- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Sierra Peaks Section
- Twin Peaks
12,312 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks is a 12,312 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Slopes via Virginia Canyon: 18 mi, 7,195 ft of gain, Class 2.
Twin Peaks at a glance
- Elevation12,312 ft3,752 m
- RouteSoutheast Slopes via Virginia CanyonClass 2
- Distance18 mi7,195 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Slopes via Virginia Canyon
From Lee Vining, drive US 395 north to Conway Summit and take Virginia Lakes Road to the trailhead at road end. Cross the saddle above Frog Lakes, descend to the Green Creek trail and continue past Summit Lake into Virginia Canyon in Yosemite, then head up the canyon to the lake beneath the Twin Peaks cliffs. Climb Class 2 sand and talus east of the cliffs to the summit plateau and walk over several bumps to the high point. A Class 3 ridge links it with Virginia Peak. Expect loose metamorphic rock. Camping needs a Hoover Wilderness permit, reservable up to six months ahead.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
- Storms
Quests with Twin Peaks
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Twin Peaks?
Twin Peaks is 12,312 feet (3,752 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Twin Peaks?
The Southeast Slopes via Virginia Canyon is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 18 miles with 7,195 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Twin Peaks?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southeast Slopes via Virginia Canyon, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Twin Peaks?
The Southeast Slopes via Virginia Canyon needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 18 miles with 7,195 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Twin Peaks?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Twin Peaks reaches 12,312 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to hike Twin Peaks?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Twin Peaks with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list