Bergen Peak Trail at Elk Meadow Open Space Park

Updated on August 27, 2011 by

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Difficulty

Moderate Plus (elevation gain approx. 1730 ft.)

Trail Length

9.4 miles roundtrip: Meadow View Trail to Bergen Peak Trail and Bergen Peak

Trail Description

In the beautiful town mountain town of Evergreen lies Bergen Peak at Elk Meadow Open Space Park. This is a popular hike spot for locals as well as vacationers. The trail offers easy access by car, ample parking and a variety of well-maintained trails. The trail that we enjoy with our family (Meadow View Trail connecting with Bergen Peak Trail) slowly ambles up the side of Bergen mountain above the expansive Elk Meadow that you will get glimpses of as you go.

The trail, shaded by huge Ponderosa Pines, offers views of the town below, Denver in the distance, Aspen tree stands, cool and lush ground coverage and the towering Bergen Peak. The climb is long and uphill with switchbacks taking you to the top of Bergen Peak – a hike well worth the effort. The top offers great views.

Some history about the area: Elk Meadow was a ranching area for cattle since the 1870’s and purchased by Jefferson County beginning in the 1970’s. Grab a map at the trailhead to take with you.

Picnic spot recommendations:
After hiking for about 35 minutes from Meadow View Trail and then onto Bergen Peak trail, and just off the side of the trail looking south, there are some beautiful views of the foothills – we like to picnic here. If you would prefer, there are also picnic tables near the parking area. Restrooms available at trailhead.

Directions

Click Map Below. For this hike, park at Elk Meadow Park trailhead located on Stagecoach Blvd. (not the lot on Lewis Ridge Rd).

Attractions

Beau Jo's Pizza is always a hit with our kids after a hike. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. It is located in downtown Evergreen (take Hwy74 a couple of miles to the JCT of Hwy 73 and Hwy 74). The restaurant is on the right side of main street. There is also a Baskin Robbins Ice Cream shop on Main Street.
Category: 30 Mins from Denver, All Trails, Hikes Near Denver, Moderate Plus, West of Denver Tags: , , , , , , ,

About Mary Norton, Contributor of this Hike

Mary grew up here, so she knows all the best places to go! With a family of 6 children and no lack of enthusiasm for the outdoors, Mary is well qualified to give you tips and hike spots that will challenge you as well as delight your whole family. Whether you have kids, dogs, or are just looking to enjoy nature by yourself, Mary will show you where to go to find what you are looking for.

  • Jake

    Is this a decent hike in late March?

    • http://funcoloradohikes.com Mary Norton

      Yes, it is a good hike at this time of year.
      There will still be some snow on the trail in the shady areas, but most has melted in and around that area now.

    • marynorton

       Yes, This trail is good this March. Most of the snow in the area has
      melted but there will still be some snow in shady areas of the trail.

  • High Anxiety

    Any cliffs at or on the way up to Bergen peak? I’m healthy but accident prone, and don’t want a hike where a loose shoelace will leave me dead! Also, kids are drawn like magnets to scenic lookout “edges”, and without some leash system in place, I’m not letting them anywhere closer than 5 feet to a dropoff. (You have small kids with you in the pictures, so it must be safe?)

    • http://6webdesign.com/ Tim Norton

      You are funny! It’s not really sheer cliffs on this hike. The peak is not that kind of a peak. It’s big boulders. Just wear sticky shoes. You’ll be fine!