Hiking Twin Sisters Peaks – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Twin Sisters Peak is an 11,428 foot peak located in Rocky Mountain National Park. It features some of the best views of Longs Peak as well as views facing eastward. This intermediate level hike is heavily traveled, and features a well maintained trail. Here’s everything you need to know.

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Difficulty – Intermediate
Distance – 7.28 miles round trip (11.72 km)
Height – 11,428 feet (3483.25 m)
Elevation gain – 2,414 feet (3483.25 m)
Duration – 6 to 7 hours (book time)
Trailhead Location – Twin Sisters Trailhead – 9,137 feet (directions below)
Dogs – Not Allowed

 

Need To Know Information

• This hike is located within Rocky Mountain National Park, however you do not need a pass to get in as this doesn’t take you through an entrance gate.
• There is a parking lot below, and there is parking allowed further up the road that fills up quickly. Be prepared for the longer version of the hike unless you plan to arrive early. (This as an extra 0.25 miles each way and about 182 vertical feet).
• The extra parking is along the right hand side of the road heading towards the trailhead. There are signs marking no parking zones, so simply pay attention to these, or park at the lower trailhead which is just off of the main road.
• Dogs are not allowed in RMNP and therefore are not allowed to Twin Sisters Peak.

Trail Map

 

Routes

 

Twin Sisters Trail From The Bottom – 7.28 Miles (11.72 km) – 2,414 Feet Elevation Gain (3483.25 m) Round Trip

The only common path up Twin Sisters is from the Twin Sisters Trailhead. There is a large parking lot just off of the main road. Hiking from here is simply. Hikers walk up the road until they reach signage that marks the start of the Twin Sisters Trailhead. This road is an extra 0.25 miles each way and about 182 vertical feet).

Once reaching the trailhead, hikers simply follow the well traveled, well maintained, and well marked trail upwards. The trail features mostly gradual and consistent gains across the majority of the hike. Hikers simply follow this trail to a small structure near the summit, where they can connect with the final portion of the trail to the summit.

 

Twin Sisters Trail From The Upper Trailhead – 7.03 Miles (11.31 km) – 2232 Feet Elevation Gain (680.31 m) Round Trip

If you can continue up the road and get the small amount of parking where signs permit, hikers can save some mileage and elevation gain. This is the same route as above aside from skipping the road.

 

Hiking in Winter

This is a fantastic winter hiking option. The trailhead is open in winter. Hikers should bring foot traction (microspikes) to keep solid footing during snow and icy conditions. During winter, snowshoes may be necessary. This trail is well traveled in winter.

 

Camping Information

This is not a common hike that people camp near the trailhead for. Hikers could choose to stay at Longs Peak Campground to get started early in the morning. Information can be found here. Additionally the town of Estes has plenty of lodging.

 

Weather

Here is a detailed weather forecast for the area:

Allenspark, CO

Tonight
Mostly clear. Low around 44, with temperatures rising to around 46 overnight. West southwest wind 5 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Thursday
Sunny. High near 68, with temperatures falling to around 64 in the afternoon. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph.

Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Southwest wind 6 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 68. Southwest wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph.

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

 

Directions

Directions to Twin Sisters Peaks Trailhead:

There are no day hike parking fees here.

 

Additional Pictures