Troutdale in the Pines: The Forgotten Jewel of Evergreen, Colorado
As a local realtor who lives, breathes, and works in the beautiful mountain towns of Conifer and Evergreen, I find myself constantly captivated by the stories these foothills whisper. And few stories are as enchanting as the one behind Troutdale in the Pines—a resort that once drew Hollywood royalty, business magnates, and weary urbanites seeking restorative mountain air and five-star elegance.
Today, I want to take you on a journey—not through a listing or an open house—but through time. Let me introduce you to a part of Evergreen’s past that continues to fascinate me and many others who love this area: the rise, splendor, and quiet decline of one of Colorado’s most legendary resorts.
🌲 A Dream Built in the Pines
Troutdale in the Pines was the brainchild of a man named Julius C. Phelps, who envisioned an exclusive mountain resort tucked into the Upper Bear Creek Valley. In the early 1920s, long before Evergreen was a bustling modern mountain town, Phelps saw the potential for a European-style luxury retreat in the heart of Colorado’s pristine wilderness.
The location was carefully selected for its natural beauty. Towering pine forests, sparkling trout-filled streams, and a peaceful isolation made it ideal for a getaway. Construction began in earnest, and by 1924, Troutdale in the Pines opened its doors to an eager public.
Everything about Troutdale was designed to impress. Guests were greeted by lush gardens, terraced walkways, and a massive lodge with arched timber beams, roaring fireplaces, and expansive mountain views. There were over 100 guest rooms at its peak—many with private balconies, clawfoot tubs, and detailed woodwork that rivaled the grand hotels of Europe.
🎬 A Playground for the Elite
One of the most fascinating aspects of Troutdale in the Pines was its celebrity clientele. This wasn’t just a local retreat—it became a destination. The 1920s and 30s were a glamorous era, and word quickly spread among Hollywood elites and East Coast aristocrats that Troutdale was the place to relax, recharge, and escape the public eye.
Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, and even members of European nobility stayed at the resort. Can you imagine sipping your morning coffee in the shadow of Mount Evans while seated next to film royalty? That was everyday life at Troutdale in its prime.
The lodge hosted live orchestras, masquerade balls, trout-fishing derbies, and even fox hunts. Staff were trained in European-style service, and guests were treated to exquisite multi-course meals featuring trout pulled from the nearby creek that very morning.
🏞️ Mountain Recreation Meets Refined Luxury
Unlike the rugged, rustic camps that dotted Colorado’s landscape in that era, Troutdale married adventure with sophistication. Guests could go hiking or horseback riding during the day, then return to enjoy cocktails on the veranda or a waltz in the ballroom.
Many locals still recall the tennis courts, croquet fields, and the opulent spa services the resort provided. There was even an indoor swimming pool—an incredible rarity for the time—heated with an early geothermal system sourced from nearby springs.
It was this combination of outdoor charm and indoor luxury that helped Troutdale stand apart. And for two glorious decades, it flourished.
💔 Decline and the Echoes That Remain
As with many grand resorts of the early 20th century, Troutdale in the Pines eventually fell victim to changing travel trends, war, and the rise of automobile tourism. The resort changed hands multiple times, and by the 1960s, much of the property was in disrepair.
A fire in the 1970s destroyed part of the original lodge, and despite efforts to revive it as a modern hotel or conference center, Troutdale could never quite recapture its former magic. Eventually, the resort closed for good, leaving behind fragments of its once-glorious past.
Today, the site is privately owned and mostly hidden by dense pine. But for those of us who know the history—and walk these trails with reverence—the spirit of Troutdale lives on.
💬 Why This History Still Matters Today
As a realtor, I often say that a home is more than walls and a roof. It’s about the story it tells. And the same goes for the towns we call home. Evergreen’s rich tapestry includes more than stunning landscapes and modern conveniences—it includes places like Troutdale that remind us how deeply rooted our communities are in history, art, and elegance.
It’s easy to fall in love with Evergreen today. The trails, the lake, the charming downtown. But knowing this hidden chapter of Troutdale adds another layer to that love—a feeling of connection to a past that’s still just beneath the surface.
In fact, I’ve had more than one buyer completely fall for a property simply because of its proximity to where Troutdale once stood. There’s an energy in that corner of Upper Bear Creek. Something nostalgic. Something sacred.
📍 Visiting the Site (With Respect)
The original location of Troutdale in the Pines lies just west of downtown Evergreen along Upper Bear Creek Road. While the land itself is not open to the public, the surrounding areas are some of the most scenic and walkable in Jefferson County.
If you’d like to explore nearby trails, I highly recommend the Three Sisters Park or a paddle on Evergreen Lake. You’ll be following in the footsteps of thousands who came before you—some for luxury, others for solace—all drawn by the magic of these hills.
To learn more about the history of Troutdale and Evergreen, visit the Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society. They have a wonderful archive and occasionally host talks on local landmarks like Troutdale.
🔚 Final Thoughts
History is the heartbeat of a community. As someone who helps people find not just houses—but homes—in this part of the world, I believe knowing our past makes our present even more meaningful.
Troutdale in the Pines may no longer stand, but it still speaks to us—in the rustle of pine needles, in the murmur of Bear Creek, and in the stories we pass down. If you’re ever exploring Upper Bear Creek, take a moment. Close your eyes. And listen. You might just hear the echoes of a waltz drifting through the trees.
— Dania Guth
Realtor | Mountain History Buff | Evergreen Resident
daniaguth@gmail.com | 303-589-4513
Keller Williams Foothills Realty