Elk Meadow Park - South Loop
Elk Meadow Park is a great place to hike with your family, if you have little ones, or if you just want to talk with a friend as you hike and take in great views of Colorado. It is important to know that the adjacent off-leash dog park has been closed. Get all the info you need to hike Elk Meadow Park in Evergreen by exploring the full trail profile below.
Hike Distance | 2.6 miles |
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Difficulty | Easy |
Duration | Approx 1.5 hr |
Trail Type | Loop |
Seasons | All |
Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
Denver Drive Time | 35 min |
Driving Directions to Elk Meadow Park - South Loop | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Evergreen, Colorado |
Beauty | Meadows, old barn, ponderosa pine, wildlife: elk, & Abert's squirrel |
Activities | Hiking, dog park nearby |
Elk Meadow Park has just over 13 miles of hiking trails near Denver that wind through it's lower meadows, through ponderosa forest, and two more strenuous options that lead to the summit of Bergen Peak. This profiles a 2.6 mile loop that begins at the south parking area. To form the loop, combine the Meadow View Trail, Elk Ridge Trail, and the Sleepy "S" trail. Use the Elk Meadow Park map at this link. We chose this route because we have 2 children under 3 years old, and it was a good choice - just long enough, trails close to Denver, and lots of change of scenery during a short hike.
There had been an off-leash dog area just on the other side of the street from the south parking lot (not visible on this older google map, so you'll have to trust us that it's there). This was a great place to allow dogs to roam and play, but this has been closed due to excessive dog waste and damage to vegetation. Here is a link to the Jefferson County info page on the off-leash area. Dogs are required to be leashed in all other areas of the park.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Elk Meadow Park - South Loop :
- TIP: The Easy way. Take the loop clockwise for the easier route and counter-clockwise if you are looking for a more strenuous (but not much) hike.
- Parking: Park only in designated areas. There has been a lot of erosion damaged caused by visitors parking alongside the road. If parking is full, please find another park to visit.
- TIP: Enjoy some time in Evergreen. The town of Evergreen is a great place to retreat to during the summer. It's a few degrees cooler, Bear Creek runs through town, and you'll find some great places to eat.
- Trail Map for Elk Meadow Park: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Beau Jo’s Pizza
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Map & Driving Directions
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Evergreen Lake Trail
This Colorado hike (more of a stroll) is a perfect way to spend a Saturday morning. You can rent canoes and sailboats from the nature center and warming house. In the winter, the Evergreen Lake transforms into an ice skating wonderland. Explore this hike profile for all the details.
Trail Snapshot: Evergreen Lake Trail
Hike Distance | 1.3 mile Round Trip |
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Difficulty | Easy |
Duration | Approx 45 min Round Trip |
Trail Type | Loop |
Seasons | All |
Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
Denver Drive Time | 40 min |
Driving Directions to Evergreen Lake Trail | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Evergreen, Colorado |
Beauty | Lake, sunsets, wetlands, wildlife: elk & migratory birds |
Activities | Picnic area, hiking trails, boating, fishing, ice skating |
Handicap Accessible | Portions of this Trail are Handicap Accessible |
The Hike: Evergreen Lake Trail:
Evergreen Lake Trail is a 1.3 mile loop in the quaint mountain town of Evergreen, Colorado. If you have a young family like us, and are looking for an easy hike near Denver, this is a great choice.
From the Evergreen Lake house, the trail winds along a boardwalk, through a wetlands area, then towards town. If you are going this way (clockwise) around the lake, be sure to take the high path when you come to where the trail splits. The lower path is more of a fishing trail that soon becomes difficult to navigate. You can take the high path into town or over the dam and to the backside of the lake.
Along the back side of Evergreen Lake stands the old Warming House and Nature Center, operated by the Evergreen Audubon Society. Be sure to check their site for their seasonal hours. At the boathouse, the Evergreen Park & Recreation District operates boat rental and concessions. Their hours are seasonal as well. You can visit Evergreen Parks & Rec. boating page for rental info and hours. In the Winter, the lake transforms into an ice skating wonderland that rivals New York's Rockefeller Square. Skate rental and admission fees can be found on the Hockey and Skating page on the Evergreen Parks District Site.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Evergreen Lake Trail :
- TIP: Like we mentioned above, take the high path along the road when walking clockwise around the lake.
- TIP: Make it a day. There are several hikes near Evergreen to enjoy. As well, the lake is very accessible from town, so you can walk in, enjoy lunch or coffee, then hike back out.
- TIP: Listen for Elk in the Fall: On our most recent trip to Evergreen Lake, a bull elk was bugling. So, if you just don't have time to make it up to Estes Park, this is a great backup.
- Trail Map for Evergreen Lake Trail: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Beau Jo’s Pizza
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Map & Driving Directions
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Panorama Point Trail in Corwina Park
If you are fond of panoramic views, then the Panorama Point Trail in Corwina Park is what you may be looking for. At the top of this trail you will find a beautiful view that looks out to the mountains and the plains. This medium-difficulty hike also lets you hike along a babbling brook. Check out our snapshot below for a trail map, driving directions to the trailhead and more details.
Trail Snapshot: Panorama Point Trail in Corwina Park
Hike Distance | 2.4 miles Round Trip |
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Difficulty | Moderate |
Duration | Approx 1 hr Round Trip |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Starting Elevation | 6715′ |
Elevation Gain | Approx +690′ |
Seasons | Spring through Fall |
Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Panorama Point Trail in Corwina Park |
Denver Drive Time | 40 min |
Driving Directions to Panorama Point Trail in Corwina Park | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Evergreen, Colorado |
Beauty | Mountain peak views, Bear Creek |
Activities | Picnic area, fishing, hiking |
Corwina Park has two different trailheads, an east parking lot and a west lot (I don't believe they are named this way--it's just the geographic location). Hiking from the west lot (second lot you come to driving from Morrison/Denver), provides the shortest hiking route. The trail here follows a seasonal brook; its sounds and the shade from the trees make this a pleasant approach to Panorama Point.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Panorama Point Trail in Corwina Park:
- TIP: If you hike during winter, wearing a traction device like YakTrax is ideal, as well as using trekking poles.
- Trail Map for Corwina Park: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Beau Jo’s Pizza
- Photo: We would like to express our gratitude to Ben Deutsch for sharing such an amazing photograph of this hike.
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Map & Driving Directions
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Alderfer and Three Sisters Park
This park in Evergreen, Colorado, is a family favorite of some of our good friends. They have two young daughters and love to hike Alderfer and Three Sisters. The park has so many trails that the network can get confusing, so download the Alderfer trail map or pick one up at the trailhead.
With over 15 miles of hiking trails, there's something for everyone in this stunning park.
One of the most popular trails in Alderfer Three Sisters Park is the Three Sisters Trail. This challenging 6.4-mile loop takes hikers through dense forests, over rocky terrain, and past stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. If you're looking for a shorter, easier hike, the Evergreen Mountain Trail is a great option. This 4.8-mile loop offers gentle slopes and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.
But hiking isn't the only activity on offer in Alderfer Three Sisters Park. The park also features world-class rock climbing, with dozens of routes for climbers of all skill levels. And if you're looking for a peaceful picnic spot or a place to relax after your hike, the park's many picnic areas and scenic overlooks are the perfect place to unwind.
To make the most of your visit to Alderfer Three Sisters Park, be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. And don't forget your camera – the views are simply breathtaking! With so much natural beauty to explore, it's no wonder that Alderfer Three Sisters Park is one of Colorado's most beloved hiking destinations.
Trail Snapshot: Alderfer and Three Sisters Park
Hike Distance | 15 Trails: .2 to 10+ Miles |
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Difficulty | Easy (but consider altitude) |
Duration | 15 min - 1.5 hrs |
Trail Type | Loops, Out & Back |
Starting Elevation | approx. 6500′ |
Elevation Gain | 0 to approx. +950', depending on the trail |
Seasons | All |
Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Alderfer and Three Sisters Park |
Denver Drive Time | 40 min |
Driving Directions to Alderfer and Three Sisters Park | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Evergreen, Colorado |
Beauty | rock formations, vistas, meadows, ponderosa pine, views of the Continental Divide, Stellar Jays and Coopers hawks |
Activities | Hiking, climbing, family picnics, mountain biking |
Alderfer Three Sisters Park has an East and West Trailhead.
- Driving Directions to Alderfer Three Sisters East Parking Lot
- Driving Directions to Alderfer Three Sisters West Parking Lot
Alderfer and Three Sisters Park has everything from short, pleasant strolls for the family to more strenuous climbs and a long loop hike.
Some Hike Options at Alderfer and Three Sisters Park
A Short Family Hike:
The Wild Iris Loop (.6 mile loop) is a tame stroll through mountain meadows and can be easily accessed from the west parking lot.
Two hikes that are more strenuous
will take hikers to summit views: Evergreen Mountain East Trail, and the Sisters Trail. The Sisters trail may be the most difficult and most enjoyable in the park. The trail takes you up through three, unusual rock outcroppings and to views down into the quaint town of Evergreen.
A 10+ mile loop hike
can be created by hiking the trails that follow the outer rim of the park. Because the park has so many trails, it's advisable to download the Alderfer Three Sisters Park Map (see link in the above trail snapshot). There are so many options that you'll find it easy to create a hike custom to your visit.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Alderfer and Three Sisters Park:
- TIP: Trail List for 3 Sisters – JeffCo Parks
- TIP: Take a hike to the Brother for a great panoramic view and a place to take pictures.
- Alderfer and Three Sisters Park Map: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Pizza at Beau Jo's in Evergreen
- Photo: We would like to express our gratitude to Simon Foot for sharing such an amazing photograph of this hike.
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Map & Driving Directions to Alderfer Three Sisters Park
Click for Driving Directions