Trail Overview
Twin Cone trail lost some of its draw when the USFS gated off the last two miles, which traversed above the treeline to the summit of North Twin Cone at over twelve thousand feet. It still has something for everyone that doesn’t require a serious lifted 4x4 vehicle to navigate. There are a few rocky spots and some mud puddles so extra clearance below is helpful. Not recommended for full size 4x4 vehicles like pickups and large SUVs, since there are a number of tight switchbacks in the trees and a number of taller water runoff berms that could cause clearance problems.
The trail starts at the Kenosha Pass campgrounds on the east side of Highway 285. If you start down the wrong path it will become obvious soon as you won’t get too far. There is parking and pit toilets at the trailhead. A short distance in the trail passes through several sections of private property. An unlocked but closed gate at the first property is your signal that you are crossing onto private property. Please be respectful and rechain the gate after you pass through and don’t wander off the trail or try or camp or explore until the trail returns to USFS-managed land. There are the remnants of a gate and a small yellow sign indicating that you have exited private land. If your current version of OnX Offroad includes property boundaries and owner information you’ll be able to see where each parcel of private property is along the trail.
The first mile or so of the trail is flat and wide dirt, which changes to rougher dirt and rock mix once you reenter USFS land. Just over a half mile in, there are several established primitive camping areas that are large enough to support a small camper or several tents.
About a quarter mile beyond the end of the private property, the trail begins a significant climb, gaining nearly 600 feet in altitude through ten switchbacks. This section used to be a beetle kill area almost devoid of trees. Now the Aspens have filled in most of the missing pines, and it should be a delight during the color change in September. The remainder of the trail up to the USFS gate is through a section of mixed pine and aspen with a number of lookout spots and primitive camping spots. Several of the overlooks provide stunning vistas over the northern end of the South Park valley with the Collegiate Peaks in the distance. Even though the old section above treeling is no longer accessible by motorized vehicles, the opportunity to explore the alpine forest and camp with breathtaking views is unmatched.
