Alderfer / Three Sisters Park, located near Evergreen, is an
extraordinary destination that I had the pleasure of discovering last
year. Its proximity to Denver and the abundance of captivating trails
make it a must-visit location. While the vistas may not be as
awe-inspiring as those found higher up in the mountains, they are still
incredibly pleasant. This park stands out as one of the finest options
for a quick hiking excursion. Take a look at what I explored during my
first visit to the park -
Saturday, visiting Three Sisters ;).
On the previous Saturday, I began my hike from the Meadow Parking lot,
following the same route as before. However, this time, I had something
different in mind. But first, I took a moment to appreciate the meadow
and the beautiful wildflowers that added colorful patches to the lush
green rag.
To the right, I noticed the Three Sisters, tempting me to pay them a
visit. However, I decided to continue along the path adorned with
flowers and veered left.
This particular trail meandered through a charming forest of pines and aspens, exuding a welcoming ambiance.
If you tread lightly, you may spot some deer grazing just 20 feet off
the path. Be cautious not to approach them too closely, as they prefer
to keep their distance and quickly retreat.
As the trail descended initially, I soon encountered a creek where a
pleasant surprise awaited me. I recalled this creek being tiny, easy to
step over, but this year was different. Despite it being July, the
water level was unexpectedly high, forming a small pond. I couldn't
resist capturing the mesmerizing patterns created by the foam on the
water's surface, so I took a few photographs.
After a brief ascent, a sign indicated a crucial point where I had to
decide whether to continue along my previous year's route or venture
onto a new path. I had planned from the beginning to take the turn and
embark on the steeper trail that led around Elephant Butte, the highest
hill in the area.
Only five minutes later, I was delighted to see the meadow from which I
had started, but now from a bird's-eye view, offering a different
perspective. As I continued walking, I enjoyed the sight of surrounding
hilltops.
At one point, the branches of the pines revealed glimpses of Evergreen Lake, enhancing the already captivating scenery.
Throughout my hike, noisy hummingbirds kept me company, frequently
darting across my path. Their presence was a delightful addition to the
journey.
The abundance of flowers was another visual pleasure, with their
diverse shapes and colors. The wildflowers made it challenging to decide
where to direct my gaze - towards the ground or the surrounding beauty.
More mountain peaks emerged on the left side, and at a certain point,
the parting of the trees provided a panoramic view. To the left,
Evergreen Lake; in the center, the Three Sisters; and to the right,
further peaks. I sat on a rock, immersing myself in the scene and
spending some time contemplating.
The trail followed the slope, gradually curving to the right. With
another bend, snow-capped peaks revealed themselves between the
branches.
Five minutes later, the distant white mountain peaks came into
clear view. Suddenly, the trail sharply turned, climbing upward. After a
couple more turns, I found myself atop Elephant Butte, treated to a
360-degree view of the surrounding landscape.
By the way, the prominent peak in the middle is Mount Evans. Can you spot the road leading up to the observatory?
The view from the summit was a rewarding experience after ascending 1000
feet. It was time to retrace my steps and head back. Descending slowly,
I marveled at the flowers at my feet.
Despite the increasing heat, the weather remained pleasant, and occasional gusts of wind brought a refreshing coolness.
As I made my way back towards the meadows, I decided to take a detour
around Mount Muhly, allowing me to enjoy more of the blossoming flowers.
I also came across a few mushrooms, although I wouldn't recommend
eating them. While you could try it at least once, the associated risk
isn't worth it. Instead, I opted to take photographs and let them be.
Red Poppies, which are not commonly found in this area, brightened the
landscape. These vibrant flowers were likely remnants from an old,
abandoned farm, providing a delightful sight.
Looking back at Elephant Butte, it was hard to believe that I had stood
on its peak just an hour ago. From the meadow level, it didn't appear as
steep or imposing.
Four hours later, I loaded myself into the car and drove back to the
city. The hike covered 6.3 miles, with an elevation gain of nearly 1500
feet. The climb up Elephant Butte accounted for around 1000 feet of
elevation, which came as a bit of a surprise. Nevertheless, the trail
was not excessively steep, and there was sufficient shade to make it
manageable. However, I would advise considering the timing of your hike,
especially if you plan to go during the middle of a sunny day. Starting
early or choosing a cloudy day would be preferable, as the hike can
become unbearably hot.
To explore another part of the park during the fall season, click here -
Easy, quick, boring... really?
ChatGPT helped me with the text again and I am grateful to have such an assistant and proofreader at my disposal ;)
The pictures were taken on July 1, 2023.
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