Twin Peaks North/Twin Peaks South

Statistics

• Date - 07/19/2025
• Elevation - 13,580'/13,534'
• Route - South Ridge/North Ridge
• Miles - 2.0
• Elevation Gain - 1,823'
• ACME Mapper - Link
• CalTopo - Link
• Partners - Not Applicable

Description

After hiking Point 13620 earlier in the morning, I had breakfast at our camp by South Zapata Lake and then let out for the Twin Peaks at 10:30 am.  It was a short and steep hike from step one with a very consistent grade.  The terrain was solid from camp to summit(s) unlike the route up Point 13620.  As a result, my speed was slow and steady with no slipping, route-finding, or loose rock.

At one point, Kennedy was able to catch a glimpse of me high on the ridge and snapped a photo before I reached the summit.  It took me 1 hour and 45 minutes to hike to Twin Peaks North.  I stayed on the summit for 10 minutes, and then it only took another 10 minutes to make it to Twin Peaks South.  I just took a quick photo and started my descent.

It took me 55 minutes to return to camp at 1:30 pm.  Kennedy and I hung out all afternoon and evening eating, playing cards, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.  We went to bed relatively early and were up and backpacking out to the trailhead by 5:50 am the next morning.

• Twin Peaks North - Rank 198   Old Elevation 13,580'   New Elevation 13,584'
• Twin Peaks South - Unranked   Old Elevation 13,534'   New Elevation 13,539'

Photos

A photo of me heading out of camp with Twin Peaks North in the background.

Looking down and across the valley after gaining some elevation.

Looking up the generally boring but stable terrain.

I am the tiny dot in the middle of this photo on the ridgeline.

Ellingwood, Blanca, and Little Bear from the summit of Twin Peaks North.

The Great Sand Dunes from the summit of Twin Peaks North.

Summit Photo (Twin Peaks North)

Little Bear Peak and Twin Peaks South from Twin Peaks North.

Twin Peaks North from the saddle between North and South.

Summit Photo (Twin Peaks South)

A look back at Twin Peak South after starting the descent.

Looking down the route after declining about halfway.