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Twin Sisters

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.3 (64)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. Estes Park
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“A fantastic and steep trail leading to the top of Twin Sisters Mountains. ”

Brian Smith
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Map Key

7.5

Miles

12.1

KM

Out and Back

11,340' 3,456 m

High

8,951' 2,728 m

Low

2,392' 729 m

Up

2,388' 728 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

A challenging but rewarding out-and-back hike with beautiful views of foothills and surrounding peaks south of Estes Park.

Need to Know

All animals are prohibited on this trail. Due to erosion from the severe flooding rains in Summer of 2013, this is a natural restoration area. Stay on the marked trail at all times. The trail is extremely rocky for most of the distance, except in the months when the trail is snow-covered. I saw a few trail runners making great time in both directions, so the rocks must not have been an obstacle for them.

Arrive early in the morning for the best views, and parking. There are limited roadside (right side ONLY) spaces available near the trailhead. However, there are times when the roadside parking near the trailhead is closed, so only the parking lot is available. Overflow parking across from Lily Lake adds mileage to the hike.

Description

From the Twin Sisters / Lily Lake Trailhead, start hiking up the Twin Sisters Trail. This is a very popular trail/trailhead, especially in the summertime, so be ready for some crowds.

The trail begins its first series of switchbacks about a quarter of a mile from the trailhead. At this point the trail is mostly contained in a dense forest so the views of Longs Peak are fleeting.

After the first series of switchbacks, the trail levels out to a much more manageable grade and contours to the south along the mountain's western shoulder. There is a large wash just before the next series of switchbacks that offers unobstructed views of Longs and all points westward.

Gather your strength and hike through the seemingly never-ending switchback towards the summit. Eventually, you'll break out above tree line and the views will increase exponentially. Continue up the ridge to the Twin Sisters Peak Summit Spur and scramble to one of the two summits.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

Shared By:

Brian Smith with improvements by Mark Woods and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 64 votes

#1

in Estes Park

#169

Overall
  4.3 from 64 votes
5 Star
45%
4 Star
44%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Estes Park

#46

in Colorado

#169

Overall
45 Views Last Month
14,146 Since Jan 15, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
2%
0%
23%
32%
44%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

I rest and admire the views from the Twin Sisters.
Mar 22, 2017 near Estes Park, CO
Lily Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park, Colorado.
Aug 10, 2019 near Estes Park, CO
The summit of Twin Sisters Peak offers phenomenal views of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker.
Mar 7, 2017 near Estes Park, CO
My view, southwest in the very near distance from 11,420' on Twin Sisters. Mt Meeker, Longs Peak & Mt Lady Washington. 09/01/2019. 1 week later, I was, Yes! Over there, looking back at this same spot, 07:30 from Chasm Lake.
Sep 25, 2019 near Estes Park, CO
Twin Sisters Peaks west summit looking down the saddle, across to the east peak.
Oct 12, 2019 near Estes Park, CO
14,120' elevation from the top of the western Twin Sisters Peak, looking east towards the other Twin. Wonder what they're taking pics of? Idea of scale from here, looking down the saddle up.
Sep 25, 2019 near Estes Park, CO

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 75 days ago
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Check-Ins

Sep 2, 2024
Sara Tillie
Nice hike, great views of Long's Peak. 7.4mi — 3h 42m
Aug 2, 2024
Andrew Klos
Parked at the lake and hiked the road to the trailhead. Sustained moderate to difficult incline. The trail was in great shape. Family hike. 7.6mi — 4h 00m
Jan 31, 2024
alex Th13l
Took Jeff, Brian, Kyle, after ski trip. Fun time. Easy? No, but manageable & rewarding.
Sep 6, 2023
Nick Wilder
Jul 31, 2023
Elisabeth Hofer
May 27, 2023
Ethan Bounds
Hiked with Nathan and Riley. Ran into good bit of snow toward upper part of mountain. Once we got out of trees and snow it became very rocky and windy — 4h 30m
Oct 12, 2022
Julius Rice
Aug 31, 2022
Irfan Chaudhry
Finished it on Aug 29th — 8h 45m

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