Ever pictured your home tucked among tall pines with room for horses, a garden, or a guest barn? If you are exploring acreage in Evergreen, you have options that deliver privacy, usable land, and a true mountain lifestyle within reach of Denver. In this guide, you will see where buyers actually find multi‑acre parcels, what typical lot sizes and price bands look like, and the key due‑diligence steps that protect your budget and timeline. Let’s dive in.
Why Evergreen works for acreage
Evergreen sits in the foothills west of Denver at roughly 7,200 to 9,000 feet in elevation. You get a small‑town feel, expansive forests, and easy access to CO‑74 with fast connections to I‑70 and US‑285. Drive times vary by neighborhood and winter conditions, so plan routes from the specific address you are considering rather than the town in general.
Inventory for multi‑acre properties is more limited than for smaller lots, and prices vary with size, views, improvements, and access. You will see everything from 1–3 acre homes near town to 20‑plus‑acre ranches and legacy estates.
Where to find acreage in Evergreen
Soda Creek
- Typical lots: Often 5–35 acres with a mix of ridgelines and meadows. Many properties support equestrian use and have private trail easements.
- Price feel: Built, improved estates frequently trade in the low millions to several million dollars, with larger or view‑driven properties commanding premium values.
- Access and utilities: Many parcels have long private driveways and rely on wells and septic. Confirm zoning, well logs, septic records, and any HOA or trail rules through Jefferson County tools and recorded documents.
- Best fit: You want privacy, room for horses, and a true estate setting with good access to CO‑74 and I‑70.
Hangen Ranch, Buffalo Park, and Broce Ranch area
- Typical lots: Roughly 1–35 acres, with many 3–10 acre hobby ranch parcels. Meadow‑forest mixes are common and some sites border open space.
- Price feel: Improved ranch homes on 1–10 acres commonly run from upper hundreds to low multimillion, with larger, highly improved estates higher.
- Access and utilities: Roads can be county or private. Long driveways and winter access are real planning items. Wells and septic are common, so verify records early.
- Best fit: You want usable pasture and an equestrian‑friendly setup while staying within a practical Denver commute under typical conditions.
Brook Forest, Saddleback Ridge, Evergreen Meadows, and Evergreen Highlands
- Typical lots: Often 1–5 acres, with some larger tracts available. Many properties sit near open space or trail systems.
- Price feel: One to three acre improved homes frequently sit between the upper hundreds and low multimillions, with new custom builds and big views pushing higher.
- Access and utilities: Rolling foothill terrain means slopes, rock outcrops, and tree density can affect build or renovation costs. Verify driveway grade and snow removal plans.
- Best fit: You want elbow room and views while staying relatively close to downtown Evergreen amenities and trail networks.
Upper Bear Creek, Outpost, Evans‑Ridge, and larger ranch country
- Typical lots: Large private ranches and estates from about 20 acres to hundreds of acres.
- Price feel: Multi‑million to high multi‑million depending on acreage, water rights, improvements, and privacy.
- Access and utilities: Scenic canyon drives can be longer or steeper, and some parcels transition into Clear Creek County with different permitting rules. Confirm county jurisdiction for each parcel.
- Best fit: You want a true legacy holding with meaningful land buffers and long‑term stewardship potential. For context on the area’s ranch history, see the Upper Bear Creek community history.
Kerr Gulch, Blue Creek, Valley Hi, and nearby hobby‑ranch pockets
- Typical lots: About 1–10 acres, often marketed as horse‑friendly with small barns or outbuildings.
- Price feel: Turn‑key small ranch properties commonly run from the upper hundreds into the low multimillions depending on improvements and proximity to town.
- Best fit: You want a modest barn, paddocks, and trail access without the workload of very large acreage.
Access, utilities, and permitting essentials
Evergreen’s multi‑acre parcels sit in unincorporated Jefferson County, so county rules shape what you can build, how you use water and wastewater, and what mitigation work is required. Before you fall in love with a property, review these items.
Zoning and building rights
Zoning controls minimum lot size and permitted uses, including agriculture and horses. Minimums can vary based on when the lot was created and any plat notes. Always verify the parcel’s zone district and recorded documents with Jefferson County Planning and Zoning.
Wells and septic (OWTS)
Many acreage properties use private wells and onsite wastewater systems. Jefferson County requires engineered septic designs and time‑of‑sale inspections or use permits for OWTS. Ask for the well log, pump test if available, and septic records early in your process. County guidance on wells and OWTS is available through Jefferson County.
Wildfire and the WUI overlay
Most Evergreen parcels sit in or near the Wildland‑Urban Interface. Jefferson County requires defensible‑space permits or inspections in overlay areas for new builds and certain projects. Budget for tree thinning, defensible landscaping, and potential design impacts. Start with county guidance on the WUI overlay through Jefferson County and local fire district resources like Foothills Fire and Rescue.
Road access and winter maintenance
Confirm if your access road is county maintained or private. Private roads shift snow removal, maintenance, and liability to owners or HOAs and can affect year‑round access and emergency response. You can verify maintenance responsibilities with Jefferson County Road and Bridge contacts.
Fire protection and emergency services
Identify the local fire district and understand recommended mitigation programs and response frameworks. This can influence insurance underwriting and your annual mitigation plan. See your district’s guidance, such as Foothills Fire and Rescue.
Short‑term rentals and accessory uses
If rental income is part of your plan, confirm eligibility and process before you buy. Jefferson County’s STR approvals often consider parcel size, parking, water and sewer verification, and WUI defensible space. Review the current STR steps with Jefferson County.
Site constraints and build costs
Steep slopes, rock formations, dense trees, long utility runs, and needed grading or retaining walls can add significant cost, sometimes into the hundreds of thousands for a new build. Expect to commission geotechnical, septic feasibility, and survey work as part of due diligence.
Title, easements, and water rights
Acreage often carries recorded easements for access, utilities, or trails. Larger ranches may include water rights. Work with your title and survey team to confirm easements, rights‑of‑way, and any water rights. County tools are a starting point, but legal determination comes from title and survey. Begin with Jefferson County’s parcel resources.
Match acreage to your goals
Use these profiles to narrow your search quickly.
- Close‑in mountain lifestyle: Under 1 acre to about 1–2 acres near central Evergreen or Hiwan pockets. Shorter drives to highways, lake, and shops. Great if you value convenience with a mountain feel.
- Small estate comfort: About 1–5 acres in Brook Forest, Saddleback Ridge, Evergreen Meadows, or Evergreen Highlands. Balance privacy, views, and proximity to amenities.
- Equestrian or hobby ranch: About 1–35 acres in Soda Creek, Hangen Ranch, Blue Creek, Kerr Gulch, or Valley Hi. Confirm horse‑friendly zoning, barn infrastructure, and reliable water.
- High‑end estate or legacy ranch: About 20 acres to hundreds of acres west of Evergreen, including Outpost and Evans‑Ridge areas. Value is driven by acreage, water rights, seclusion, and improvements.
Quick buyer checklist
Use this list to structure your first round of questions and document requests.
- Ask the listing agent for recent septic inspection or use permit, well log, pump test if available, current survey, recorded plats, and easements. See county guidance via Jefferson County.
- Verify zoning, minimum lot size, and any plat restrictions with Jefferson County Planning and Zoning.
- Confirm the fire district and request recommended mitigation steps; check district resources such as Foothills Fire and Rescue.
- Determine road maintenance responsibility and snow removal plans through Jefferson County.
- If you plan a short‑term rental, confirm STR eligibility and permit steps with Jefferson County.
Budget watch‑outs
- Driveway and access: Long or steep driveways can require regular snow management and may influence fire access design.
- Utilities: Power, propane, and internet runs can be longer and more expensive on larger parcels.
- Site work: Slope, rock, and tree clearing increase foundation and grading costs. Budget for geotechnical studies.
- Mitigation: Ongoing wildfire mitigation is part of mountain ownership, especially within WUI overlays.
- Holding costs: Insurance and maintenance scale with improvements and access realities.
Your next step
If you want a confident, low‑risk path to the right acreage, partner with an advisor who lives and breathes mountain real estate and treats every detail with legal‑level rigor. For discreet off‑market options, meticulous due diligence, and strategic negotiation, connect with Dawn Zalfa. She combines a JD background with deep foothills expertise to help you secure the land and lifestyle you want.
FAQs
What lot sizes are common for Evergreen acreage buyers?
- You will most often see 1–10 acre parcels, with select neighborhoods offering 20‑plus‑acre ranches. True large ranches are less common than small estates.
How do wells and septic work for Evergreen properties?
- Many parcels use private wells and onsite wastewater systems. Jefferson County requires engineered septic designs and time‑of‑sale inspections or use permits. Verify well and septic records with the county.
What should I know about wildfire rules in Evergreen’s WUI?
- The county’s WUI overlay often requires defensible‑space permits or inspections for builds and some projects. Plan for mitigation work and consult your local fire district for guidance.
Are private roads a concern on multi‑acre parcels?
- Yes. If the road is private, owners or an HOA usually handle maintenance, snow removal, and liability. Confirm responsibilities before you buy.
Can I use an Evergreen acreage home as a short‑term rental?
- Possibly, but it depends on county rules and your parcel specifics. Jefferson County’s STR process considers parcel size, parking, water and sewer, and WUI compliance. Verify requirements in advance.
How do I verify zoning and permitted uses for horses?
- Check your parcel’s zone district, minimum lot size, and any plat notes with Jefferson County Planning and Zoning. Confirm horse allowances and any HOA restrictions before closing.
