The Twin Owls : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

The Twin Owls is the name given to a rock formation on the southeast side of Lumpy Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park, CO. The rock formation looks amazingly just like two gigantic (200 foot tall) owls sitting on a perch (known as the Roosting Ramp).

It is likely the most widely known and recognized rock formation on Lumpy Ridge. It can also be seen from virtually anywhere in downtown Estes Park, and various businesses have included "Twin Owls" in their name.

Like many of the rock formations on Lumpy Ridge, The Twin Owls is popular with rock climbers. One of the area's most difficult rock climbs, Anaconda (5.13c), ascends the south face of the West Owl. Note that The Twin Owls is closed to climbing seasonally from March 1 through July 31 for breeding raptors.

The easiest approach to the top of The Twin Owls is via a chimney climb on the north side of the formation named The Bowels of the Owls (5.0).

The Twin Owls is ranked 126 out of 126 on Mountain Jim's Summits of Rocky Mountain National Park List making it the lowest peak on that list. It is unranked on Gerry Roach's Rocky Mountain National Park Summits List because it has only 169 feet of prominence over its parent peak, 'Gem Peak' 0.9 miles to the northeast.

The summit provides a nice view along the top of Lumpy Ridge to the west as well as views of the Longs Peak massif and peaks of the Continental Divide to the southwest.

Getting There

The easiest approach to The Twin Owls involves starting at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead.

Red Tape

The Twin Owls is within Rocky Mountain National Park. Daily as well as annual passes are available.

Camping

Several campgrounds are available in the Park, some of which allow reservations. Backcountry camping is allowed in the Park in pre-defined backcountry campsites. Reservations are recommended, as some backcountry sites become reserved for the entire summer by March.

Seasons

The Twin Owls can be potentially be ascended in all seasons; however, icy conditions could obviously change what would normally be a rock climb into something completely different.