Nestled in the picturesque town of Evergreen, Colorado, the Alderfer Three sister Park is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts seeking breathtaking natural beauty and exhilarating hiking opportunities.

The Elephant Butte Trail, named after a distinctive rock formation resembling an elephant’s head, offers a perfect blend of captivating views and a moderately challenging hike. With a distance of about 5.2 miles (round trip from parking area) and an evaluation gain of about 1,200 feet to an altitude of about 8,600 ft. This trail offered Greta and I the perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in this beautiful park with out overwhelming this old guy.

As you begin your journey along the Elephant Butte Trail, you will find yourself surrounded by a rich tapestry of diverse landscapes. The trail winds through towering pine forests, lush meadows adorned with wildflowers and rocky outcrops that provide panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

As you ascend to higher elevations, the trail rewards you with breathtaking vistas. From the vantage point of the top of Elephant Butte you can catch glimpses of snow-covered peaks, rolling hills, and the shimmering waters of Evergreen Lake.

Before embarking on your hike, it’s essential to come prepared, Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions, wear sturdy hiking boots, (lots of rocks) and don’t forget plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout your trek. Greta made sure I stayed hydrated, reminding me every 15 minutes to take a sip from my camelback water container.

The Elephant Butte Trail in the Alderfer Three Sisters Park was the perfect choice for my first hike in Colorado. It’s scenic beauty, diverse landscape and manageable distance made it possible for me to reconnect with nature – I highly recommend this trail.