Trail Description

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The Twin Owls Loop circles and scales Lumpy Ridge, a massive granite rock complex located in the northeast section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Passing through ponderosa woodlands, montane forests and lower-subalpine communities, The Twin Owls Loop is quietly one of the most ecologically and terrestrially diverse trails in the Park. This lengthy and lightly traveled loop is highlighted by good wildlife viewing opportunities, sweeping views, summer wildflowers, mature aspen groves and exceptional autumn foliage.

Traveling clockwise from the new Lumpy Ridge Trailhead Parking Lot is recommended for a more solitary experience. Note that, regardless of which way you travel, the trail begins outside Park Boundaries and staying on the designated trail is a must.

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Traveling clockwise, the trail rises and drops along the southern slope of Lumpy Ridge. It reaches the National Park Boundary in .6 miles and access for Gem Lake just a few steps away. The trail winds through sculpted boulders and mixed forest to the former Twin Owls Parking Lot, through which it quickly passes and splits left down the Black Canyon Trail (.75 miles).

The trail drops through a gorgeous, open south-facing valley with panoramic views of the Continental Divide. A good map will help you identify many prominent peaks such as Longs Peak (14,259’), Estes Cone (11,011’), Taylor Peak (13,163’), Powell Peak (13,208’) and McHenrys Peak (13,327’). It bypasses climbing access points (The Book Area: 1.55 miles, The Pear: 1.87 miles), enters a dense ponderosa forest (2.0 miles) and re-enters the Park Boundary through a gate after 2.1 miles (7,990’).

Here it begins a steady, unapologetic climb to the Black Canyon Trail Junction (3.88 miles : 9,092’). Note how ponderosas are gradually replaced by lodgepole pines as you gain elevation. Bear right at the Black Canyon Trail split (towards Cow Creek Trailhead) to continue the loop. The trail reaches its max elevation at the 4 mile mark (9,134’), after which it begins a moderately steep descent through aspen stands to the north side of Lumpy Ridge.

The north side of Lumpy Ridge is a broad, verdant valley. Cow Creek – lined by notably tall and dense aspen stands – cuts through its center. Look for deer, elk, fox, coyote and turkey moving about the hillsides. The trail gently drops through the valley to the Gem Lake junction (6.5 miles : 8,135’).

The Peregrine Backcountry Campsite (5.55 miles : 8,330’), a creek crossing (5.65 miles : 8,292’) , Bridal Veil Falls Trail junction (5.7 miles : 8,278’) and Rabbit Ears Backcountry Campsite (6.34 miles : 8,134’) are all passed en route. Follow signs to Gem Lake.

The trail undulates through commingling aspen, ponderosa, lodgepole, spruce and fir to the final crossing of Cow Creek (6.7 miles : 8,057’) and the base of Lumpy Ridge, where it begins an arduous climb to Gem Lake. A mostly unforgiving grade yields excellent views of the valley below and frequent glimpses of the distant Mummy Range, where the formidable summits of Mount Ypsilon (13,514’) and Fairchild Mountain (13,502’) rise above the northwestern horizon.

The trail momentarily eases on a verdant plateau and remains flat to the Balanced Rock Trail junction (8.15 miles : 8,665’). From here the trail abruptly drops and rises over uneven terrain to Gem Lake (9.4 miles : 8,830’), which fills a shallow granite depression atop Lumpy Ridge. Expect small crowds at this popular destination. A rough trail drops quickly from Gem Lake through pretty aspen and ponderosa stands for the final 1.65 miles to the trailhead (11.05 miles : 7,870’).

Worth Noting

• The trail’s lower elevations and far-east location make it an ideal 3-4 season hike, with autumn being an especially nice time of year to visit.


• Bridal Veil Falls is a worthwhile 1.9 roundtrip excursion if time permits. Be cognizant of time and approaching weather, as you must climb through higher, exposed elevations on the return to Lumpy Ridge Trailhead.


• The Twin Owls Loop passes through transitional ecosystems, which typically host a greater abundance and diversity of wildlife.

Camping and Backpacking Information

Backcountry Campsites are listed below.

McGREGOR MOUNTAIN
Distance: 4.1 miles from Cow Creek TH, 5.1 miles from Lumpy Ridge TH
Elevation: 9,040' elevation
Number of sites: 2
Privy available: Yes
Food Storage: none available
Water Source: Water is available from Black Canyon Creek. Boil or adequately treat all water.
Site Description: These sites are located in a heavily wooded pine forest across Black Canyon Creek on the south side of the trail. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Pitch tent(s) as close to the indicated site as is safely possible out of potential hazard from standing dead trees.

PEREGRINE
Distance: 2.0 miles from Cow Creek TH, 5.2 miles from Lumpy Ridge TH
Elevation: 8,480' elevation
Number of sites: 1
Privy available: Yes
Food Storage: Bear Box available
Water Source: Water is available from the stream. Boil or adequately treat all water.
Site Description: The site is located approx. 100 yards beyond the junction of the Bridal Veil Falls trail on the trail leading towards Black Canyon. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Pitch tent(s) as close to the indicated site as is safely possible out of potential hazard from standing dead trees.

RABBIT EARS
Distance: 1.4 miles from Cow Creek TH, 5.5 miles from Lumpy Ridge TH
Elevation: 8,100' elevation
Number of sites: 1
Privy available: Yes
Food Storage: Bear Box available
Water Source: Water is available from the creek. Boil or adequately treat all water.
Site Description: The site is located south of the Cow Creek Trail in an open area surrounded by trees. It sits below the ridge where two upright rocks simulate the rabbit ears. A rock bench behind the site makes a natural seating area. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Pitch tent(s) as close to the indicated site as is safely possible out of potential hazard from standing dead trees.

Fishing Information

Only catch and release fishing is permitted along the Cow Creek and Bridal Veil Falls drainages. Brook Trout are most commonly caught in these smaller streams.

Directions to Trailhead

To reach the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead: From US 36 in downtown Estes Park, drive north on MacGregor Avenue. Shortly after crossing US Highway 34, MacGregor Avenue will turn into Devils Gulch Road. Continue on Devils Gulch Road bypassing the gateway to the MacGregor Ranch area. Less than a mile ahead, the turn off to the trailhead is marked by an NPS sign. Turn left (north) onto the trailhead access road which dead ends several hundred yards from Devils Gulch Road. The trailhead and parking area have pit toilets.

Contact Information

Rocky Mountain National Park
1000 Highway 36
Estes Park, CO 80517-8397

General Visitor Information:
970.586.1206

Backcountry Permit Info:
970.586.1242

Campground Reservations:
800.365.2267