Alderfer/Three Sisters Park Hike

Route Description for Alderfer/Three Sisters Park Hike

The Alderfer/Three Sisters Park Trail is an awesome day hike near Denver, Colorado. This popular trail presents the perfect excuse to escape the city, so weekends are often busy. Locals and tourists alike venture this hike to blow off some steam and explore what the Colorado wilderness has to offer. If you are hoping for a secluded hike, we would recommend an early morning, weekday excursion! This nature hike also presents the perfect opportunity to walk amongst wildlife like deer, elk, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes. Make sure to keep an ear and an eye out for snakes as you trek, especially as you travel the meadowlands. Note that if parking is full at the eastern lot, travel further west along Buffalo Park Road to the west parking lot.

The Alderfer/Three Sisters Park is a unique adventure that guides adventurers through various terrains, demonstrating all the best that the wilderness has to offer. This path will guide you through grassy plains, granite outcroppings, and up to the summit of Evergreen Mountain. If you are seeking a stimulating hike, then you have found your match. From the summit of Evergreen, mountain conquerors will be rewarded with epic vistas of the Mount Evans Wilderness and its peaks, the Denver skyline, and Evergreen Lake and Lakehouse. This is a wonderful introductory hike to the lengthy Front Range or Rocky Mountain National Park summit adventures. Lace-up those hiking boots and fill up your water bottle because we are going on an adventure!

Embark on your excursion along the Alderfer/Three Sisters Park Trail from the eastern trailhead. From here, head south on the Evergreen Mountain East Trail, crossing Buffalo Park Road. This path will guide you along the base of the mountain before guiding you below the evergreen timberline. Shortly after your departure from the trailhead, you will encounter a junction, stay left here, and at the next intersection stay right. This path will guide you up a few switchbacks as you ascend the mountain. Carefully maneuver the winding route and enjoy the shade of the towering pines. At the next intersection, keep left and you will be diverted onto the Summit Trail.

Ascend the increasingly exposed path to the summit of Evergreen Mountain. Here, you will find a loop trail that will guide you around the perimeter of the peak. From the east, enjoy the sights of Denver and Evergreen Lake. Continue along the loop and from the west side, you will be rewarded with sights of Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt, Mount Spalding, and more. Enjoy the views of the snow-capped Front Range peaks before descending the Summit Trail. From the intersection, turn left and hike down the Evergreen Mountain Trail West. Climb down the rocky terrain, shaded by lush evergreens. Once you descend the mountain you will be confronted with another junction, keep left here and hike along the Wild Iris Loop Trail, crossing back over Buffalo Park Road.

After crossing the road, you will find yourself in the west parking lot. From here, track east along the Blue Bird Meadow Trail before merging onto the Silver Fox Trail. Hike along the Silver Fox Trail and at the intersection with Ponderosa Trail, you will get an epic view of The Three Sisters and Elephant Butte. At this point, merge onto the Sisters Trail and hike along the base of The Brother and Three Sisters, which are rocky sculptures that are popular destinations for bouldering. Travel this path as it curves you around the base of the rocky cliffs and follow the route all the way back to the trailhead, marking the end of your adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs permitted in the Alderfer/Three Sisters Open Space Park?

Yes, dogs are permitted in the Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, but they must remain on-leash.

Is the Alderfer/Three Sisters Park Hike difficult?

The answer to this question is subjective, but the Alderfer/Three Sisters Park Hike is manageable for those with a bit of hiking experience and older children.

Insider Hints for Alderfer/Three Sisters Park Hike

• Trade your hiking boots for snowshoes in the winter months
• If you are seeking a longer hike, add on the adventure up to the Elephant Butte
• Pack plenty of water, this adventure is deceivingly tiring
• If you hike in the fall, you will likely hear the elk bulge