Trail Description

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Twin Sisters Mountain’s north-south ridgeline runs nearly two miles along Rocky Mountain National Park’s eastern boundary. Two adjacent summits – the Twin Sisters Peaks - rise subtly above its narrow ridgeline with intimate views of nearby Longs Peak, Mt Meeker, Estes Cone and much of Rocky Mountain National Park’s Continental Divide.

A relatively short but challenging hike leads to a high saddle between the Twin Sisters Peaks where it splits along short, unimproved scrambling routes to the respective summits (11,413’ and 11,428’). The final .7 miles are rugged and subject to strong winds, sun and rapid temperature changes.

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The trail rises in earnest up lengthy, steep but well kept switchbacks. The yeoman-like climb through uniform lodgepole forest rarely eases or varies, but does provide increasingly better views with the rapid elevation gain: Longs Peak (14,259’), Mt Meeker (13,911’), Powell Peak (13,208’), Taylor Peak (13,153’) and Estes Cone (11,006’) are among many distinguishable landmarks to the west.

A keen and familiar eye can locate Mills Moraine, a gash in the landscape at the base of Longs Peak’s iconic east-facing ‘diamond’. In the moraine’s upper reaches is Mills Glacier, the primary source of Chasm Lake and headwaters of the Roaring Fork River.

Lodgepole are gradually replaced by fir and spruce as you pass through 10,100’ (1.7 miles), noticeably shrinking in size and density above 10,600’ (2.3 miles). Upon reaching treeline (3.0 miles : 11,050’) the northward trail pushes steeply up an exposed, scree-laden path. Here you’ll have your first clear view of the Twin Sisters Peaks.

The trail winds its way to a small rocky saddle (3.45 miles : 11,368’) separating the east (11,428') and west (11,413') Twin Sisters Peaks. From this point cairns and social paths branch off through boulders and scree to the individual summits.

The west peak (adjacent to the research station) is more accessible and easily reached. The east peak’s route is less obvious, requiring a short but steep scramble up boulders and some loose rock. 360-degree views of the Continental Divide and Estes Park area from either summit are simply unparalleled.

Worth Noting

• The trailhead is actually located just east of the Park Boundary, and portions of the trail pass through National Forest Land. No entry fee is required to hike this trail.



• Latter portions of the trail are above treeline and highly exposed. Snow and ice may cover portions of the trail much of the year. Caution should be exercised when climbing to the individual peaks, especially the east peak.



• There is what some refer to as the ‘butterfly burn’ on Twin Sisters Mountain's west face. This area – more visible from the trailhead than the trail itself – is an aspen grove whose autumn colors resemble a large ‘butterfly'. This is especially visible from the Longs Peak Trail Head.



• 11,428 East Twin Sisters Peak



• 11,413 West Twin Sisters Peak

Fishing Information

There is no suitable fishing along this trail.

Directions to Trailhead

The Twin Sisters Trailhead is located south of Estes Park on Highway 7. There is a large trailhead sign for the turn-off on the east side of Highway 7. Parking is available at the trailhead and along the road.

Contact Information

Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitor Information:
970-586-1206

Backcountry:
970-586-1242

Campground Reservations:
800-365-2267