Original lookout

NPS

Original D6 cupola, 1925


Second lookout

NPS

Steel L4 tower, 1968

Twin Sisters Lookout

Rocky Mountain National Park

Elevation: 11428

Status: Removed

Original Year Built: 1919?

Rebuilt: 1962

Year Removed: 1976

Original Structure Type: D6 Cupola steel

Rebuilt Structure Type: Steel L4

Topographic Map

Twin Sisters was the first lookout in Rocky Mountain National Park. The original D6 cupola and subsequent L4 cab were contructed on the northermost, slighly lower of the two peaks which make up the north sister. Remnants of cable supports can still be found. The original stone house is still standing below the north outcrop, and is used to house radio equipment. The views from the top are outstanding, as this was undoubtedly a very strategic location for a fire lookout.

How to get there:From Estes Park, head south on CO 7 to the Twin Sisters trailhead, near Lily Lake. This is the new trailhead for Twin Sisters, as the original trailhead was located a few miles south. From the parking area, hike up the road a short ways(this road may be open in summer) to a sign and the beginning of the trail. Its a 4.3 mile pack to the top, with an elevation gain of 2200 feet.

Stone house

NPS

Stone house residence, 1925

Cupola with woman LO

NPS

Cupola with woman lookout