Twin Cones

July 19, 2024

Twin Cones | 12,060 feet

5.38 miles; 1519 feet elevation gain

Total time: 2 hours 37 minutes

This is a lovely moderate hike that I highly recommend during wildflower season. The wildflowers are some of the best I have ever seen along the creek. It starts right off Berthoud Pass. Parking is fairly limited since it is a small pull-off. In the winter this is a very popular area for backcountry skiing so expect it to be very busy on winter weekends.

It starts fairly steep through the trees, climbing to Broome Hut which is rentable year-round. After this the trail opens up for the remainder of the time. You cross the creek shortly after the hut and this section has the most incredible wildflowers I have ever seen. From here you continue to climb gradually and steadily, with no very steep sections until you reach the summit. The summit also had incredible columbines, growing in massive bunches. From the summit you have incredible views of the peaks along Berthoud Pass as well as Indian Peaks Wilderness beyond Winter Park Ski Resort.

We saw lots of families on this hike and I think it would be a great summer hike to bring visitors or family on if you are looking for a scenic and beautiful hike at higher elevation without it being too strenuous.