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Twin Sisters Peaks

Estes Park, Colorado

5.0/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

7.48 miles

Elevation Gain

2500 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Hunter Davis

The Twin Sisters Peak hike offers great views of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trailhead is easy to access as it's located close to Estes Park, Colorado.

The trailhead starts close to 9,000 ft elevation. It continues at a gradual slope through forest for a long way. The trail does not exit the tree line until close to the top, where there is a boulder field, of sorts (slightly over 11,000 ft). Don't worry, there is a nice trail all the way to the top. Once you get to the top, however, there is a giant rock you can scramble up for a better view.

Twin Sisters Trail is well marked and is a good path. There is one section, however, where a rock slide took out the path. Now there is an alternate path. The forest is filled with pine trees and the smells along the trail are amazing. The pine trees range from large to small - the higher you get, the smaller they get. As the trail goes higher there are better and better views. As you look out you can see the Rockies in all their majesty. There is also a great view of Longs Peak once you are on the top.

Note: at the top there is a electrical tower and small shack.

The reason I ranked this as moderate is because it is fairly high altitude and a fair distance, with a few thousand feet of elevation gain. If you are a beginner, but are in good shape physically, I would say you could take this trail on. The real attraction here is the view. It is one of my favorite day hikes just for the simple fact that it is a fun hike with a great view.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Forest
Romantic
Scenic
Wildlife

Twin Sisters Peaks Reviews

This is a straightforward hike that takes you to a great summit that you can spend some time scrambling around on. You have great views down to Lumpy Ridge and over to Longs. It might be short, but still be prepared for alpine weather as you are over 11,000 feet.

My family and I hiked up to the peaks earlier this morning, and if you catch a clear day, the views at the top are more than worth the rocky terrain and steep grade towards the very top.

Stunning views the entire way up! This is a great, challenging, beautiful hike that allows you to feel accomplished at the top. Highly recommend checking this one out next time you're near Estes.

This is a great trail run with some good vert and elevation in the early season when there's snow still up high. The north face of the trail still has a good amount of score a half mile before the summit as of 4/30/16. Combine this with Estes Cone for a challenging day and two stunning views.

Short: Challenging Hike - Incredible Views - Absolutely Would Recommend Full: Hiking Twin Sisters is a fantastic challenge that is absolutely worth the effort. I love pushing myself so hiking mountains is a blast for me, and this hike didn't disappoint. Without having any sort of prep other than packing a lunch, charging my batteries, and making sure I had plenty of water I had no issues with this hike. For anyone looking to climb any of the incredible mountains in the Estes area, I (without having much opportunity to hike any others in the area) highly recommend this hike for the fantastic views you'll find as you climb. The hike is a challenge, but it's a challenge that shouldn't be passed up on!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Paddle Lily Lake

Run or Hike Estes Cone

Rock Climb above Lilly Lake

Chasm Lake via Longs Peak Trailhead

Summit Storm Peak and Mount Lady Washington

Sunrise Hike to the Peacock Pool