing—for horses and owners.
But once a year, add lots of excitement when the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association contestants from across the country complete in bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, barrel racing and bronco riding. And rodeo fans stream up I-70 for the Annual Evergreen Rodeo.
The entire Denver community has a stake in the area. Evergreen Lake and its beautiful grounds are the jewel of the community—a perfect place for concerts, ice skating, trout fishing, a walking path, a high-altitude garden and sculptures, bridges and board walks through a wildlife wetland, picnic tables and a log "Lakehouse" for special events. The town has also established two recreation centers.
Add to that the numerous parks maintained by the metro city and county district, the open-space lands created by the county for picnicking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing, and sister-city Lakewood's Green Mountain and Bear Creek Lake Parks with their steep terrain and challenging system of multiple-use trails, stocked fishing lake, boating, swimming, wind surfing and water skiing. Balance it out with golf courses, world-class skiing, rafting, snow tubing, sledding and you're sure to have sweet dreams any night after a beautiful day outdoors.
The area was "discovered" by an 1859 homesteader named Thomas Bergen whose property is now called Bergen Park. But another gentleman, D.P. Wilmot, bought a large tract south of there and called it "Evergreen" and that's the name that stuck. For about 40 years, the dense forest provided lumber for the building boom going on in the city. As roads improved and electrical service became available, more ranchers and resorts owners moved in. In fact, Troutdale-in-the-Pines, a posh resort hotel on picturesque Upper Bear Creek, catered to the stars and elite from across the nation.
The area’s industry became primarily hospitality. However, by the 1970s, enticed by the quality of life and the reliable automobile, the commuter population flocked to this once-isolated mountain retreat. The fantastic vistas, plentiful wildlife and thick forests created the setting for tremendous business opportunities as well as recreation.
Property taxes stretch further here, often costing less than in the metropolitan areas for quality homes, schools and government. And the amenities and services of nearby metropolitan Denver are close enough when needed. Consequently, the community has attracted people from every walk of life including artists, engineers, scientists, carpenters, retailers, homemakers and heads of corporations. And their children and youth attend local Jeffco Schools, which continue to rank at the top for every grade in every subject.
Once in a while, your precocious crew will certainly enjoy a scenic drive around Lariat Loop, Upper Bear Creek Loop, Echo Lake and Mount Evans or a drive through Bear Creek Canyon. Or make that a carriage ride through the meadows! It's obvious that whether you love noble horses, expensive Hummers or elegant hummingbirds, these mountains are the perfect backdrops for each stage of life.
