Welcome to Upper Bear Creek
Upper Bear Creek is rich in history. When the railroad came to Colorado in 1870, the state was advertised as “The Switzerland of America.” Posh summer resorts soon sprang up, and tourists came from all over, attracted to the natural beauty of the winding waters and towering pines. The luxury hotel Troutdale In The Pines opened in 1920 with a formal ballroom, an equestrian center, and a mountain golf course. It became the summer spot for Hollywood’s elite and wealthy vacationers looking to escape the summer heat. Hotel guests included the likes of Clark Gable, Gretta Garbo, and Ethel Merman.
The resort closed long ago, but Troutdale In The Pines remains an exclusive gated community with regal estate homes dotting the banks of Bear Creek. The ones that were built before the turn of the century have been updated with marble floors, stainless steel appliances, and all the modern fixtures. The newer ones were built in contemporary mountain style and designed luxuriously, with stone hearth fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling bay windows. Residents enjoy unobstructed views of Mt. Evans and the surrounding valleys. Properties are nestled in forests and park-like settings and come with up to 20 acres of private land. Upper Bear Creek remains one of the most prestigious areas in Evergreen. This is mountain living at its finest.
What to Love
- Unparalleled natural scenery
- Plenty of trails for hiking and mountain biking
- Close to world-class ski resorts
- Luxurious mountain living
Local Lifestyle
Residents of Upper Bear Creek value privacy and quiet. There’s a definite small-town vibe as most neighbors know each other. You’ll feel a real sense of community as you see the same people working in the few family-owned businesses in the area. Upper Bear Creek is a neighborhood for those looking for a peaceful, stress-free, and slow-paced lifestyle. Many residents also love to stay active by hiking and mountain biking in the summer and ice skating or skiing in the winter.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Upper Bear Creek is pretty much all residential. Though Keys on the Green sits at the base of the neighborhood and offers a fine dining experience overlooking the Evergreen golf course. Further down, Coal Mine Dragon has fusion Chinese food, and Bistro Del Lago next door specializes in authentic Italian dishes.
Willow Creek Restaurant serves American fare with views of the lake and the mountains. They even have a provisions market with fresh produce and take-and-bake meals. EverBean by the Lake is great for coffee, breakfast, desserts, and ice cream. There’s also a western-themed shop in Lakepoint Center called Crystal Cowgirl.
Many residents head towards downtown Evergreen for shopping and dining. Murphy’s Mountain Grill serves creative bar food and craft cocktails in a rustic wood-cabin setting. Diner favorites are their ahi wonton tacos and smash burgers. Revival Brews has elevated pub fare, craft beers, and spacious patio seating.
Beau Jo’s Evergreen boasts the best pizzas in Evergreen and specializes in Colorado-style thick-crust pizzas and calzones. Creekside Cellars is a winery serving appetizers, salads, and paninis to go along with their wine selection. You can also join their wine club to access special events and their small-batch wines. For cakes and pastries, Alpine Pastries is a beloved family-owned bakeshop. They make custom wedding cakes, European pastries, and chocolates.
Things to Do
Upper Bear Creek is an outdoor paradise. Surrounded by open space parks, you can hike, bike, or ride your horses from your own backyard. There’s amazing fly-fishing in Bear Creek.
Golf enthusiasts head to Evergreen Golf Course. It has an 18-hole executive course, a putting green, and a fine-dining restaurant available for private events. Evergreen Lake House has boat rentals, an aquatic center, and is a popular wedding venue. They also host Easter egg hunts and a Summer Concert Series. In the winter, Evergreen Lake freezes, and residents head over to skate or play hockey.
In Idaho Springs, 30 minutes north, you’ll find whitewater rafting and recreational sports facilities, including tennis, soccer, and lacrosse. Breckenridge, Vail, and Winter Park are all less than 90 minutes away and provide world-class skiing.
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