Twin Sisters Peak Trail Guide | Colorado Hike, Tips and Views

Jun 4

ABSTRACT

Twin Sisters Peak Trail is a challenging 8.2-mile Colorado hike with 2,533 ft of gain and summit views of Longs Peak. Arrive before 9 a.m. to skip RMNP timed-entry reservations and enjoy lighter crowds. Our guide covers route details, parking, gear, and the class 1 “mini-14er” scramble. Plan your Twin Sisters hike today for panoramic Front Range scenery.

Keywords

Colorado hikes
Rocky Mountain National Park hikes
Best hikes near Estes Park
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Twin Sisters Peak Trail
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Twin Sisters trail difficulty
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Twin Sisters trailhead
Longs Peak views hike

Colorado Hikes: Twin Sister Peak Trail

Introduction

On February 5th, 2022, I set out to check off the many Colorado trails while recovering from a torn calf. Forty months later, I completed my 100th different trail last Sunday. The Twin Sister Peak Trail was a great way to achieve my milestone. Here are my notes!

Time of Year: Late May.

Weather: 48 degrees and sunny at 9:00 am.

Cover: 65% covered with a tree canopy until you reach the full exposure above the tree line.

Time: 8:48 a.m. - 1:06 p.m.

Distance: 8.18 miles total.

Cost: Daily or annual pass for Rocky Mountain National Park. A reservation isn’t necessary before 9:00 a.m.

Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes (across the street next to the lake).

Difficulty: Hard level 1 for altitude (11419 feet), elevation gain (2533 feet), and length (8.18 miles).

Route: Twin Sisters Peak Trail and then back.

Traffic: Light to Moderate.

Parking: 60% full by 8:45 a.m. and 90% full at 1:06 p.m. (service road and parking lot).

Equipment: La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX Hiking Boots, Black Diamond Alpon Carbon Cork Trekking Poles, Osprey Talon 33 Backpack, Kahtoola MICROspikes (just in case).

Terrain: A well-carved gravel-dirt trail with rocks/rock steps. An approachable class 1 boulder scramble up to each of the sisters.

Experience: The forest canopy over the trail with glimpses of peaks until the tree line, and then a rock path to a moderate boulder scramble….all features of the many 14ers I have checked off over the last two years. Twin Sisters Peak Trail felt like a mini-14er with a LITTLE less work. Undoubtedly, it’s a challenging trail but manageable for anyone with experience over 10000 feet. The 2500 feet of elevation gain is spread across a steady grade from the very first step onto the trail. You can cut the mileage by driving up the service road a bit. Within the first two miles of the path, you’ll see brilliant glimpses of Longs Peak and Mount Lady Washington. Once you hit the tree line, though, you’ll find an incredible buffet of peaks. While you’ll need to scramble up boulders to reach each of the sisters, the effort isn’t burdensome. Each offers its own rendition of 360 views and is definitely worth checking off. I will most certainly recommend this trail to everyone!

Personal Trainer Notes: Personal training clients will marvel at the accessibility of this trail. They can taste RMNP without a reservation before 9:00 am and avoid the crowds of people. While a foundation of muscular and cardio endurance is required for this steady climb, avid hikers and climbers will find this trail accessible (but challenging).

**Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado**

List of Hiking Trails in Colorado

To check out more hiking reviews with pictures, visit “List of Colorado Hikes.” You’ll find options across a spectrum of difficulty, including many trails in the foothills and front range.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).

If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!