Mount Evans State Wildlife Area and Elk Preserve

Trail difficulty: Easy.

Trail Length: 1 mile.

Trail Description:
This trail is a peaceful and easy amble through pine forest, Aspen grove, grassy meadow and creek side scenery.

From the trailhead, you will begin by hiking uphill on a fire road. There is a gate across it to keep out motorized vehicles. This is the only incline on the trail.

After reaching the top of the hill you will move down to the creek which is a fly fisherman’s peaceful getaway. The trail (jeep ruts) runs beside the creek for about ½ mile. As the trail (the fire road) reaches the creek, turn right and follow the creek a couple hundred yards to the picnic table under the big pine. This is the end of the line and a great place to eat.

Restrooms available at trailhead.

Note: Public access to Mt. Evans Wildlife Area prohibited Jan.1-June 14. (hunting season).

Picnic Recommendations:
Alongside the peaceful creek in the tress at the end of the trail is a lone picnic table under a huge shady pine tree. This is a great area to eat and to toss a Frisbee or just enjoy the sound of the water.

Travel Time:
From Jct I-70 and C-470 approximately 40 minutes.

How to get there:
From Denver, take I-70 W to Evergreen Parkway exit and go 6 miles S on Hwy.74 to Evergreen Lake. Turn right on Upper Bear Creek Rd.,6.5 miles to Cty.Rd.480. Go right on Cty.Rd.480, 3 miles to property (Colorado Division of Wildlife – Mount Evans State Wildlife Area – Elk Preserve). The trail head is located near the restroom and the dirt parking lot – to the left of the parking lots is a fire road with a gate across it – this is the beginning of your trail.

Public access prohibited Jan.1-June 14. (hunting season).

Special Attractions:
As you travel on Upper Bear Creek Rd. (just past Evergreen Lake) you will see Evergreen Golf Course. There is also a great restaurant there called Keys on the Green. You will definitely eat a great meal there with indoor and outdoor dining at reasonable prices!! There is a menu posted outside so you can check-out the food ahead of time.

Another local option for dining is on main street (Jct Hwy 73 and Hwy 74 just past Evergreen Lake) where you will find Beau Jo’s Pizza (a Colorado favorite) and Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors Ice Cream!!