My boyfriend grew up in Evergreen, and had been dying to get me up there and show me around. I finally made the time.

I had no idea what to expect. The only context I had were pictures of breathtaking, bright amber aspens he sent me last fall, saying he “passed by them on an afternoon walk”. I was completely dumbfounded. I thought he might have been pulling my leg. No way could he take these gallery worthy photos just because he decided to go on a walk…

Visiting myself proved me wrong.

Everything up in Evergreen looks like that. Editorial pictures right before your eyes. From the local bars that are built right into the mountain, to the mansions gracefully sitting atop hillsides, to the vast plains of tall grass. I saw three deer, a mom and two babies, just driving around a small peak. It was the closest I’ve ever been to a wild animal in my life. I saw a bald eagle in person for the first time, dive for a fish in the lake.

Evergreen makes for a very easy and inexpensive day trip from Denver. By highways it takes about 30 minutes to reach, but I recommend taking your time and finding the scenic routes, so you can find places to pause and take in the mountain air. In town there are plenty of locally owned boutiques, cafés, art galleries and novelty shops to browse, and live music from the patio by the dam to listen to while you do. I’m partial to the rocks and minerals house at the edge of downtown. There’s a very unique other-worldly mural on its side; you can’t miss it.

It was so easy to be present with my boyfriend in this environment. Watching people go by, I felt we were all in the same boat; we were all there for a moment free of trouble. To paint, shop, fish, walk, bike, run, hike— to relax. I felt as if the weight of my worries was being carried away by the summer breeze. I was truly at peace.

I can’t wait to go back again.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g33415-d812134-r772183510-Evergreen_Lake-Evergreen_Colorado.html