Is it right for you?
Twining Peak is an easy summit north of Independence Pass, reached over UN 13,541. Together they make a short, family-friendly outing that can be done before lunch.
From UN 13,541 you walk the rockiest part of the day down to a saddle, then easy tundra and rubble to Twining's blocky top, with views across the Sawatch and to the Elk Mountains. On the way back you can skip UN 13,541 by contouring its west side.
The loop is about 4.7 miles with 1,980 feet of gain.
Plan of the day
By 8 a.m.
Be on Twining by noon.
Nothing hard.
Easy. On the return, stay above about 12,500 feet as you contour south.
None on the ridge. Bring what you need.
This week on the summit
Conditions on the summit
Loading Fetching the forecast for 13,721'…—
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Afternoon storm risk is the line that matters. Everything else is comfort. In summer, plan to be off the ridge before the build-up starts, not as it starts. Forecast for the summit point, adjusted for its elevation · data from Open-Meteo.
Getting there
Independence Pass
Independence Pass is on Highway 82, about 20 miles east of Aspen. From the east, leave US 24 at the Twin Lakes turnoff between Leadville and Buena Vista and drive west about 24 miles, past Twin Lakes, over the top.
The paved lot at the top of the pass (12,093 feet) has restrooms and fills with sightseers on summer days. Highway 82 over the pass is closed in winter, usually from early November to late May.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Independence Pass. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →