I enjoy hiking the far regions of parks because often that's the best place to find solitude. So after years of hiking the trails at Alderfer/Three Sisters Park in Evergreen, I decided to explore the far north corner -- the Mountain Muhly Trail.
The quickest way to the trail is to park in the main parking lot (directions below). After grabbing a map at the sign board, head left/west on the Bluebird Meadow Trail. The trail goes right through the big meadow on a special raised path.
As you hike, you'll need that map because there are three trail splits before you get to the Mountain Muhly Trail. Turn left on the Homestead Trail, then left/straight on the Bearberry, then left/straight on the Mtn Muhly Trail.
The Mountain Muhly Trail starts as an old road. The trail is very wide with plenty of space to walk side-by-side with friends and talk. The trail dips down to a pond, then begins climbing. You'll gain about 350 feet of elevation in about a mile.
At the top of the hill, take a break and enjoy the rocks and trees. As the trail turns to the east and winds around the summit, it becomes a single-track trail through the forest. When the trees open up, you'll get a view of some of the nearby peaks. Soon the trail drops down past a cistern to an old home and barn.
This is a great place to explore. While the trail turns to the right, past the barn, make sure you turn left and follow the path past the house to what appears to be an old brick, outdoor cooking location. As you head back to the main trail and continue on, keep your eyes open for a cisturn, root cellar, smaller barn/storage building and what looks like a brick well.
The trail continues downhill to the Coneflower Trail and back up to the Bearberry Trail. Here you'll find another old home.
At this intersection, it's decision time. Turn left and follow the Bearberry Trail to the Sisters Trail to see the rock formations or turn right to head back toward the parking lot.
See a park map here. learn more about the history of the park here. In the Evergreen area, check out Evergreen Mountain, Maxwell Falls, Dedisse Park Trail, Groundhog Flat, Bergen Peak and Elk Meadow Park. See an extensive list of hikes here.
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Details: The direct route to the Mountain Muhly Trail and back is about 3.4 miles. If you take a detour over to the 3 Sisters, then return on Ponderosa/Silver Fox/Meadow Trails, expect a hike of about 4.6 miles.
Directions: From I-70, exit Evergreen Parkway/Highway 74 and go south. Take the highway about 7.6 miles, past Evergreen Lake to the town of Evergreen. As you enter town, turn right on Highway 73. Drive about 0.5 miles to the light at Buffalo Park Road and turn right. Drive 2.1 miles to LeMasters Road. Turn right, then turn right into the large parking lot.
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