$1,112,133Average Value$408Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Rural mountain living miles outside of Denver
Before the turn of the 20th century, Upper Bear Creek made up what existed of Evergreen, a larger unincorporated area more than 20 miles outside of Denver. Many say the mountain community was considered the “Aspen” of the time due to its impressive scenery and resorts. Upper Bear Creek brought in new residents but also caught the eyes of vacationing movie stars and celebrities. Today, this rural but upscale community remains a sought-after getaway. Pines, spruces and aspens blanket the surrounding hills, while the eponymous creek brings plenty of trout fishing opportunities. “In the summer, it’s a nice cool area. In the winter, it’s actually breathtaking when the river starts to freeze over, and there’s snow on the boulders and trees. It’s definitely an area people drive through just to look at the homes and the river,” says Clare Day, a Realtor with Compass.
Discover the quiet charm of rural mountain living in Upper Bear Creek, Evergreen, Colorado—where forested hills roll down to sparkling creekside properties, and the crisp mountain air feels like a world away from the city below.
Just outside Denver, Upper Bear Creek offers a peaceful escape into Colorado’s lush mountain wilderness. Creekside homes nestled among towering pines define rural mountain living with unrivaled serenity and natural beauty all around.
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Luxury mountain homes, cabins and extra room
Schaunon Winter, a Realtor with the Broker Direct Company, echoes her peers’ descriptions of Upper Bear Creek. “It’s on a creek, it has views of Mount Blue Sky … and the homes are generally luxurious homes. It’s just a really beautiful area,” Winter says.
Lots here typically exceed an acre, while some properties can reach up to 20 acres. With many measuring at least a few thousand square feet, homes tend to give off a lodge look that has led some to describe their style as “mountain contemporary.” Upper Bear Creek also has smaller cabin-style builds that were once part of larger estates. Costs can start at $500,000, but homes usually go from about $1 million to $3 million. Some of the most luxurious stock — like the renowned Greystone Estate once visited by Frank Sinatra — fetch for well over $10 million.
Upper Bear Creek in Evergreen, Colorado is home to stunning luxury mountain estates, complete with spacious layouts, cabin-style charm, and room to breathe—perfect for those who crave high-end comfort surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty.
Experience luxury mountain living in Upper Bear Creek, where grand log cabins and upscale homes offer abundant space, privacy, and rustic elegance—all just a short drive from Denver but miles away in lifestyle and scenery.
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Wildlife viewing and hikes up Bergen Peak and Elephant Butte
The community isn’t the most walker-friendly, but its sharply winding roads attract many avid cyclists. Upper Bear Creek’s location is within minutes of several hiking destinations, leading to impressive views of the valley and forested mountains. “In some parts, you can get views of both the creek and snow-capped Mount Blue Sky,” says Matt Bachus, a Realtor with Madison & Company Properties.
The trail up Bergen Peak involves a roughly 10-mile round trip. This area also draws horseback riders and some mountain bikers. The nearby Elephant Butte has a roughly 5-mile hiking trail and neighbors the Alderfer/Three Sisters Park and its well-known rock formations. Mountain outings here can also lead to deer, elk and dusky grouse sightings.
Just beyond Upper Bear Creek lies Elephant Butte, a lesser-known gem with incredible views and a thriving habitat for Colorado wildlife. Watch hawks soar overhead as you explore trails that wind through untouched forest and quiet mountain beauty.
Hike to Bergen Peak from Upper Bear Creek and discover endless vistas, fresh mountain air, and regular sightings of elk and deer. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and serenity—where wildlife and wilderness meet right outside your door.
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King-Murphy’s use of nature as a learning tool
Upper Bear Creek is home to the King-Murphy Mountain School, which gets a B-minus from Niche. King-Murphy is among the schools in the country that have implemented a four-day school week. The school’s curriculum also takes advantage of the area’s natural surroundings, and outings in the nearby hills allow for some unique learning activities. Students may then attend Clear Creek middle and high schools, which share a campus in the Clear Creek County community of Floyd Hill. The schools respectively get a C-plus and B-minus from Niche.
Nestled in the pines near Upper Bear Creek, King-Murphy Mountain School fosters curiosity and community with a close-knit, nature-integrated approach to education—perfect for families seeking a meaningful rural learning environment.
Clear Creek Middle/High School serves students near Upper Bear Creek with a strong academic foundation, small class sizes, and mountain-town pride—preparing young minds for success while rooted in the spirit of the Rockies.
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Celebrating art in Evergreen
Located about 6 miles east, Evergreen hosts a few annual festivities for the area. In September, numerous booths fill the Evergreen North Shopping Center parking lot for the Elk & Art Festival. The two-day festival brings out more than 60 artists, and displayed works include wildlife and landscape paintings. The event also includes some clothes vendors.
Upper Bear Creek Road connection to Evergreen
Upper Bear Creek Road connects the community to Evergreen. The community is also about 11 miles, or nearly 20 minutes, south of Interstate 70, which provides much of the route toward Denver. Commuters here live about 32 miles from the Mile High City. Located an hour to the east, the Denver International Airport is the region’s hub for commercial flights. For major medical needs, residents must travel as the nearest hospitals are in the suburbs on the western outskirts of Denver’s city limits. One of the closest institutions is CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital, located in Lakewood, about 24 miles east.
More than just a scenic route, Upper Bear Creek Road is a lifeline to Evergreen’s vibrant spirit and alpine serenity. It links neighbors, nature lovers, and mountaintop dreamers in a shared rhythm of mountain living and connection.
Upper Bear Creek Road winds through towering pines and past serene creekside homes, connecting residents to both the heart of the Evergreen community and the high mountain escapes beyond, where adventure and tranquility meet.
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Dining and live music along Evergreen Lake
Although no restaurants exist within Upper Bear Creek, dining options are only a few miles away. The EverBean Coffee Company in Evergreen’s Lakepoint Center is a convenient stop for morning commuters. In addition to the fresh beverages, the cafe’s foods range from pastries to paninis and breakfast burritos. The nearby Willow Creek Restaurant serves gourmet American-style meals in a comfortable spot with some outdoor seating. At Bistro Del Lago, foodies can enjoy live music as they pair artisan pizzas and charcuterie boards with wines. All these staples are across the road from Evergreen Lake, and nearby paths allow for relaxing, post-dinner walks by the water. A Safeway farther north provides a grocery store option.
Tucked near Upper Bear Creek, Willow Creek Restaurant offers elevated dining with rustic charm, stunning lake views, and a menu that celebrates local ingredients. It’s a cozy culinary escape just steps from Evergreen’s natural beauty.
Dining along Evergreen Lake means pairing mountain charm with lakeside views—whether it’s a casual café or a refined meal at sunset, the options near Upper Bear Creek offer something delicious for every palate in a breathtaking setting.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joy Castillo,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Upper Bear Creek Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Upper Bear Creek, Evergreen sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Upper Bear Creek, Evergreen over the last 12 months is $1,045,293, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Embrace the Beauty & Serenity of Mountain LivingNestled in the heart of what was once the historic Greystone Ranch, this rare and coveted 2.47-acre lot offers the perfect blend of romance, seclusion, and convenience. One of the few remaining opportunities in North Evergreen, this private, custom-home community of just 30+ residences is designed for those seeking tranquility, beauty, and a true
Nestled in an iconic mountain town where charm meets serenity, this peaceful retreat features a magical creek meandering through the property and a private lot that borders expansive county land—hello, backyard privacy! Step out back to a relaxing patio complete with a tranquil pond, raised garden beds, and a fenced area to either keep the wildlife out or your furry sidekick in. The home is
Caroline McQueenKeller Williams Foothills Realty, LLC
Serene Mountain Retreat in North Evergreen – A Rare Opportunity. Welcome to your tranquil escape nestled in the peaceful foothills of North Evergreen. This beautifully maintained mountain home offers the charm of natural beauty, low Clear Creek County taxes, and proximity to King Murphy Mountain School. Tucked away on a private, treed lot, this retreat combines thoughtful design with mountain
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joy Castillo,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,165
Median Age
56
Population under 18
16.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
33.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$124,999
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$156,193
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.9%
College Graduates
60.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
21''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
68''
Area Factors
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
