The Brother

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

This is a great shorter hike at the popular Alderfer/Three Sisters's park. Taking this combination of trails will get you above the trees for a full view of the valley, and you may even be able to see Evergreen Lake peeking out from behind a ridge.

The trailhead parking fills up fast so get there early. Some trail segments are popular for mountain bikes.

The trail is well-marked, and it's difficult to get truly lost in the park. Start at the trailhead sign and study the map or take the Hiking Project mobile app with you. You'll start out on the Sister's Trail, which is a great warm-up. You'll be fairly well shaded by ponderosa pines. Take time to take in your surroundings. Before long, take a left on the Ponderosa Trail. From there, you'll notice that the grade becomes more moderate, and your heart rate will increase. There's still a lot of great things to see between switchbacks! After another short ways, you'll the break off right on the Brothers Trail. It's not much farther to the rock formation, and that's all there is too it!

Once you've enjoyed taking in the views from the top, you can head back the way that you came, or explore other trails in the area.

Ponderosa Pines forest dominates the ecosystem with wildflowers on display in the spring. Elk frequent the area.