Rocky Mountain National Park - Twin Sisters

7.13.2013

Twin sisters trail is in Rocky Mountain National Park system but it is outside of fee zone. To get there, take US 36 west all the way to pass Estes Park then follow Highway 7 south to get to Lily Lake visitor center. You may stop here for restroom and/or have a pleasant walk along the lake to warm yourself up. Twin sisters trail is on the left after passing Lily lake and you are allowed to park on the right side of the road before entering to the trailhead.

Based on the map at the trailhead, this trail is 3.7 miles one way to get to the peak. The number at protrails.com is 7.2 miles round trip. I guess 7.2 is the distance from trailhead to the end of the trail without counting the climbing to the peaks. This trail is an in and out (or up and down) trail with two peaks (11,428 ft). The peak on the right is easier but the view is better than the view from the left. To get to the summit on the left, you really need to climb on the rocks so it is worth to throw a pair of gloves into your backpack.  It took me a bit less than 5 hours to complete this hike. 

The trail is all the way up to the peak then all the way down coming back

3.7 miles one way to the peak

Parking is along the road .. if you are late, you will need to walk longer to the trail head

rocks covered trail at the last half mile or so 

Flowers grow among rocks

the view of long's peak from the summit on the right

the view from the summit on the left

the register log on the summit 

Panoramic view from the summit 

Another angel of Long's Peak