North Twin Cone Peak (12,324), Mt Blaine (12,306), & South Twin Cone Peak (12,329) by Brian Schultz Tuesday July 22, 2025

Roundtrip mileage: 11.40 miles
Elevation gain: 2,835'
Start to finish: 7 hours 35 minutes

I've had these peaks on my to do list for years and finally the opportunity arose. I drove up Highway 285 from Fairplay to Kenosha Pass and turned east on CR 126, a road 2x2 vehicles can handle easily. I came upon a gate that I opened and closed behind me and drove further to the first signed parking area on the left side of the road. I parked there and began at 8:05 AM under clear and sunny skies.

Designated areas along the road are signed for parking and camping and I soon came upon a sign that advised 4x4 vehicles from that point on. When the road reached ~11,300' and began descending, I departed the road and set a bearing northeast. This was an easy bushwhack and I met up with the road again around 11,600'. I followed the road until it veers to the right and goes to the saddle east of the summit. I went straight up to North Twin Cone's summit instead. This was very easy terrain and I arrived on top (photo 1, photo 2) at 10:25. I only stayed a few minutes and set forth for Mt Blaine.

Mt Blaine is an unranked peak but worth going to the summit since it's on the way to South Twin Cone Peak. I followed the road down from North Twin Cone Peak and entered a sea of willows. They were relatively easy to find a way through and I soon approached an array of rocks comprising the summit. I arrived at 11:25. A rock on the left is the highest one and requires minor scrambling to reach it, which was very easy. I stayed 20 minutes and ventured over to South Twin Cone Peak.

There were more willows to contend with but not difficult to to get through. I arrived on the summit at 12:40 and enjoyed a twenty minute stay before descending straight down the slopes to the west instead of returning toward North Twin Cone Peak. I mostly avoided the willows by heading into the woods and surprisingly found a trail around 11,400' that zigzagged toward CR 126. I crossed a stream and was now on CR 126 at ~11,100'. A vehicle from Texas was parked there.

All I had to do now was hike up the road to where I departed it earlier and follow it back to my truck. Easy road hike and I arrived at my truck at 3:40 with a few sprinkles of rain as I neared it. Otherwise great weather today and a great hike.