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 |
---|---|
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.
Weather
Map & Driving Directions to Alderfer Three Sisters Park
Click for Driving Directions
South Valley Park Trails
The trails of South Valley Park are perfect for an after work hike or run in South Denver. The expansive valley near the neighborhood of Ken Caryl is enclosed on its eastern side by the exposed red rock formations of the hogback and the green foothills to the west. Views to the south are incredible, making South Valley Park especially enchanting during the early morning hours and at twilight.. Explore the full hiking profile below for full trail details, driving directions and more.
Trail Snapshot: South Valley Park Trails
Hike Distance | 0.5 mile to 3 miles |
---|---|
Difficulty | Easy |
Duration | Approx 1 to 2 hrs |
Trail Type | Out & Back and Loop |
Seasons | All Year |
Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of South Valley Park Trails |
Denver Drive Time | 30 min |
Driving Directions to South Valley Park Trails | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Littleton, Colorado |
Beauty | Red rock formations, meadows, elk, deer, birdwatching, great sunsets |
Activities | Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking |
Video | Click For Video |
Red Rock towers along the eastern wall of South Valley Park and the foothills begin to the west. Almost 1000 acres of meadow and rock offer a near perfect escape from the sounds of the city. The time lapse below shows a great example of a South Valley Park sunrise.
6 Trails wind through the park. The best place to start is with the South Valley Park Coyote Song Trail. It's a an out an back trail that takes you right through the main meadow. It also connects with the Swallow Trail to form a loop, making your hike about 1.8 miles. The Lyons Back Trail takes you from the Coyote Song Trail and up over the red rock where you can hike trails developed by the Ken-Caryl Ranch foundation.
Tips & Resources for Hiking South Valley Park Trails :
- Don't miss the Coyote Song Trail: The sunsets are wonderful and the park tends to be quiet in the evenings. The Coyote Song Trail is a great way to begin or wind down the day.
- TIP: The Parking area on our map link is the larger of the two. However, you can also begin at the south lot off of Deer Creek Canyon Road. Click here for directions. This gives you a closer connection to the Elk Grazing Trail (seasonal) area and Deer Creek Canyon Park.
- TIP: The red rock calls to be climbed, but climbing is prohibited in this park.
- South Valley Park Trail Map: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Atlas Coffee in Littleton
Weather
Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions