Twin Sisters Peaks
A challenging 11,433-ft. peak near Estes Park offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, less snow
Twin Sisters Peaks
Best Time
Clearer skies, less snow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging 11,433-ft. peak near Estes Park offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Rocky Mountain National Park.
"Incredibly lucky to see few mins of amazing views at Twin sisters peak before the clouds took over."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Trailhead parking fills fast! Aim to arrive before 9 AM, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
🥾 Strenuous Hike Ahead!
This is a challenging hike with significant elevation gain. Acclimatize if coming from lower elevations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views of Longs Peak
Twin Sisters Peaks Summit
Panoramic vistas of Rocky Mountain National Park, including the iconic Longs Peak and Mount Meeker.
The Two Peaks
Twin Sisters Peaks
Conquer both distinct peaks, with the eastern peak offering a more challenging scramble and the western peak holding the official marker.
Wildlife Spotting
Lower Trail Sections
Keep an eye out for pikas, marmots, deer, and elk in the wooded areas and rocky slopes along the trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Twin Sisters
Know Your Trail: Twin Sisters Peaks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Trailhead parking fills fast! Aim to arrive before 9 AM, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
🥾 Strenuous Hike Ahead!
This is a challenging hike with significant elevation gain. Acclimatize if coming from lower elevations.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
The summit can be very windy, even on clear days. Bring layers and a windbreaker.
❄️ Winter/Spring Snow
Snow can linger into late spring. Snowshoes might be necessary; check conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Trailhead parking fills fast! Aim to arrive before 9 AM, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
🥾 Strenuous Hike Ahead!
This is a challenging hike with significant elevation gain. Acclimatize if coming from lower elevations.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
The summit can be very windy, even on clear days. Bring layers and a windbreaker.
❄️ Winter/Spring Snow
Snow can linger into late spring. Snowshoes might be necessary; check conditions.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning 360-degree views, especially of Longs Peak.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on this long and strenuous trail. There are no water sources on the trail.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Twin Sisters Peak is a highly rewarding, albeit strenuous, hike offering unparalleled views of the Colorado Rockies, especially Longs Peak. While challenging due to elevation and length, hikers praise the stunning summit panoramas and the chance to spot local wildlife. Parking can be difficult, and weather conditions can change rapidly, requiring preparedness.
"My favorite hike of our trip to the Estes Park area, It was also the more difficult one that my wife and I took being that we're from Illinois. Took us about 4 and 1/2 hours there and back and that includes a break at the top to eat some snacks and take in the beautiful views and take pictures. We're both in good shape, but again from Illinois so the elevation is always a little more challenging. I will add once you're at the top, the actual pass between the two peaks, The peak to your right towards the small radio tower is the easier one to get on top of, the peak to your left is definitely more challenging and I would list it as difficult but well worth it and the official marker is on the more difficult peak 👍"
brian adams
"The trail conditions were near perfect. A few patches of snow, but you don't even have to get your feet wet. Beautiful views of Longs, Meeker and the Mummy Range. This is a strenuous hike, but not so much that anyone reasonably fit and acclimated could not do it. I was volunteering this day and counted 95 hikers on the trail and talked to every group. Seems like a large number, but the trail was not "crowded" and offered still a lot of solitude."
Gregg Fowler
"10/06/2019 I took my grandsons up here today. It was a cool and windy day. Clear skies, but still cool. Road up to the trailhead had cars lined up along side of the road. People had to walk from the parking lot below. Aspen trees are yellow and loosing their leaves. View from the top is great and we really didn’t see that many people up at the top."
Traildust1
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Twin Sisters Peak trailhead is accessible via a dirt road from Estes Park, Colorado. Some recommend driving up the easy dirt road to the trailhead for closer parking, but if it's full, there's a lot by the highway which adds about 0.3 miles roundtrip. 
Twin Sisters Peak is located on the boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest. While the trail itself doesn't typically require a timed entry permit, if you plan to access it via Rocky Mountain National Park roads, you may need a timed entry permit during peak season. It's best to check the RMNP website for current requirements.
The road leading to the Twin Sisters Peak trailhead is described as an 'easy dirt road.' While generally manageable, conditions can vary, especially after inclement weather.
Yes, Twin Sisters Peak is accessible from both Estes Park in Larimer County and Allenspark in Boulder County, Colorado.
The drive involves a dirt road, which can be bumpy but is generally manageable for most vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the trail itself is not within the main paid area of Rocky Mountain National Park, accessing the trailhead might require a park pass or timed entry permit depending on the route and season. Check the RMNP official website for the most up-to-date information.
Twin Sisters Peak is an outdoor hiking trail and is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, weather conditions, especially snow and ice in winter and spring, can make it impassable or dangerous. +1
Yes, you can hike Twin Sisters Peak in winter, but be prepared for significant snow and icy conditions. Snowshoes are often recommended.
Typically, no specific permit is required for hiking Twin Sisters Peak itself, as it straddles national forest and park land. However, if you are entering Rocky Mountain National Park to access the trailhead, a timed entry permit might be necessary during certain periods.
There is no direct fee for hiking Twin Sisters Peak. However, if you are using a route that requires entry into Rocky Mountain National Park, you may need to pay the park entrance fee or obtain a timed entry permit.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Twin Sisters Peak hike is approximately 6.5 to 8.4 miles roundtrip, depending on the exact route and starting point.
The elevation gain for the Twin Sisters Peak hike is substantial, typically around 2,000 to 2,500 feet.
Yes, Twin Sisters Peak is considered a strenuous and challenging hike due to its length and significant elevation gain.
You can expect incredible 360-degree views from the summit, including panoramic vistas of Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, and Estes Park. +1
The trailhead typically has limited amenities. It's advisable to come prepared with all your supplies, including water and snacks. Parking can also be an issue, with cars often lining the roadside.
Yes, it's common to see wildlife such as pikas, marmots, deer, and even elk in the wooded areas and rocky slopes along the trail. +1
The trail is generally well-marked, but it's always a good idea to have a map or GPS device, especially in winter conditions or if visibility is poor.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most expansive views, perfect for capturing panoramas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The saddle between the two peaks also provides unique perspectives.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful light for photography, with fewer crowds. However, be mindful of rapidly changing weather conditions at higher elevations.
Drone usage is restricted within Rocky Mountain National Park. If you plan to fly a drone, ensure you are outside park boundaries and comply with all FAA regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Consider a sturdy tripod for stable shots, especially in windy conditions.
Look for unique rock formations, alpine wildflowers in season, and the diverse wildlife like marmots and pikas. The dramatic cloud formations can also make for striking photos. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and water is essential, as there are no services available at the trailhead, further saving money. 🏃♀️ Trail Runners & Fitness Enthusiasts
The consistent elevation gain and varied terrain offer a solid workout. Many runners use it to build endurance for longer races or 14er attempts. Be mindful of the rocky sections and potential snow/ice, especially outside of peak summer months. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Twin Sisters Trail
+1 The trail is known for its strenuous nature, making it a good training ground for more challenging climbs. Trail conditions can vary significantly by season. In summer, expect dry, rocky paths, though some patches of snow might linger at higher elevations.
+1 Winter and spring can bring deep snow and icy sections, making snowshoes or microspikes essential for safety and traction. +1 It's crucial to check local weather forecasts and trail reports before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly at this altitude. Hikers should be prepared for the elevation, which can be challenging for those not accustomed to high altitudes.
The Summit Experience: Views and Wildlife
Beyond the grand mountain vistas, the wildlife encountered along the trail adds another layer of enchantment to the experience. Keep your eyes peeled for pikas darting among the rocks, marmots basking in the sun, and potentially even deer or elk grazing in the wooded sections near the trailhead.
Be aware that the summit can be windy, even on otherwise clear days.
It's advisable to bring layers of clothing, including a windbreaker, to stay comfortable while enjoying the views and taking photographs. The changing weather can also contribute to dramatic and photogenic cloud formations, adding to the visual appeal of the summit experience. Planning Your Visit: Parking and Permits
If the main lot is full, roadside parking is often available, though this can add a short walk to your hike. The popularity of the hike means that even with early arrival, you might encounter other hikers on the trail, though it's often described as not feeling overly 'crowded' due to the trail's length and the dispersed nature of hikers. Regarding permits and fees, Twin Sisters Peak is situated on the border of Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest. While the trail itself doesn't typically require a specific permit, accessing it via routes within Rocky Mountain National Park might necessitate a timed entry permit during certain times of the year.
It is essential to check the official Rocky Mountain National Park website for the most current information on permit requirements and park access before your visit. There is no direct entrance fee for the trail itself, but any associated park fees would apply if you are entering the national park.
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