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The Save El Rancho Campaign has been inspired by recent proposals for large-scale commercial developments at the very center of this scenic and historic crossroads. Our mission is to prioritize the character and livability of this neighborhood as part of the mountain residential community of Evergreen.
We are monitoring the on-again/off-again "Evergreen Gateway" or "Observatory" proposal north of US 40, the proposed demolition of the El Rancho building for a truck stop, proposed high-density residential development in Swede Gulch, and other El Rancho neighborhood proposals. The Dashboard tab links to important topics and proposal details, including action items and media coverage.
These efforts are supported by members of the Rainbow Hill, Hidden Valley, Ruby Ranch, US 40, and Nob Hill neighborhoods, as well as from elsewhere in Evergreen and other foothills communities. The development activity in this location is also a focus of local organization H.E.E.D. (Halt Excessive Evergreen Development).
El Rancho is named for the original El Rancho hotel and restaurant, a two-story log building built on old US 40 in 1948. Today it is at the intersection of US 40 and State Highway 74 (Evergreen Parkway) at Interstate 70 exits 251-252. It is functionally and administratively part of Evergreen, Colorado, 80439, in western Jefferson County.
The immediate vicinity of the intersection of Highway 74 (Evergreen Parkway) and Interstate 70 is known locally as El Rancho, while the original restaurant building still stands with its iconic neon sign proclaiming the location. A large shopping center in Swede Gulch, east of the highway, was developed as "El Rancho Town Center" in the early 2000s.