Rocky Mountain National Park's Twin Sisters Peak Trail

Twin Sisters Peak Trail

Description:
The Twin Sisters Peaks Trail makes a steady, moderate climb for 3.5 miles to Twin Sisters Peaks. The trailhead is located about one quarter to a half mile up a dirt road from the Lily Lake Visitors Center. Parking is permitted along the right side of the road only. There is a turn-around area at the trailhead. The trail leaves the road heading east through a dense lodgepole pine forest. The trail surface is fairly smooth on the lower end and quite comfortable to hike. There are very few views in this dense forest. A little over a mile up the trail the forest opens up briefly giving you great view of the east face of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker. As you climb higher, lodgepole pine gives way to englemann spruce and the trail surface becomes more rocky. You'll notice a significant rise in temperature as the trail transitions from dense forest to an area of smaller, less densely populated trees. Here the trail travels through aspen and low growing spruce. You get spectacular views of Estes Park, Lake Estes, and the Mummy Range as you cross over to the north and east sides of the ridge. The last quarter to a half mile of the trail climbs up through the rocky slopes below the peaks. The trail ends in a saddle between the peaks. You can reach the summit by following the arrowed signs around the right side of a stone radio repeater hut.

Hiking this trail is moderate to strenuous for most people. It takes about 2.5 hours of fairly leisurely hiking to reach the saddle and about an hour and 40 minutes to go back down. Take plenty of water as there is very little along the way. The views at the top are worth the effort.

Features:

Length:	3.51 miles (5.65 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	9,144' - 11,296'
Elevation change:	2,216 feet
Season:	Jun 15 - Oct 15
Difficulty:	Moderate to strenuous
Use:	Moderate to high
USGS maps:	Longs Peak
Trailheads:	Twin Sisters Peak
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Twin Sisters Peak Trail begins from the Twin Sisters Peak Trailhead. Take Highway 7 south from Estes Park for about 6.2 miles to the Lily Lake Visitors Center. Turn left and follow the road past the visitors center to the trailhead. Parking is permitted on the west side of the road only. There is a turn-around area at the end of the road. The trail begins a short distance up a private road.

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