Alderfer/Three Sisters Park: Evergreen's Natural Gem

Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, located near the heart of Evergreen, Colorado, is a captivating natural space named for the distinctive 'Three Sisters' and 'The Brother' rock formations. The park boasts over 15 miles of trails, offering the highest trail density of any foothills park in the area. These trails wind through diverse terrains, including meadows, ponderosa pine forests, and rocky landscapes, providing varied experiences for hikers of all skill levels.The park's history is rooted in ranching, with the Alderfer family operating a working ranch on the land until 1988. The Alderfer Ranch was homesteaded in 1873 by James Hester and operated as cattle and logging operations until 1894 when the original house and barn were destroyed by fire. George Dollison built the present house and barn. The house, barn, and 240 acres were purchased by EJ and Arleta Alderfer for $8,000 in 1945. Remnants of this past, like the historic Alderfer Barn, add to the park's charm. The land was acquired by Jefferson County through purchases and donations between 1977 and 2005 and turned into a public park.Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, trail running, rock climbing, and picnicking. Popular trails include the Three Sisters Trail, a challenging 6.4-mile loop, and the Evergreen Mountain Trail, a shorter, easier 4.8-mile loop. The park is also known for its wildlife, including deer, elk, and foxes. From the summit of Evergreen Mountain, hikers are rewarded with views of the Mount Evans Wilderness, the Denver skyline, and Evergreen Lake.Currently, the West Trailhead is undergoing improvements, including parking lot expansion and restroom replacement, with closures expected from May 2025 to January 2026.