11 Must-Do Hikes in Evergreen, CO

May 3, 2020
By foxintheforest

Last Updated on August 25, 2021 by foxintheforest

A quick 30-minute drive from Denver leads you to one of the best places to hike near Denver. The hikes in Evergreen, CO cater to every type of hiker. From long-grueling days to a gentle jaunt in a pine forest, there’s something for everyone.

This list of the best hikes in Evergreen gives you plenty of hiking options throughout this quaint mountain town. As a professional outdoor writer and Colorado local of over 12 years, I’ve got the inside scoop on incredible hikes near Evergreen.

About this Guide to Hikes in Evergreen, CO

If you’ve got itchy feet, but you’re short on time, then Evergreen, Colorado offers an array of excellent mountain hikes right in the Front Range.

This list is organized by difficulty. You’ll find the easiest hikes first, then the tough objectives towards the bottom. In this guide to hikes in Evergreen, CO you’ll find:

Quick tips for hiking in Colorado
A list of the best hikes near Evergreen
In-depth trail information including mileage, elevation gain, difficulty, and more.
Additional hiking resources

Quick Tips for Hiking in Evergreen

Before you set foot on the hiking trails near Evergreen, you’ll want to be prepared. Don’t forget to:

Check and re-check the weather. Mountain weather is highly volatile and unpredictable, know what you’re getting into before you head out.
Pack the 10 Essentials. Be prepared and don’t forget your essential hiking gear.
Start early! Many of these trails are very crowded, thanks to their close proximity to Denver.
Take your time and enjoy. Hiking at altitude is different than sea level. You may find yourself frequently catching your breath. So don’t forget to book in extra time, especially for any hikes that have a lot of elevation gain.
Leash your pet. Most of the hikes in Evergreen, CO are dog-friendly. However, Jefferson County Rangers are almost always on patrol and will not hesitate to ticket you if your dog is off-leash.

The Best Hikes Near Evergreen

If you’re looking to get into the mountains and smell the aroma of pine trees, then you’ve come to the right place. Hikes in Evergreen, CO offer up just that. Plenty of shady pine forests open up into beautiful vistas of the Front Range, Continental Divide, and beyond.

Some of the best hikes near Denver can be found in Evergreen, Colorado. So let’s dive into the best hikes near Evergreen.

Elk Meadow Trail

Elk Meadow Park is the ideal spot for newbie hikers in Evergreen. Located right off the main road, you don’t have to commit a ton of time (or effort) to hike here. This loop stays low in the meadow. You’ll have to contend with car noise, but the views are pleasant, especially in late spring when the landscape turns a lush green.

Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 593 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dog-Friendly: Yes

The Brother’s Lookout and Sisters Loop

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to hiking in Evergreen. The Brother’s Lookout and Sisters Loop is an absolute classic. You’ll essentially do a figure 8 around both the Three Sisters rock formation and the Brother’s Lookout. There’s an option to reach the top of the lookout with a quick 0.1 mile detour. This trail offers up some of the best views in Evergreen.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 459 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dog-Friendly: Yes

The Rawhide Trail in White Ranch

White Ranch Open Space Park offers up some excellent hiking (with options to backpack). The Rawhide Trail is absolutely suitable for beginner hikers. This hike is more about the mileage and less about the views. Although this trail has a reputation for being crowded, I’ve always gone a weekday and never seen that many cars.

Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 859 feet
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Dog-Friendly: Yes

Independence Mountain Trail

As one of the few bike-free trails near Evergreen, Independence Mountain makes for an excellent quick hike. Keep in mind, although the mileage is short, it’s mostly uphill. At the top you’ll have peeping views of the Front Range, along with a few amazing rock formations to check out.

Distance: 2.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 761 feet
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Dog-Friendly: Yes

Alderfer Three Sisters Trail

As one of the best hikes in Evergreen, CO Alderfer Three Sisters Trail needs to be on your list. The trail winds it’s way through a pine forest that features beautiful rock formations. As you make your way towards the high point of the loop, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Evergreen and even the Continental Divide in the distance.

Pro Tip: Get there EARLY. This trail is extremely crowded and mountain bikers are allowed to use the trail. Early hikers will have the place to themselves.

Distance: 6.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Difficulty: moderate
Dog-Friendly: Yes

Evergreen Mountain Trail

Work your way up the steady incline along this trail to top out on Evergreen Mountain. Another Alderfer Three Sister’s Park classic, this is one of the best hikes in Evergreen, CO. Again, mountain bikers use this trail, so start early to avoid the crowds.

Distance: 4.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 816 feet
Difficulty: moderate
Dog-Friendly: Yes

Hicks Mountain Overlook

This 10-plus-mile butt-kicker meanders its way through a beautiful mountain valley before crawling to a ridge on Hick’s Mountain. It’s one of the few hiking trails near Denver without the crowds. Be sure to bring plenty of snacks, since this hike will take most of the day.

Distance: 10.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,666 feet
Difficulty: moderate
Dog-Friendly: Yes

Dedisse to Three Sisters

If you’re looking for an uncrowded hike near Denver, then taking the back way into Three Sisters is the way to go. Start in the Dedisse Park Trailhead and hike your way into the Three Sister’s park. Follow signs for Brother’s Lookout/Three Sisters. Don’t forget to make a stop at Brother’s Lookout to soak in the views!

Pro Tip: You can add to this romp by taking one of the many trails within Three Sisters. Check out a trail map for more.

Distance: 6.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,030 feet
Difficulty: moderate
Dog-Friendly: Yes

Bergen Peak

As one of the best winter hikes in Colorado, Bergen Peak is an excellent challenge year-round. In the winter, this steep trail offers up a great way to summit a peak without avalanche risk. In the warmer months, it’s an ideal training hike for one of Colorado’s 14ers.

Distance: 10.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,227 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Dog-Friendly: Yes

Burro Trail Loop to Windy Peak

Just on the boarder of Evergreen and Golden, you’ll find Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The Burro Trail Loop to Windy Peak is one of my favorite Denver hiking trails for fall. You’ll feel the burn up the endless switchbacks, but the aspen forests at the top make it worth the effort.

Keep in mind that Colorado State Parks require a $5 entry fee unless you have an annual pass. There are a lot of other trails in the park worth a visit.

Distance: 6.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,893 feet
Difficulty: moderate/difficult
Dog-Friendly: Yes

Beaver Brook Trail

The Beaver Brook Trail actually runs from the Windy Saddle Overlook in Golden all the way to Evergreen. This is an excellent trail for long-distance day hikers or those looking to go on a simple backpacking trip. Keep in mind that the trail distance is one-way, making this a nearly 20 mile journey.

Distance: 9.7 miles one way
Elevation Gain: 1,660 feet
Difficulty: difficult
Dog-Friendly: Yes

These amazing hikes in Evergreen, CO bring you into the heart of the mountains without the taxing drive. What’s your favorite trail in Evergreen?

Additional Colorado Hiking Resourcse

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Plan the ultimate hiking escape with these incredible Colorado hiking resources:

Wondering what are the best hikes in Evergreen, Colorado? From snow trails to moderate hikes, these are the most amazing hikes in Evergreen, Colorado that you can't miss! #Colorado #USA

Visiting Evergreen, Colorado and wondering what the best hikes and routes are? If you love mountains, nature, and outdoor adventures, you'll love these 11 hikes in Evergreen, Colorado! For all fitness levels and types of hikers, you can't miss these 11 hiking trails in the best hiking destination in Colorado, United States. #Colorado #USA

Meg Atteberry

Meg is a long-time Colorado local and outdoor industry professional. She's spent the last 15 years hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in search of the best views. She's written for Outside Magazine, REI, Backpacker Magazine, and appeared on the Weather Channel.