Twin Owls Loop - 11.05 Miles Round-Trip

The Twin Owls Loop circles and scales Lumpy Ridge, a massive granite rock complex located in the NE section of Rocky Mountain National Park. It passes through ponderosa parks, riparian corridors, montane and lower-subalpine forests, making it one of the most ecologically diverse trails in the Park.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

This lightly traveled loop is highlighted by abundant wildlife, terrific views, mature aspen groves and exceptional autumn foliage.

The following description travels clockwise from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, recommended for morning light across the MacGregor Ranch meadows. Note that, regardless of direction, the trail begins outside Park Boundaries and staying on designated trails is required:

The trail undulates along the south slope of Lumpy Ridge to the National Park Boundary and Gem Lake spur (.6 miles). It winds through sculpted boulders and mixed forest to the former Twin Owls Parking Lot, past which it splits left down the Black Canyon Trail (.75 miles).

The trail drops through a broad, south-facing meadow with panoramas of Longs Peak (14,259'), Estes Cone (11,011'), Taylor Peak (13,163'), Powell Peak (13,208') and McHenrys Peak (13,327'). It passes climbing access points (The Book Area: 1.55 miles, The Pear: 1.87 miles), enters a thick ponderosa forest (2.0 miles), and re-enters the Park through a gate (2.1 miles : 7,990').

Here it begins a long, steady climb to the Black Canyon Trail split (3.88 miles : 9,092'). Note how ponderosa gradually cede to lodgepole and fir as you gain elevation. Bear right (east) toward Cow Creek Trailhead to resume the loop.

The trail reaches its max elevation at 4 miles (9,134'), then tilts on a moderately steep descent through mature aspen to the north side of Lumpy Ridge.

The north side of Lumpy Ridge is a broad, verdant valley fed by Cow Creek and lined by thick aspen groves. Look for deer, elk, bear, fox, coyote and turkey in this food-rich environment.

The trail drops gently past the Peregrine Backcountry Campsite (5.55 miles : 8,330'), a creek crossing (5.65 miles : 8,292'), Bridal Veil Falls Trail split (5.7 miles : 8,278'), and Rabbit Ears Backcountry Campsite (6.34 miles : 8,134') to the Gem Lake split (6.5 miles : 8,135'). Follow signs for Gem Lake.

The trail undulates through commingled aspen, ponderosa, lodgepole, spruce, and fir to the final crossing of Cow Creek (6.7 miles : 8,057') at 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 glimpses of Mount Ypsilon (13,514') and Fairchild Mountain (13,502') in the distant Mummy Range.

The trail finally moderates on a verdant plateau to the Balanced Rock Trail spur (8.15 miles : 8,665'), where it abruptly drops and rises to Gem Lake (9.4 miles : 8,830'). Gem Lake fills a shallow granite depression atop Lumpy Ridge - expect crowds at this popular destination.

A rough trail drops steeply from Gem Lake for 1.65 miles through an aspen-ponderosa forest back to the trailhead to complete the loop (11.05 miles : 7,870').