A Scenic Drive Along the Lariat Loop: Evergreen's Storied Past
By Annie Catura
Welcome back to our scenic journey along the Lariat Loop! In our previous explorations, we uncovered the rich history and breathtaking views from Lookout Mountain in Golden to Bergen Park. Today, we continue our adventure through Evergreen, a historic town nestled in the foothills.
Mile 14.6: St. Mark's-in-the-Wilderness and Bear Creek Cemetery
As we begin this segment, we pause at the former site of St. Mark’s-in-the-Wilderness mission, located along the frontage road adjacent to Highway 74. Established in 1872, this was the original location of Evergreen’s first church. The cemetery's early history remains largely undocumented. Loved ones were often laid to rest in homemade boxes, transported by family wagons. The earliest marked grave belongs to a child named Emma, who passed away Dec. 31, 1871. Today, a pavilion marks the location of the original stone building.
Mile 14.9: Dedisse Park
Just west of downtown Evergreen, Dedisse Park spans 475 acres in the Bear Creek Valley. Originally the ranch of pioneer Julius C. Dedisse, the park became part of the Denver Mountain Parks system in 1919. Today, it offers a diverse range of recreational facilities including a golf course, a lake, picnic areas and volleyball courts. Many of the park's rustic stone structures were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mile 15.1: Evergreen Lake
Continuing our journey, we arrive at Evergreen Lake, formed by the construction of the Evergreen Dam in 1927. The dam was a crucial flood control measure for the flood-prone Bear Creek. Before the dam, the area was a vibrant meadow filled with wildflowers, a ball field and Sunday picnics. Children rode their horses across the valley into town, making it a beloved spot for the community. Evergreen Lake quickly became a popular tourist destination, offering boating, fishing and ice skating.
Mile 15.6: Downtown Evergreen
Downtown Evergreen has a storied history, including a devastating fire in November 1926 that reshaped the town. Early on Nov. 8, 1926, a fire broke out in the building housing the A. R. Riel merchandise store, which also featured a dance hall above. Fanned by stiff winds, the fire quickly spread, engulfing several other buildings along the main street including the barber shop, local restaurants and small businesses such as J.J. Baxter Mountain Parks Pharmacy.
Townspeople formed a bucket brigade, passing water from Bear Creek to combat the flames, as there was no organized fire department at the time. Eventually, a fire pumper from Denver arrived, helping to control the blaze. The fire, which caused an estimated $40,000 in damages, led to the reconstruction of a more resilient Evergreen.
The dance hall above the Riel merchandise store symbolizes the origins of music and dancing in Evergreen. Today, this legacy continues at the Little Bear Saloon, a legendary bar and music venue that evolved from various incarnations, including a rebuilt pharmacy. Over the years, it has hosted numerous renowned musicians including Willie Nelson, John Lee Hooker, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Coloradoan Glenn Miller. With its rustic charm and vibrant atmosphere, the Little Bear remains a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, maintaining Evergreen’s rich musical heritage.
Mile 15.9: Hiwan Homestead Museum
Our final stop in this segment is the Hiwan Homestead Museum, located a half-mile uphill from Highway 74 and Bear Creek. Originally purchased in the late 1880s by Mary Neosho Bailey Williams, the property evolved from a simple barn into a sprawling 17-room mansion by 1918, thanks to the craftsmanship of local carpenter John "Jock" Spence. This area provides an excellent picnicking spot for those wishing to explore the historic grounds and learn more about Evergreen's storied past.
As we wrap up this segment of our journey along the Lariat Loop, we hope you’ve enjoyed discovering the historical and natural wonders of Evergreen from Bear Creek Cemetery to the Hiwan Homestead Museum. Stay tuned for the next part of our series, where we will continue to uncover the hidden gems along Bear Creek Canyon.
