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
Overnight
Patchy blowing snow before 5am. Mostly clear. Low around 19, with temperatures rising to around 22 overnight. West wind around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.
Sunday
Sunny. High near 35, with temperatures falling to around 28 in the afternoon. West wind 7 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear. Low around 19, with temperatures rising to around 21 overnight. West wind around 12 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 41. West wind 6 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 24. West wind 12 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 44.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 23.
Directions
Directions to Twin Sisters Peaks Trailhead:
There are no day hike parking fees here.
Additional Pictures
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
