El Rancho Trading Post Evergreen Colorado Gift Shop of the Rockies Tourism Information

We sell maps, the best area trail guide, and the local Lariat Loop book, and bottled water!

· El Rancho has a tourist information center. It's actually a wall of pamphlets in the tavern/bar area. If you are in need of an actual human to answer your questions, please stop in the gift shop and we will be happy to answer to the best of our ability!

To get to us is easy in Colorado, just take the I-70 highway, and get off at the Evergreen/El Rancho exit (directions). Of course, you can bookmark this site, as we'll be updating and building it up to be a great place to find lots of information.

Did you know El Rancho Trading Post and Restaurant is only...
·1 minute from the Quality Suites hotel (next door!)
·10 minutes from Red Rocks Amphitheater (greatest concert venue on earth)
·20 minutes from Central City and Blackhawk (gambling)
·20 minutes from Idaho Springs (waterwheel, mines, hot sulfur springs pool and caves)
·10 minutes to downtown Evergreen (quaint, rustic, home of The Little Bear bar)
·30 minutes to Georgetown (historic Georgetown Loop train)
·45 minutes from Boulder, CO (it's own area, jokingly referred to as "Planet Boulder")
·1 1/2 hours to Vail (famous ski area)
·3 hours to Glenwood Springs (natural 2 block long hot springs outdoor pool)
4-5 hours to Grand Junction/Fruita area (local wineries, spectacular Colorado peaches)
See more info on our Hours, Directions & Location page!
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Local Favorite Travel Picks:
Below are some local nearby sites that are recommended picks and favorites of Ché Rippinger, 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 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.
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Mountain and High Altitude Tips: It's really great to think you can come from sea level and head to the mountains without any problems. But the fact is, it can pack quite a punch. This goes for Denverites heading up to the hills, as well. To help keep your mind and body a lot happier...
+ Drink LOTS of water. (Dry climate takes a huge toll, faster on the body)	+ Always wear lots of sunscreen! (The time from tan to burn is a lot faster at altitude. And multiply that if you are on reflective snow.)
+ Take it slow at first. (Even top athletes take at least a day to acclimate, some folks around 2-3 days).	+ Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
+ Limit alcohol intake. (The impact at higher altitude is not a good idea behind any wheel.)	+ A hat is always a good idea.
+ Be aware of your own body state. Get immediate help if you, or someone with you is having a hard time.	+ Wear lots of layers. Colorado has fickle weather. It's not unheard of to have sun, snow, wind, hail, rain, and extreme temperature changes, all in a day. It can be very different from one area to another, as well.
+ Stop and rest if you get light-headed, have a headache or nausea.	+ Always keep water, dry matches & lighter, cell phone (reception can drop off in the mountains), and some snacks handy. A first aid kit is good for minor mishaps. And rain gear has saved many a voyage from misery.
+ Keep an eye out for the little and older ones with you, or any with known health issues.	+ Dispose of trash properly. Not only to keep Colorado beautiful, but also to keep the wildlife protected. They can be killed by the Division of Wildlife if they are looking for food in populated areas.

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