This would be the second of more than 30 day hikes planned by ACAA this year. Eleven registered for the outing today, all of them enthusiastic as they boarded the bus.
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| Hikers prepare for a day on trail as Ed explains safety issues. |
About an hour after leaving the Center, we arrived at the parking lot on Buffalo Park Road, outside Evergreen. Minutes later we had cinched down our day packs and set foot on trail.
The 1,128 acre park is one of a number of Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) tracts. This particular park offers visitors 14 miles of trails to enjoy.
A brief history: The original homesteader, James T. Hester, built the first residence and barn in the area in 1873. Less than 21 years later, the structures were consumed by fire. Remnants of the ice house and potato cellar were all that survived.
The same year (1894), of the fire, George Dollison built a ranch house close by. The property was next owned by the Alderfer family, until 1970. During those years, the family raised Angus cattle and later bred horses.
Over the next two decades, JCOS acquired various tracts of land including that owned by the Alderfer family.
The High Country Hikers group left the trailhead by way of Ponderosa Trail. It would take us deep into the Park. Along the way we would be exposed to the many unique rock formations and open landscapes this park offers.
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| On Ponderosa Trail. |
Throughout the day, the traillbed remained firm, although some areas were wet others muddy. These wet conditions will be around a few more weeks depending on the temperature.
Patches of snow remained at areas where the sun had been shielded but not enough to cause us to bushwack off trail. Trail in this condition, snow, ice, slush, standing water, thick mud...can be as risky as any trail condition in the backcountry. A slight misstep, can cause a hiker to turn an ankle or worse. A reason to wear comfortable boots with adequate support. Remember, if your feet have your attention due to discomfort, something is wrong.
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| Trail passes a natural spring enclosure. |
Late in the morning the suns' rays neutralized the chill of mornings' air. Enough of a change to cause some to shed a layer before moving on.
Soon we would approach the Three Sisters rock formation, stopping at the top briefly before moving on to Brothers Lookout.
This high spot in the Park is surrounded by naked rocks. The Lookout itself is a wonderful spot to relax in the sun, enjoy an unobstructed view of Evergreen Lake, plus the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies. Plus a view of Mt. Evans, at (14,265' el.) itself, is worth the trek up there.
Hikers on ACAA day trips this will experience some of Colorado's most colorful and inspiring landscapes the front range has to offer. If you have not registered for a hike, call ACAA today.
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| View of Brothers Lookout from trail below. |
This being a typical weekday, we found ourselves among very few other visitors. One trail runner, a handful of other hikers and a few people walking their dog, was about it.
If you are looking for a moderate physical challenge, Alderfer/Three Sisters Park offers many outdoor opportunities to see unique landscapes and rock formations, well-marked trails, views of the Rockies, foothills, and surrounding countryside. All of it is a short drive from Denver.
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| Lunch atop Brothers Lookout. |
After reboarding, we returned to Evergreen for coffee at the Java Groove Coffee Shop on Main Street (Highway 74). This cozy corner shop offers breakfast sandwiches and a variety of pastries. It has ample seating for those who choose to use wi fi or simply hang out with a friend over a steaming hot mocha. A few walked next door to Baskin-Robbins for a taste of their favorite ice cream flavor.
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| A happy group of High Country Hikers. |
The ride back to Aurora was smooth, arriving at ACAA earlier than expected.
Contact the Aurora Center for Active Adults for information on upcoming hikes at 303-739-7950.
Total Miles Completed = 5.1
Next Week: Mean Meadows
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