Bergen Peak is a 9,702ft. mountain within Elk Meadow Park, located in Evergreen, CO and Jefferson County. Picturesque meadow views, aspen groves, and stunning vistas of nearby Mount Evans and surrounding peaks make the 8.7 mile out-and-back ascent to Bergen Peak extremely popular. And, the park is only about 30 minutes from Denver, making this a great day hike or trail running location.
There are multiple routes within Elk Meadow Park’s trail system that visitors can use to reach Bergen Peak. However, we favor the Meadow View Trail to the Bergen Peak Trail for its straightforward approach beginning at the Stagecoach Trailhead and ascending about 1,850ft. to the summit. While the Meadow View Trail is fairly modest and rated as “Least Difficult,” the Bergen Peak Trail is rated as “Most Difficult” due to steeper terrain via switchbacks. In sum, the hike to Bergen Peak is a great training outing in the spring, but is just as fun in the summer and fall (particular for aspen viewing). Happy hiking!
HIKE REVIEW SERIES: BERGEN PEAK VIA MEADOW VIEW TRAIL
Bergen Peak Trail Guide
Route Information
- Round Trip Distance: 8.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,847ft.
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back
- Trailhead: Stagecoach
- Coordinates: 39.654433, -105.366605
- Dog’s Permitted: Yes
Route Instructions
- Step 1 - Trail access begins at the Elk Meadow Park Stagecoach Trailhead parking area (elevation 7,793ft.). Pass by the park information signs and start along the Meadow View Trail. The initial portion of the trail is evenly constructed, but becomes more primitive a short distance further.
- Step 2 - Pass a series of picnic areas, an expansive meadow view to right, and the park’s restroom to the left. The Meadow View Trail will begin a gradual incline.
- Step 3 - At a little over the .25 mile mark along the hike, reach the junction with the Sleepy S Trail to the right, which leads to the Elk Meadow Park Lewis Ridge Trailhead. Pass the Sleepy S Trail and stay on the Meadow View Trail to continue ascending.
- Step 4 - Ascend through thick evergreen forest for about .7 miles. Reach the junction of the Meadow View Trail and the Bergen Peak Trail. Bear left onto the Bergen Peak Trail towards a series of switchbacks. The trail is at about 8,029ft. at this point.
- Step 5 - Continue ascending via switchbacks. Spectacular views of evergreen forested mountains appear to the west around 8,200ft.
- Step 6 - The ascent continues via more switchbacks and then heads straight up to about 9,200ft. and meets the junction of the Too Long Trail, which heads to the right. Bear left to stay on the Bergen Peak Trail.
- Step 7 - Continue along the Bergen Peak Trail up steeper switchbacks. Aspens become much more abundant in this area — making for a particularly colorful hike during autumn.
- Step 8 - Scenic views only get better along the ascent, looking towards Mount Evans and surrounding peaks.
- Step 9 - After a short and easy scramble to the Bergen Peak summit (9,702ft.), enjoy the impressive views all around.
- Step 10 - Mount Evans (14,271ft.), Mount Warren (13,293ft.), Rogers Peak (13,323ft.), and other surrounding mountains are visible around the summit area. After soaking in the views, descend the Bergen Peak Trail the way you ascended. After about 3.4 miles of descent, reach the junction of the Meadow View Trail.
- Step 11 - Bear right to re-connect with the Meadow View Trail and descend for about another mile until reaching the trailhead/parking area. Congratulations on summiting Bergen Peak!
PLANNING TIPS
Regulations
- Entrance Fees: None. Elk Meadow Park has no entry or parking fees.
- Park Hours: Daily; one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
- Pets: Dogs are permitted on the trail, but must be on leash.
- Camping: Not permitted.
- Leave No Trace: Please stay on designated trails and pack out any trash/dog waste.
Getting There
- This out-and-back hike begins at the Elk Meadow Park Stagecoach Trailhead, just off of Stagecoach Blvd. Beginning on I-70 W from Denver, take exit 252 for CO-74 toward Evergreen Parkway. The Stagecoach Trailhead parking area is on the righthand side of the road. Continue on to CO-74 S/Evergreen Parkway for a little over five miles. Turn right on to Stagecoach Blvd. and, in about one mile, the Stagecoach Trailhead parking area is on the righthand side of the road.
Parking
- Park at the Elk Meadow Park Stagecoach Trailhead parking area. There are no fees to park here and there are about 50 parking spots in the lot. Elk Meadow Park is very popular, so spots fill up quickly on the weekends. A restroom is located just a short walk from the trailhead along the Meadow View Trial.
Weather Forecast
- The Bergen Peak summit is at an elevation of 9,702ft. As always, when venturing into wilderness, please be sure to check the weather forecast and pack/dress for varying temperatures.
RECOMMENDED HIKING APPAREL AND GEAR
Ten Essentials
Even on a day hike, you should carry the appropriate type and amount of gear, clothing, food, water, and other essentials. For certain, make sure that your packing list includes the Ten Essentials.
Hiking Boots
The Merrell Moab hiking boot lineup offers a good balance between weight and foot protection. These are great for scrambles and are constructed with waterproof membranes so you don’t have to worry about damp feet if the weather turns or you have to splash through streams or puddles along the way.
Hiking Pants
We love prAna’s hiking pants for their quality and versatility. Indeed, their Zion (for men) and Halle (for women) are great on- and off-trail, especially for travel. Constructed with a durable UPF-50 fabric, a water-repellant finish, and utility pockets, these have become a staple in our wardrobe. If you intend to hike, consider hiking pants rather than shorts (both for warmth and sun protection).
Base Layer Shirt
Patagonia’s lineup of capilene base layer t-shirts are lightweight and moisture wicking. For our hiking t-shirts and base layers, we often turn to Patagonia products for their craftsmanship, durability, and comfort. Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight shirts are versatile and great for hiking and/or trail running.
Hiking Fleece
Depending upon the time of year (and time of day), a fleece hoody or jacket may come in handy. We like the Patagonia R1 as a midweight, but light, option for chilly morning starts. Available as a hoody or jacket, the Patagonia R1 is quick drying, breathable, and extremely comfortable.
Hiking Socks
For most of our hiking needs, we like Darn Tough socks over the multitude of options on the market. They last long and have an ironclad guarantee. In addition, Darn Tough has a variety of designs, ankle lengths, and cushioning options to choose from. We like the Hiker quarter length with light cushioning.
Headwear/Face Covering
We often wear a Buff as a neck gaiter to protect from the sun, given its UPF 50 protective construction. Buffs are also a great option to use as a face covering on the trail. In fact, there are 12+ ways of wearing a Buff, so it’s a versatile piece of gear.
Day Pack
If you’re headed to Bergen Peak for a day hike or quick trail run, consider a super lightweight hydration vest. Nathan's Hydration Vests are minimalist packs with reasonable storage capacity and hydration reservoir compatibility.
Sunscreen
Sun Bum is our go-to sunscreen nowadays. We like its non-greasy feel and neutral fragrance. Any quality sunscreen will do, but Sun Bum SPF 30 is our choice for long days in the sun.
Trail Snacks
Taos Bakes, made in New Mexico, are some of the best tasting energy bars out there. Vegan and gluten-free, these bars pack in a nice dose of fiber and protein along with a touch of sweetness. Available in multiple varieties, such as Toasted Coconut/Vanilla Bean, Piñon Coffee/Dark Chocolate, and Pecan Praline/Maple Syrup.
Recommended books
For a well-rounded and more interpretive Colorado wilderness experience, we recommend picking up a few naturalist guides. An easy to use field guide for plants and birds will help identify species and further add to the enjoyment of your time outdoors. These will especially come in handy if you intend to explore other Jefferson County open spaces, Colorado state parks, and National Parks located within the region. Also, check out “Evergreen” for some of the area’s history.
- Best Trail Runs Denver, Boulder & Colorado Springs
- Plants of the Rocky Mountains
- Sibley Birds West: Field Guide to Birds of Western North America
- American Birding Association Field Guide to the Birds of Colorado
- Roadside Geology of Colorado
- Evergreen
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