Alderfer Three/Sisters Park

Trails, trails everywhere, there are over 15 miles of trails packed into this little park, along with great picnicking opportunities. Enjoy the sights of the old farm buildings that remain in the park from days long past. If you are looking for other outdoor activities try fishing in Evergreen lake, which is resting at the base of the park, or do a little bouldering on the rocks off of  hidden fawn trail. After you’re sure you have packed in a fun filled day Evergreen hosts several places to grab a bite to eat and something cold to quench your thirst.

15.3 miles of trails.

Alderfer/Three Sisters Park Details :

• Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
• Hikers allowed
• Mountain Bikers Allowed
• Centaurs err Equestrians Allowed
• Climbing
• No camping allowed in the park
• Park hours are one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset
• Hunting or use of firearms not allowed
• No Entrance fees

Quick Reference Map:

If you would like a static copy of the map on your phone please go to Alderfer/Three Sisters Park Map

Here is where you will find all of the free GPX files that are available for use with the Colorado Front Range Hiking guides available for purchase on Amazon.

Bearberry Trail

Difficulty Rank	3 (Easy)
Views Rank	4
Distance Rank	0.7 Miles
Time needed	About 19 Minutes

Bearberry Trail Details:

• Connecting trails: Mountain Muhly Trail, Sisters Trail
• Minor elevation change
• Partial tree cover
• Closest parking area: is West lot

Trailhead directions: L-Bluebird Meadows | L-Homestead Trail |R-Bearberry Trail

Trail Highlights:

• Old structures

Bearberry Trail Review:

Nice stroll past some of the original farm buildings within the park. The trail is not difficult to traverse, and there are no steep areas that will leave you looking for a break. There is a fair amount of exposure on the trail as more than half of the trail is void of trees. If you are looking for a quick route to the upper portion of Buffalo creek, this trail will lead you to the junction with Mount Muhly trail just past the old farm buildings. If you take a left here it’s about 0.5 miles to Buffalo Creek and more farm houses.

Bluebird Meadow

Difficulty Rank	2 (Easy)
Views Rank	6
Distance Rank	0.5 Miles
Time Needed	About 10 Minutes

Bluebird Meadow Details:

• Connecting trails: Homestead, and Silver Fox trails
• Little elevation change
• No tree cover
• Closest parking area: West lot

Trailhead directions: S-Bluebird Meadows from parking lot

BLUEBIRD MEADOW Trail Highlights:

• Meadow Views
• Rock outcropping

BLUEBIRD MEADOW Review:

Bluebird Meadows is a great trail for warming up for the other more challenging trails in this section of the park. The trail runs along the outside of a beautiful meadow with very large rock outcroppings in the distance to the north. There is an abundance of birds that are sure to entertain you along the whole path, even with the high amount of traffic from runners and hikers as it is the access point to the rest of the park. In the areas where the trail runs through wetland areas the parks department has built a nice elevated pathway that stays dry even after good rains.

Brothers Lookout Trail

Difficulty Rank	5 (Moderate)
Views Rank	8
Distance Rank	0.2 Miles
Time Needed	About 5 Minutes

Brothers Lookout Details:

• Connecting trail: Ponderosa Trail
• Moderate elevation gain
• Partial tree cover
• Closest parking area: East lot

Trailhead directions:  S-Sisters Trail | L- on second Ponderosa trail sign | R-Brothers Lookout

BROTHERS LOOKOUT Trail Highlights:

• Great views of Evergreen high school area
• Interesting rock formations at the summit
• Great place to watch weather form

BROTHERS LOOKOUT Review:

While short of distance this hike delivers on the views. The rock formations at the end of the trail forms the peak of some very tall cliffs faces within the central area of the park. The crevices and hollow areas within the towering rock formation at the summit are home to small trees, squirrels, and many beautiful birds, creating the opportunity for great pictures and lots of entertainment. The peak offers a great vantage point to scout out the surrounding area, and give an excellent bird’s eye view of Evergreen High school.

Cone Flower Trail

Difficulty Rank	2 (Easy)
Views Rank	4
Distance Rank	0.2 Miles
Time Needed	About 5 Minutes

Cone flower Trail Details:

• Connecting trail: Both sides of Mount Muhly trail
• Mild elevation change
• Partial tree cover
• Closest parking area: West lot

Trailhead directions: L-Bluebird Meadow | L-Homestead | L-Mount Muhly Trail | R-Coneflower

CONE FLOWER TRAIL Highlights:

• Buffalo Creek views
• Trail leads to an abandoned farmhouse, barn and outhouse.

CONE FLOWER TRAIL Review:

If you are looking for a quicker or easier route to some of the abandoned buildings within the park cone flower trail will shorten the distance significantly. The length of the trail runs alongside a portion of Buffalo Creek that flows under a small foot bridge on Mount Muhly trail. The path is wide and easy to follow; the creek as with any body of water has the occasional wildlife drinker so be on the lookout for your chance to see Mother Nature doing her thing.

Evergreen Mountain East

Difficulty Rank	6 (Moderate)
Views Rank	5
Distance Rank	2.3 miles
Time Needed	About 50 Minutes

Evergreen Mountain East Details:

• Connecting trails: Evergreen Mountain West, Summit, Ranch View, Ponderosa, Hidden Fawn and Sisters trails
• Moderate elevation gain
• Strong tree cover
• Closest parking area: East lot

Trailhead directions: Cross Buffalo Park Rd.| S-Evergreen Mountain East

EVERGREEN MOUNTAIN EAST Highlights:

• Forest and mountain views
• Decent workout

EVERGREEN MOUNTAIN EAST Review:

A staple trail within the park and a favorite of mountain bikers, this trail is great for a decent workout, and leads to the Summit trail which offers hikers some of the best views in the park. The trail is forested most of the way so exposure from sun and wind are not big issues on this trail. The path is easy to follow and fairly wide in most areas. As stated before this is a favorite trail for mountain bikers and as such they have a tendency to take the downhill portions often much faster than they ought to so it’s a good idea to keep an ear out for them.

Evergreen Mountain West

Difficulty Rank	6 (Moderate)
Views Rank	4
Distance Rank	1.1 Miles
Time Needed	About 20 Minutes

EVERGREEN MOUNTAIN weST Details:

• Connecting trails: Evergreen Mountain East, Summit, Wild Iris loop and Ranch View Trails
• Moderate elevation gain
• Dense tree cover
• Closest parking area: West lot

Trailhead directions: Cross Buffalo Park Rd. | R-Wild Iris Loop | R-Evergreen Mountain West

EVERGREEN MOUNTAIN WEST Highlights:

• Dense pine forest

EVERGREEN MOUNTAIN WEST Review:

If you are looking for another great option for getting to the top of the mountain, Evergreen Mountain West is a bit shorter than the eastern trek, and about the same incline as far as elevation gain is concerned. While the scenery is primarily dominated by dense pine forests there is the occasional break in the trees to reveal a view of the mountain range stretching out before you or an interesting rock outcropping. Just as the case with the East trail the tree cover is good so sun and wind exposure on the trail is minimal, and just like the east the mountain bikers have a strong admiration for racing down this trail as well

Hidden Fawn Trail

Difficulty Rank	4 (Easy)
Views Rank	4
Distance Rank	0.8 Miles
Time Needed	About 15 Minutes

Hidden Fawn Trail Details:

• Connecting trails: Wilmot Trail, Sisters Trail, Ponderosa Trail, Dedisse, and Evergreen Mountain East
• Gradual elevation changes
• Strong tree cover
• Closest parking area: East lot

Trailhead directions: S-Hidden Fawn Trail from Parking lot

HIDDEN FAWN TRAIL Highlights:

Bouldering at the end of the trail

HIDDEN FAWN TRAIL Review:

Nice easy hike that will lead to lots of other trails or to the Dedisse trail which will lead you out of the park. The end of the trail is a popular place to go bouldering, and there are lots of great places for said activity. Most of the trail is tucked into the forest and the risk of getting too much sun is low. This is a great kid hike due to little elevation change, short round trip and fun rocks to play on at the end.

Homestead Trail

Difficulty Rank	4 (Moderate)
Views Rank	6
Distance Rank	0.6 Miles
Time Needed	About 10 Minutes

Homestead Trail Details:

• Connecting trails: Bearberry Trail, Bluebird Meadow, Silver fox, and Ponderosa trails
• Loop trail
• Little elevation change
• Partially treed
• Closest parking area: West lot

Trailhead directions: L-Bluebird Meadows | R or L on Homestead Trail

Homestead Trail Highlights:

• Forest and rock outcropping views
• Prairie views

Homestead Trail Review:

A picturesque loop very close to the west parking lot is not all the Homestead trail offers. Combined with equal parts natural beauty and ease of hike, this trail may become your favorite trail in the park. The path is well marked and circles a towering rock outcropping at the edge of a vastly beautiful meadow filled with small birds that love to play on the trail. This trail meanders through the forests edge and connects to Bearberry trails which lead deeper into the park.

Mount Muhly Trail

Difficulty Rank	5 (Moderate)
Views Rank	4
Distance Rank	2.1 Miles
Time Needed	About 55 Minutes

Mount Muhly Trail Details:

• Connecting trails Bearberry Trail, and Coneflower Trail.
• Moderate with some steep elevation gain/loss
• Partial forested
• Closest parking area: West lot

Trailhead directions: L-Bluebird Meadow Trail | L-Homestead Trail | Mount Muhly Trail

MOUNT MUHLY TRAIL Highlights:

• Upper Bear Creek crossing via bridge
• Abandoned buildings

MOUNT MUHLY TRAIL Review:

Taking you deep into the northern reaches of the park this trail will get you away from it all and bring you right back. The trail seems to be less frequented by mountain bikers and hikers alike, but this is a very popular park so your mileage may vary. The abandoned buildings are most of the way into the trail directly at the end of the Coneflower trail. With a good mix of tree cover and open area, I would still suggest protection from the sun if you burn easily. When you are near the creek be on the lookout for wildlife stopping in for a drink.

Ponderosa Trail

Difficulty Rank	6 (Moderate)
Views Rank	5
Distance Rank	1.8  Mile
Time Needed	About 40 Minutes

Ponderosa Trail Details:

• Connecting trails: Silver Fox Trail, Sisters Trail, Brothers Trail, and hidden Fawn Trail
• Moderate elevation gains and losses
• Good tree cover
• Closest parking area: East lot

Trailhead directions: Sisters trail | R-Ponderosa (Note this trail connects with sisters farther north as well.)

PONDEROSA TRAIL Highlights:

• Can easily be hiked as a loop using sisters’ trail
• Great access to other trails

PONDEROSA TRAIL Review:

This trail is not a loop but if you use the three sisters’ trail for a short stent you can easily turn this into a great loop trail that will give you a good feel for the park. The elevation gain is not particularly strenuous at any point on the trail, but you will constantly be gaining and losing elevation while hiking the trail. One of the great features of this trail is that it connects with so many other trails in the park that you can make a myriad of different hiking experiences using this trail as a basis.

Ranch View Trail

Difficulty Rank	5 (Moderate)
Views Rank	4
Distance Rank	0.7 Miles
Time Needed	About 15 Minutes

Ranch View Trail Details:

• Connecting trails: Evergreen Mountain East and Wild Iris loop.
• Partially treed
• Decent elevation change
• Closest parking area: West lot

Trailhead directions: Cross Buffalo Park Rd. | L-Wild Iris Loop | L- Ranch View Trail

RANCH VIEW TRAIL Highlights:

• Interesting rock formations on the trail would make this a fun trail on a mountain bike

RANCH VIEW TRAIL Review:

There’s not much to this less than a half mile trail, but the ability to connect with Wild Iris Trail and Evergreen Mountain East make this a trail you’re sure to find yourself on at some point in the park. The rock formations on parts of the trail would make it a fun ride on a mountain bike and the elevation change is enough that you will get a pretty good workout too. There is a point at which you will need to cross Evergreens Heights Dr. to rejoin the trail.

Silver fox Trail

Difficulty Rank	2 (Easy)
Views Rank	5
Distance Rank	0.5 Miles
Time Needed	About 10 Minutes

Silver Fox Trail Details:

• Connecting trails: Bluebird Mountain Trail and Homestead Trail
• Almost no elevation change
• Very little tree cover
• Closest parking area: West lot

Trailhead directions: R-Bluebird Meadows | R or L on Silver Fox Trail

SILVER FOX TRAIL Highlights:

• Lots of small birds on this trail
• Views of rock outcropping
• Meadow Views

SILVER FOX TRAIL Review:

Nice easy trail touching Ponderosa trail and Homestead trails in two places. The trail is flat easy and has some good views of the surrounding area. If you are looking for a loop trail you could easily incorporate the Silver Fox trail and Ponderosa for a great loop with some easy and moderate trail conditions and be just over 1 mile in length. There is no tree cover on the Silver Fox trail so be prepared for a little exposure to the elements.

Sisters Trail

Difficulty Rank	7 (Moderate)
Views Rank	6
Distance Rank	0.9 Miles
Time Needed	About 25 Minutes

Sisters Trail Details:

• Connecting trails: Bearberry Trail, Hidden Fawn, and Ponderosa trail
• Good elevation gain
• Mostly forested
• Closest parking area: East lot

Trailhead directions: Sisters trail starts from the east parking lot

SISTERS TRAIL Highlights:

• Rocky trail
• Large rock formations

SISTERS TRAIL Review:

Nestled within the trees that rise up from the three sisters mountains this path winds through two of the 3 Sisters Mountains and is sure to be a favorite trail for those looking for more of a challenge. The trail is steep leading up to the rock formation at the summit of the trail with lots of switchbacks. The west side of the trail is a more gradual climb so if you’re looking for a little easier path I would suggest you use the West parking lot and take (R- Wild Iris | L- Silver Fox Trail | R- Ponderosa | L- Sisters Trail.) and hike down the steeper portion of the trail.

Summit Trail

Difficulty Rank	5 (Moderate)
Views Rank	8
Distance Rank	2.1 Miles
Time Needed	About 45 Minutes

Summit Trail Details:

• Connecting trails: both Evergreen Mountain east and west trails.
• Easy to moderate elevation gains
• Light tree cover
• Closest parking area: West lot

Trailhead directions: Cross Buffalo Park Rd. | R-Wild Iris Loop | R-Evergreen Mountain West | R-Summit Trail

SUMMIT TRAIL Highlights:

• Fantastic Views
• Interesting trees
• Interesting rock formations
• OneSunChasers favorite trail in this park

SUMMIT TRAIL Review:

Picture perfect shots await you around every twist and turn on this trail. The views are amazing and abundant from nearly every location. Give yourself some extra time to explore all the little nooks, rock faces and side trails that present a unique and interesting view of the surrounding mountain range. Tree cover is healthy but not overly crowded; there are lots of interesting rocks and trees to make some great nature pictures for your home.

Wild Iris Loop Trail

Difficulty Rank	2 (Easy)
Views Rank	5
Distance Rank	0.6 miles
Time Needed	About 15 Minutes

Wild Iris Loop Trail Details:

• Connecting trails: Evergreen Mountain West and Ranch view Trail
• Almost Flat
• Very little tree cover
• Closest parking area: West lot

Trailhead directions: Cross Buffalo Rd. R or L on Wild Iris Loop

WILD IRIS LOOP TRAIL Highlights:

• Meadow Views
• Mountain Views
• Lots of little birds in the meadow

WILD IRIS LOOP TRAIL Review:

If you’re looking for some ornithological musings, I would suggest you start your visit to Alderfer/ Three Sisters Park at the west parking lot and hike on the Wild Iris loop and on the Bluebird Meadows trail. Bird boxes skirt the trails edge and the meadow that is encased within this trail is home to a wide variety of fluttering birds. The songs of the birds however do not drowned out the sound of the road that cuts the north and south sections of this park in half, but I would not cut this trails from my list of places to explore in this park.

Wilmot Trail

Difficulty Rank	5 (Moderate)
Views Rank	3
Distance Rank	0.2 Miles
Time Needed	About 5 Minutes

Wilmot Trail Details:

• Connecting trail: Hidden Fawn Trail
• Pleasant elevation gain
• Forested
• Closest parking area: East lot

Trailhead directions: S-Hidden Fawn | R-Wilmot Trail

WILMOT TRAIL Highlights:

• Access from Buffalo Park Road

WILMOT TRAIL Review:

This trail would be a good option if there was no parking left in the park, which can easily be the case with a park this busy. It is worth noting that if you are looking for this as an option due to lack of parking availability in the park, keep a keen eye out of the no parking signs. The trail starts off of S. Buffalo Rd. and meets the Hidden Fawn after a short jog through the forest.

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