With its dense evergreen forests edged with granite boulders and meadows brimming with wildflowers, the Evergreen Mountain Loop at Three Sisters/Alderfer Park is a gem not be missed on the Colorado Front Range. Located just 41 minutes from Denver near the sleepy town of Evergreen, this trail is a sampling of everything the foothills have to offer, and it has riding almost all year round.
The loop described here is a tour through the Three Sisters/Alderfer Park to Evergreen Mountain. Six different trails comprise the ride. There are several other routes that can be linked to provide a variety of different adventures and a chance to see other features inside the park.
If you start at The Three Sisters Trail section of the loop you'll be in a perfect spot for scenic views of the cliff faces known as The Sisters. It's been a landmark for residents since the first pioneers settled there almost 200 years ago.
The trails are predominately rocky and rough as you make your way up the cliff edges, but the climb is worth it for the smooth singletrack run down to a wider fire road before you enter the Bluebird Meadow Trail. The southern part of the route explores the Wild Iris Loop’s raised trail beds and an abundance of wildflowers before climbing up Evergreen Mountain to the summit loop where the entire valley can be viewed.
Evergreen Mountain is also a wonderful spot for viewing elk, deer, and other wildlife in the early spring through summer, when you'll also see a truly stunning display of wildflowers. Much of this area was ranch land in the middle of the last century, and it has been slowly acquired by Jefferson County to create this marvelous park.
After a fantastic ride, consider stopping in Evergreen for delicious snack or beverage. Both the Muddy Buck Café and the Wildflower Cafe serve breakfast and lunch for most of the day, and each has wonderful coffee and amazing baked treats.
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