With Evergreen’s ideal location in the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains, there’s always a picturesque hike that encourages me to get outside, get some exercise, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. From easy strolls to challenging treks, there’s something for everyone in Evergreen. I’ve explored numerous trails over my 12 years living as a local, and have complied a list of my top three favorite hikes for you to go out and explore. Put on your hiking boots, grab your sunscreen, pack some water, and let’s hit the trails.
#1 Alderfer/ Three Sisters
The Alderfer 3 Sisters Park is must-do visit for anyone looking to hike or mountain bike in the Evergreen area. It is a personal favorite of mine. The trail gets its name from the three prominent rock formations that resemble sisters standing side by side that many people climb or boulder. The park offers the most trails per acre out of any foothills park, with 16.1 miles of trail spanned across 1,135 acres. You can expect views of stunning vistas, landmark rock formations, and towering ponderosa pines. Keep an eye out for wildlife enjoying a hike right alongside you, as deer and elk are often spotted frolicking in the park. Many of the trails in Alderfer/Three Sisters are multi-use and range in difficulty. Popular hikes in the park include the moderate Evergreen Mountain Trail and the easier Three Sisters Trail to Ponderosa Trail Loop which is accessible from the second parking lot which is just West of the first lot.
#2 Upper Maxwell Falls
Upper Maxwell Falls is a popular and unique hiking trail in Evergreen that’s part of Arapaho National Forest. There’s a few different ways to hike this, one of which is just a half mile out and back. Starting at the upper trailhead, you’ll follow the signs right to the falls. You’ll see large rock outcroppings and a waterfall that cascades around 25+ feet to the bottom of the gulch. This hike is one of my favorites because the entire route is next to the river, plus, you get a pretty big reward with relatively little hiking effort, and My kids love to climb on the rock outcroppings around the waterfall. It’s a great and quicker way to connect with nature, and there are different ways to connect trails in the area.
#3 Evergreen Lake Trail
Evergreen Lake Trail is an easy trail perfect for all ages. It is a 1.3 mile loop with a 42 foot elevation gain overall. It is also one of my favorite hikes in Evergreen Colorado as it is central hub for activities in this town. It is common to see wildlife like elk, deer, geese, ducks, osprey and eagles. Depending on the time of year you may see people partaking in standup paddle boarding, paddle-boating, fishing, ice fishing and ice skating. You can hike Evergreen lake year round. During the winter it may be good to wear shoes with some grip as there may be snow on the trails. There are benches and picnic tables should you wish to partake. Evergreen Lake is truly a beautiful setting well worth experiencing.
