This week’s hike takes us to a high, windswept winter summit just south of Kenosha Pass off U.S. 285. At the northern edge of the Kenosha Mountains, North Twin Cone Peak, one of the highest summits in the range at 12,319 feet, is visible from many locations along the highway.
One of a group of three summits, North Twin Cone is sometimes approached from the Ben Tyler Trailhead, but in winter the approach from Kenosha Pass makes more sense, especially if you’re skiing, because the approach is on a road. In fact, while we opted for snowshoes on our recent outing, on the way down we wished we had skis to make the 6 miles of gentle downhill more fun.
While we did encounter short sections of the road that had sparse snow cover and one short stretch near the beginning of the switchbacks that was very icy, if you were to catch this trail after a new snowfall, the skiing would be excellent.
North Twin Cone makes a nice long outing to a scenic summit (though when we were there recently, an approaching storm limited visibility), and provides the opportunity to bag a winter peak with little objective hazard. That doesn’t mean you should take this trip lightly, though. You still need to be prepared for potential cold, windy conditions and possibly poor visibility.
Hike description
The Twin Cone Road, labeled on maps as County Road 872, is signed as Forest Service Road 126. Take this road from the vicinity of the campground parking area (near the outhouses). Be careful not to take FSR 126A.
Our road initially heads east and then southeast, reaching a closed gate after eight-tenths of a mile. Signs at this gate indicate that you are entering private property and that you must stay on the road (a public right of way) for the next 1.5 miles. Follow the road to the second gate closure, where you re-enter public lands at mile 2.1. Continue along the road to the start, at mile 2.5, of what seems to be an interminable number of switchbacks and negotiate these through an area of cliffs. There are several good opportunities to look back at the expanse of South Park in this section. At mile 3, you’re finally done with the switchbacks.
Pass a sign at mile 3.1 (“Adopt-a-Trail”) and follow the road as it almost immediately cuts back to the right (east). The road meanders back and forth up a broad ridge before dropping back down into the Kenosha Creek drainage at mile 5. At mile 5.1 you will reach a signed road junction with a good view of your objective, almost straight ahead. Turn left here and follow the road as it climbs more steeply towards the south ridge of North Twin Cone Peak. The road may be difficult to follow after the junction, but generally curves around to the right of treeline. Trees give way to willows as you gain elevation. Pick a path through these beasts, aiming for the wind-scoured slopes of the peak, and hike up easy slopes to the summit, obvious by the large antenna, solar panels and building occupying the top.
Trailhead parking closed
Important update on trailhead parking in and around Montezuma: The parking area for the Wild Irishman Mine trail and the ghost town of Saints John, a hike we offered in Travel on Dec. 23, is now closed. A “no parking” sign has been posted at the junction of Saints John Road and Montezuma Road, and a phone call to the Dillon Ranger District confirmed that the town no longer allows parking either at this trailhead or at the Webster Pass trailhead. Skiers and snowshoers must park either 1.2 miles south at the Deer Creek trailhead or 0.7 miles north on the Montezuma Road at the Peru Creek trailhead.
The Details
Getting to the trailhead: Drive to the summit of Kenosha Pass on U.S. 285, approximately 19 miles west of the town of Bailey.
At the pass, turn east on an unplowed road (it can be drifted in, so it’s not recommended for two-wheel-drive vehicles) and drive two-tenths of a mile to a parking area immediately before the campground.
Because the campground is open year-round, the Forest Service (South Platte Ranger District) charges a user fee of $4 per day to park here. If you prefer, you can park at one of the parking areas located at Kenosha Pass and walk or ski the extra 0.2 miles.
Hike statistics: From the parking area to the summit of North Twin Cone Peak (12,319 feet) you’ll gain 2,500 feet and lose 200 feet (to be reclimbed on the way out) in 6.1 miles, for a total elevation gain of 2,700 feet in 12.2 miles round-trip.
Difficulty: A long but relatively easy snowshoe or ski, mostly on a forestry road, to a gentle summit.
USGS Quad: Jefferson, CO; Mount Logan, CO
