A new trail connection at Lincoln Mountain Open Space was set to give visitors a closer look at the Evans Homestead. Douglas County announced a July 18 ribbon-cutting in a notice published July 13.
The half-mile Homestead Trail branches from the Palmer Divide Trail about 1.25 miles from the trailhead. It crosses willow-lined creek country and pasture before reaching the historic home. Thomas N. Evans homesteaded the property in 1873; the standing house is believed to have been built later by John and Annie Izard.
The county began preservation work in 2013. More recent efforts included a foundation, structural stabilization, floor restoration and exterior rehabilitation. The July announcement described the trail milestone while noting that preservation work continued. The public event was part of the county’s programming for the national 250th and Colorado 150th anniversaries.
