Twin Sisters Trail

Twin Sisters earns its altitude honestly. From the trailhead near Lily Lake off Highway 7, it switchbacks steadily up through lodgepole and aspen, gaining more than 2,200 feet on its way to the twin rocky summits that give the peak its name. Around 1.3 miles you cross the scar of a large landslide that let go in the catastrophic 2013 floods; at about 2.2 miles you leave Rocky Mountain National Park and enter the Roosevelt National Forest, and the trees fall away to open, wind-scoured tundra and boulder.

The last stretch is exposed and rocky, with a little easy scrambling to top out at the saddle between the two summits (about 11,413 and 11,428 feet) — a small stone hut and radio installation sit on the north summit. The payoff is enormous: a panorama of the eastern plains, the Mummy Range, Estes Park far below, and directly across the valley, the great east face of Longs Peak. Because most of the climb sits inside the National Park, dogs are not allowed on the lower trail — plan to leave the pup at home.

Trail Facts

Getting There

From Estes Park, take Colorado Highway 7 south about 6 miles to the Lily Lake area. The Twin Sisters trailhead is just east of the highway near Lily Lake — parking is limited and fills early, and roadside parking along Highway 7 is restricted, so arrive at dawn on summer weekends. No water at the trailhead.

0.0 mi	Twin Sisters Trailhead (near Lily Lake, Hwy 7)
1.3 mi	Cross the 2013 flood landslide scar
2.2 mi	Leave RMNP, enter Roosevelt National Forest — climb renews
3.5 mi	Above treeline — boulder field to the saddle
3.7 mi	Saddle & summits (~11,428 ft) — the Longs Peak view

Know Before You Go

• Dogs not allowed. The lower ~2.2 miles are inside Rocky Mountain National Park, where dogs are prohibited on trails — leave the dog at home.
• Start at dawn. It's a long, exposed climb; be off the summit before afternoon thunderstorms, which build fast and dangerously up here.
• Exposed & rocky up high. The final stretch is above treeline over boulders with a little scrambling — sturdy footwear and care with footing.
• Snow lingers. Expect snow and ice on the upper mountain into June and again by fall; traction devices help in shoulder season.
• Limited parking. The trailhead lot is small and Highway 7 roadside parking is restricted — arrive very early on summer weekends.
• Carry water. None on the trail; bring plenty for a strenuous 7+ mile day.