Commute: Evergreen to DTC or Downtown (Denver, Ken Caryl: renting, house, YMCA) - Colorado (CO) - City-Data Forum

parafly · 06-01-2009, 09:07 AM

Moving 08/01/2009 to Evergreen, CO from NJ.

What can I expect for the commute from Evergreen to DTC? I will be traveling to and from work with my wife.

Any advice on commute time, best routes, alternative commuting options is welcome and appreciated.

WilliamPacker · 06-01-2009, 10:50 AM

I'm guessing you're looking at about 45 minutes to an hour each way with no weather and average traffic. You get more snow in the foothills so you are going to have more days where that is a concern.

The foot hill towns further south than Evergreen, along highway 285 would be better for that commute. I-25 can be a pretty rough commute, so if you can avoid taking that, especially from 6th Avenue to the DTC, you'll be helping yourself out.

parafly · 06-01-2009, 01:00 PM

Thanks. We have not decided on a specific location in Evergreen and are looking in the surrounding towns too. We both currently make a 1+ hour commute and would like to cut a little time off, and know the commuting time it is well worth it! We do not want to live in Denver.

2bindenver · 06-01-2009, 02:42 PM

I'd consider Ken Caryl or Deer Creek Canyon first...even Larkspur, before Evergreen, for the commute.

parafly · 06-01-2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

I'd consider Ken Caryl or Deer Creek Canyon first...even Larkspur, before Evergreen, for the commute.

Thanks for the suggestions, but we really have our hearts set on some acreage in the foothills.

Nav · 06-04-2009, 07:30 AM

You may also want to look at Morrison, Indian Hills or Conifer. They have the same look feel of evergreen but are a lot easier commute. If you are looking on the north end of evergreen by the interstate, then the commute wont be quite as bad, but if you are looking at the western side of evergreen, around shadow mountain road, then it could be as much as an additional 30 minutes. The roads are narrow, winding and you cant go more than 25mph if you are lucky. In winter you have to be ok with the roads being cleared later in the morning around 8-10 am. As long as your jobs are flexible, you should be OK.
I think the key for you would be the time you make the commute. If you can shift your work hours to something like 6-3 or 9-6 then you will find the commute is much faster. During Rush hour 470 is a complete parking lot once you get to the highlands ranch area east of Santa Fe. Its also the same in the evening.

I have no intention of scaring you, but a lot of areas, especially in evergreen have native populations of mountain lions. You cant simply let you dogs (or Children) out to play in the yard unless they are supervised. Attacks do happen and it is best to ask the neighbors of any area you are looking at how the wildlife is. I once looked at a house in evergreen around sundown and while on the deck, herd a mountain lion snarl in the distance. That explained why all the neighbors had fully enclosed dog runs. The foothills are pretty, but if you are thinking they are hollywood postcard then you are in for a a bit of a shock. The mountains are just that, mountains, and they support a large range of native wildlife. Mountain Lions, Bears, Elk, Deer, Porcupines...they all call the area home. You just have to learn to live with them.

Nav

Megrock · 06-04-2009, 07:50 AM

Hello Parafly
Evergreen is the best. I've lived here for over 30 years and wouldn't live anywhere else in Colorado. Your drive will be about 55-60 minutes duringn traffic times. I70 to 6th Avenue is the route I used to take - then I25 south. Lots of traffic, but the most direct from Evergreen.

You'll be happy you end up in Evergreen on the weekend and evenings.
Margaret Stapleton -- see you on Main Street

sunflowers00 · 07-24-2009, 09:04 PM

Hi everyone! I read past posts about Evergreen and all, but am wondering (and haven't come across the answer yet) when is the best time to travel from Evergreen to downtown Denver in the morning and vice versa in the later afternoon to avoid major traffic? We live in Wash Park now and my husband usually leaves work around 6ish or so. Is this a bad time to head to Evergreen from Denver? Are there any RTD (lol) or Park-n-Rides along the way?

Also, can anyone post information to hiking trails in Evergreen as I am not too familiar with the area? We may be renting a house in (old) Genesee Park off of Chief Hosa Exit or off of Genesee Park exit. A few mins from the highway probably.

Any moms group in Evergreen or surrounding areas?

Oh, one last thing..sorry..does anyone know of any health clubs that offer childcare in and around Evergreen? I don't mind traveling 20 mins to a good gym. I belong to the YMCA now and I found that the closest one to this area may be close to 30 mins away. Thoughts?

Thanks a bunch!!!
Patsy

Nav · 07-27-2009, 10:29 AM

Patsy,
The best time would be to leave around 5:30ish from Evergreen. If you could get the working hours 6:00-3:00pm then you would avoid nearly all of the stop and go traffic. (You will still hit it on Fridays as everyone leaves early to head to the mountains) Usually, it not so much the traffic, but the Sun that causes the most problems. If you time your commute wrong, you are staring into it the entire way....

As for RTD, there is a Park-N-Ride in Bergen Park on the western side of Evergreen. You can go to www.rtd-denver.com for details.

Nav

suzco · 07-27-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunflowers00

. . .
Oh, one last thing..sorry..does anyone know of any health clubs that offer childcare in and around Evergreen? I don't mind traveling 20 mins to a good gym. I belong to the YMCA now and I found that the closest one to this area may be close to 30 mins away. Thoughts?

Thanks a bunch!!!
Patsy

Evergreen has two rec centers: Evergreen Park & Recreation District