Hike and a Brew : Evergreen, Colorado
A colorful beer flight at Evergreen Brewery. ©Suzanne Brown 2019
An easy thirty minutes from Denver lands you in the scenic mountain town of Evergreen for a picturesque hike in Elk Meadow and a cold brew at Evergreen Brewery.
Far-reaching views at Elk Meadow on the Meadow View trail. ©Suzanne Brown 2019
EVERGREEN
HIKE or BIKE - Elk Meadow Park
You can 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!
Lucy and Ozzie adore Elk Meadow. ©Suzanne Brown 2019
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.
1: Painters Pause - 2.3 miles RT - A 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.
Try a flight of 4 brews for only $11 at Evergreen Brewery! ©Suzanne Brown 2019
QUENCH YOUR THIRST - Evergreen Brewery
Evergreen Brewery offers handcrafted beer and artisan cuisine. A great match after burning calories on the trail. Whether you’re in the mood for a lager, pale ale, sour, wheat, saison, IPA, stout, or their new summer slushies, Evergreen Brewery gets you.
Perfect views for sipping brews. ©Alexa Brown 2019
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, I feel like my friend and I had just climbed onto the roof and away from responsibilities to soak up the mountain view and a cold brew.
Evergreen Brewery’s fabulous BLT with summer slaw and Thai crunch salad. ©Suzanne Brown 2019
The kitchen cranks out a delicious assortment to complement your bevvie. Try veggies and creamy hummus, the crisp Thai crunch 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!
Evergreen Brewery’s inside bar area boasts tall ceilings, wood accents, and a great mountain vibe. ©Suzanne Brown 2019
Evergreen Brewery is located above the popular Boone Mountain Sports, offering ski design, 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 to say hi!
Did I mention Evergreen Brewery faces west? Spectacular sunset over Bergen Peak, anyone? Yeah. I’ll meet you there.
Spectacular views of Bergen Peak from Evergreen Brewery’s deck. ©Suzanne Brown 2019
Evergreen Brewery (2962 Evergreen Parkway, Evergreen) is open Mon & Tues 3PM - 10PM, Wed & Thurs 12PM - 10PM, Fri & Sat 11AM-11PM, and Sun 11AM-9PM.
Kid and dog-friendly. Game room with foosball and pool table. Iced tea, soda, and free water available.