Directions:

From downtown Evergreen (CO Hwy 74) head south on CO 73 for half a mile and turn right (west) onto Buffalo Park Road. Follow Buffalo Park Road for 2.2 miles to the western Trailhead for Aldefer-Three Sisters Park.  

Hike Description:

Elephant Butte is a relatively new trail that starts off in Aldefer-Three Sisters Park and then crosses over into Denver Mountain Park owned property to climb the summit of Elephant Butte.  The trail is beautiful, challenging, easy to follow, and provides tremendous views of the Evergreen area.  

The first 1 ½ miles follows the Mountain Muhly Trail through Aldefer-Three Sisters Park’s western portion.  At the top of the hill (high point of the trail), turn left, through the fence to get onto the Elephant Butte Trail. Here is where the fun begins!

The trail traverses the forest for a little while before it starts to climb between rock formations.  Before too long you will find yourself skirting the edge of the butte with amazing views down to Evergreen and the Aldefer-Three Sisters Park. The trail hangs on the edge of the butte for about 1,000 feet before it turns in and climbs steeply through more rock formations.  When you are just about to the top of the butte, the trail turns back to the north for the final push up to the summit.  Large boulders and slickrock provide incredible views in all directions. Enjoy your accomplishment, take in the scenery, and when you are ready, head back down into Aldefer-Three Sisters Park.  When you get back to the Mountain Muhly Trail, you can retrace your steps (as I did for this hike description), or you can finish out the Mountain Muhly Loop for just a little extra mileage.  

Aldefer-Three Sisters Park already had a lot going for it, but opening the Elephant Butte area really added a wonderful peak bagging opportunity.  This hike is a tough one 1,250 feet of elevation gain in 2.5 miles, but not too tough, and certainly worth the workout.