Three Sisters

Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) preserves and manages a stunning 58,000+ acres across 27 parks, featuring over 269 miles of multi-use trails  Since its formation in 1972 through grassroots effort, JCOS has protected over 57,000 acres of diverse ecosystems—from shortgrass prairies and riparian corridors to ponderosa pine savannas and cliff habitats.  This loop hike in the Alderfer/Three Sisters park uses a combination of the Silver Fox, Ponderosa, Sisters, Bearberry, Mountain Muhly Trails to explore the open meadows, historical sites, and views from the Three Sisters peaks. The elevation in this area is around ~7500 feet and there isn’t much elevation change on the route – so it makes for a pleasant day hike that is suitable for all ages. 

 

On this hike, I climbed to the middle peak of the Three Sisters and there are outstanding views in all directions from here – especially to the larger mountains to the west. There is also an eastern trailhead that provides access which you may need since both parking areas can fill up quickly on summer evenings and on weekends.  Mountain bikers are permitted to use these trails, so don’t be surprised to see them pass you in the park. However, there are plenty of routes to the Three Sisters, and there are many trails that can be combined to get you there. So you have a lot of options for exploring Alderfer/Three Sisters park.