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Twin Sisters Peaks: A Rocky Mountain Icon

Hike to the summit of Twin Sisters Peaks for panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Front Range.

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Twin Sisters Peaks, rising to 11,433 feet, offers a challenging yet rewarding hike with panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding Front Range. The popular trail winds through forests and past a dramatic landslide area before reaching the rocky summits.

A brief summary to Twin Sisters Peaks

  • Colorado, US

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, as the parking area fills up quickly.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, as the hike is strenuous and takes several hours.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
  • Be prepared for a scramble to the summit, especially the east peak.
  • A pass is required to park at the trailhead.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Estes Park, drive 6.3 miles south on Colorado Highway 7. Turn east at the old Lily Lake Visitor Center (across from Lily Lake). Continue up the gravel road for less than half a mile to the parking area below a fence. Parking is free, but limited, and an RMNP pass is required. During the summer, a timed entry permit may also be required to enter the park.

  • Public Transport

    The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates a bus from Union Station in Denver to Broadway & Baseline Rd in Boulder. From there, you would need to take a taxi or rideshare to the trailhead, which is approximately 40 miles away and could cost $80-$120.

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Discover more about Twin Sisters Peaks

Twin Sisters Peaks, located on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, presents a classic Colorado hiking experience. The trail, approximately 8 miles round trip, ascends over 2,400 feet to the twin summits, offering stunning views of Longs Peak, Estes Cone, and the Continental Divide. The hike begins near Lily Lake on Highway 7, climbing gradually through a lodgepole pine forest. The well-maintained trail crosses in and out of Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest. A notable landmark along the way is a large landslide area, a result of the 2013 floods, which dramatically altered the landscape and rerouted the trail. Above the treeline, the trail leads to a saddle between the east and west peaks. From here, hikers can scramble to the summit of either peak, with the east peak being slightly higher at 11,433 feet. A stone hut and radio communications tower are located near the saddle. The panoramic views from the top are the highlight, making the challenging climb worthwhile. The mountain was originally known as Lily Mountain. In 1914, the first trail to the summit was constructed, and a fire lookout was established. The lookout was removed in 1977, but its remains can still be seen.

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