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Your online store for Southwestern, Vintage and Colorado-made gifts.

Colorado & Mountain Tourism information
 

Current Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)
weather and road conditions in and around Evergreen, CO cameras & maps

Colorado Department of Transportation
303-639-1111 Denver Metro Area / 1-877-315-ROAD (7623) Outside of Denver Metro Area

Local Favorite Travel Picks:
Below are some local nearby sites that are recommended picks and favorites of Ché , web host, and one of the people you might be asking for directions somewhere.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre- This has to be one of the most fabulous places on earth to see a concert--or really anything (besides the Parthenon in Greece-which doesn't count, since they don't really allow performances anymore). The huge, naturally occurring red rocks that jut out of the earth create incredible acoustics and a magical atmosphere that absolutely cannot be missed. You can experience live music under a blanket of mountain stars (much more visible here) and a full moon rising over Denver with heat lightening in the background in the summer. You can race up the benches all the way to the top when there isn't an event, and have a fun wind-sucking coronary at the top (remember less oxygen at altitude, and this is where athletes sometimes train). You can also hike around the hills in the area (just not the gigantic red rocks-you'll get a $1,000 fine when caught-and you will be--they get you when you come down). If you are a wannabe rock star, jump on the empty stage, amuse the tourists and locals and say you "played Red Rocks." Many bands have made their world-wide mark here. For instance U2 (Check out the video "Under A Blood Red Sky" with Bono and the boys.) www.redrocksonline.com  Red Rocks Amphitheater Map    Hiking Trail Map

Buffalo Overlook, Genesee- A real live herd of buffalo at the Genesee exit off of I-70. Tip: they can be on either side of the highway, as they have their very own underpass to travel safely between--keeps the tourists guessing. They are huge and the closest thing we probably have to resemble a wooly mammoth. The babies still weigh more than your average linebacker.

The Little Bear- You can't say you've visited Evergreen without stopping here. Lots of infamous large and small bands have played here. And the lingerie collection hanging above the band, serves as a hilarious and notorious reminder. Good luck finding a blank spot to carve your initials on any available wood here. Lots have gone before you. This place has it's own unique rustic charm that can only be experienced, not retold. Beer on tap, great pizza and live music, and sometimes a nice collection of motorcycles displayed out front.

Evergreen Lake- This is a gorgeous scenic spot to walk around. Located on Highway 74, about 10 minutes from I-70. During the winter, if it's cold enough, you can ice skate. And in the summer, you can rent a paddleboat to experience the breathtaking view from the water. Or you can easily hike/walk around the lake. Stop in the gorgeous wood Lake House which has a great view of the lake and mountain area. There's all kinds of events there from music festivals to private weddings.

Mother Cabrini Shrine- This is off of the Genesee exit and is quite a monument. There is historical as well as religious interest, and quite the mountaintop view. And the mere feat of climbing all of the stairs to get to it is a heart-pounding adventure for many.

Idaho Springs- Just a ways West of El Rancho, about a 20 minute drive on I-70 is the town of Idaho Springs. It's relatively closer than Glenwood Springs (about 2 1/2  more hours traveling West) and has hot sulfur springs. They do have a bit of a sulfur smell, but are naturally occurring hot springs and is wonderfully relaxing and mentally therapeutic. The town was the center of the Colorado Gold Rush, as well.

Mount Evans- World's highest paved road-14,240 feet at the summit. Before heading up, check if the road is open or not, because it's easily closed during bad weather www.mountevans.com or call the Clear Creek County Ranger Station at 303-567-3000. Be warned, there is quite a temperature drop at that altitude, plus a whole heck of a lot less oxygen than you are probably used to. The road has a steep grade if you are driving, and good luck if you are pedaling it! Map and directions.