Denver Foothills Towns: Exploring Evergreen, Conifer, Morrison, Golden, and Bailey

If you’re looking for natural beauty, a rich history, and a unique blend of urban and rural lifestyles, the Denver Foothills towns are perfect for you. Each of these towns – Evergreen, Conifer, Morrison, Golden, and Bailey – offers a unique character and charm. Let’s take a closer look at these towns and compare their differences.

Evergreen, Colorado

Evergreen sits at an elevation of 7,220 feet and offers a beautiful blend of suburban and rural living. Its main attraction is Evergreen Lake, a year-round outdoor recreation hotspot. In the summer, residents and visitors enjoy canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing, while in the winter, it transforms into a large ice-skating rink.

Evergreen also boasts an active arts scene, with the Center for the Arts Evergreen offering exhibitions, classes, and community events. However, it is the town’s proximity to downtown Denver, just 15 miles away, that makes it popular among those seeking a balance of city convenience and mountain living.

Evergreen

• Semi-rural atmosphere with a mix of suburban conveniences.
• Main attraction is Evergreen Lake, offering year-round outdoor recreation.
• Active arts scene with community events, classes, and exhibitions.
• Close proximity to downtown Denver.

Conifer, Colorado

Like Evergreen, Conifer offers a relaxed, semi-rural atmosphere while being relatively close to Denver. However, Conifer is a less developed town, making it more appealing to those who prefer a quieter, more secluded lifestyle.

With an elevation of 8,277 feet, Conifer is located deeper in the mountains and is known for its abundant wildlife, hiking trails, and stunning views. For shopping and dining, locals often visit the Aspen Park area, which offers a variety of businesses and restaurants.

Conifer

• Offers a quieter, more secluded lifestyle than Evergreen.
• Abundant wildlife, hiking trails, and stunning views.
• Aspen Park area for shopping and dining.
• Higher elevation and deeper in the mountains.

Morrison, Colorado

Morrison is a small, unique town that offers a contrast to the other Denver Foothills towns. Known for its Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an open-air concert venue naturally formed by ancient rock formations, Morrison is a haven for music lovers.

The town also has a rich history, with many of its buildings dating back to the late 1800s. The Morrison Natural History Museum and Dinosaur Ridge are popular attractions, offering a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past. Morrison, however, is also the closest to Denver, making it a popular choice for those who want easy city access while living in a historic, scenic town.

Morrison

• Home to the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a haven for music lovers.
• Rich historical heritage with buildings dating back to the 1800s.
• Proximity to prehistoric attractions like the Morrison Natural History Museum and Dinosaur Ridge.
• Closest Foothills town to Denver.

 

Golden, Colorado

Golden, once the capital of the Colorado Territory, is now known as the home of the Coors Brewery, the largest single-site brewery in the world. It offers a blend of small-town charm, historic architecture, and modern amenities.

Golden is renowned for its outdoor activities, with hiking, biking, and water sports on Clear Creek being popular pastimes. It also boasts several museums, including the Colorado Railroad Museum and the Golden History Museum. The Colorado School of Mines, a prestigious engineering school, is located here, lending a youthful energy to the town.

Golden

• Historic town known as the home of the Coors Brewery.
• Offers a mix of small-town charm, historic architecture, and modern amenities.
• Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and water sports on Clear Creek.
• Hosts the Colorado School of Mines and several museums.

Bailey, Colorado

Bailey is a rural mountain town located furthest from Denver among these towns. Bailey is perfect for those seeking a more secluded mountain lifestyle. It offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, especially at the nearby Pike National Forest.

The town is known for its unique attraction, the Coney Island Boardwalk Hot Dog Stand, a hot dog-shaped diner that is a landmark in its own right. Bailey also has a distinct rustic charm and slower pace of life that can be quite appealing to those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city living.

Bailey

• Perfect for a secluded, rural mountain lifestyle.
• Opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, especially at Pike National Forest.
• Known for the Coney Island Boardwalk Hot Dog Stand, a unique landmark.
• Furthest from Denver among these towns, offering a slower pace of life and rustic charm.

Which is Better? Evergreen, Conifer, Morrison, Golden or Bailey?

Each of these Denver Foothills towns offers a unique experience. From the artsy, suburban atmosphere of Evergreen, the quiet, secluded nature of Conifer, the music and history-rich environment of Morrison, the historic yet modern vibe of Golden, to

the rustic, rural charm of Bailey, there’s a town for every lifestyle. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.