Twin Sisters Peak Trail hike

The hike to Twins Sisters is simple to follow. This hike has no intersections to worry about and the trail is clear throughout. The summit of Twin Sisters gives you a small glimpse of what it might be like to summit Longs Peak and the other peaks in the park without taking a lot of time out of your day.

From the dirt road parking, head through the road closure barrier, up the old road for 299ft. You’ll see the trailhead sign to the left marking the start of the Twin Sisters hike.

For the first 1.0mi, the trail is gradual in incline and easy. Catch your breath at 1.0mi and look through the trees to see Longs Peak looming over in the distance. You’ll cross through a debris field and snow slide area. If you are hiking in the winter, be very mindful of this area.

The trail will start steeply climbing through a dozen or so switch backs. Once you’re 2.3mi into your hike, you’ll pop out of the trees and into the boulder field. The trail is well marked. You’ll see the Twin Sisters ahead, two rocky peaks, identical in height.

After the last set of switchbacks, you’ll be at an intersection between the two sisters. You can climb to the top of both Twin Sisters East Peak or Twin Sisters West Peak. The well-marked trail to the right is easy to see and will take you past a rock building and cell tower to the summit of the western sister. The eastern sister peak is to the left and isn’t as easy to find the trail. Both summits require a little bit of scrambling.

You can see Longs Peak very clearly from the intersection and the summits. This is the diamond face of Longs where rock climbers make route to the summit. Looking to the north you’ll see Estes Park below.

To finish the hike and head back to the trailhead, just retrace your steps back!

Want to find more amazing hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? Check out Chasm Lake hike, Lake Haiyaha hike or the Sky Pond and Lake of Glass hike.