Distance: 14 miles RT
Elevation gain: 2610 ft.
Trailhead Directions: The trailhead is at Three Points on the Angeles Crest Highway 27 miles from the 210 freeway. At 2.4 miles past Chilao, turn left at the Santa Clara Divide Road and continue to the parking area which soon appears on the left. There are toilets available at the parking lot.
The Hike - CAUTION: From the log of two very fit and experienced hikers: "This is a long, strenuous hike! If you go all the way to the top of Twin Peaks it is between 14 and 15 miles. Starting at 9:00 AM, we got from the Three Points parking lot to Twin Peaks Saddle between Waterman and Twin Peaks (6 1/3 miles) in two hours. It took us another hour (with several pauses) to scramble to the top of the Peaks (there is no trail). After lunch we came down much faster, but there followed a good climb back up the Waterman slope from the saddle so that we returned to the parking lot (again with many rest stops) just short of 4:00 PM, seven hours! Total elevation gain and loss is in excess of 3000 feet. If anyone wants to do this entire hike, you must start no later than 8:30 in the morning, if not sooner, and double up on your water."
However, take heart. The trail is wonderful, as it passes through the wilderness. Views are magnificent. And there are good turnaround points. The first comes at roughly three miles as one passes through a low swamp grass area that literally obscures the trail. About a quarter of a mile further on one comes to an obvious beautiful viewpoint with a large mass of rocks. Lunch here and return. Not much elevation gain and about seven miles.The next obvious goal is the saddle. About 12 miles and maybe 1000 feet loss and gain. Beyond that the peak."
Topo Data: Trailhead elevation at Three Points = 5950 ft.
Elevation at Twin Peaks-Waterman Junction = 6960 ft. (1010 ft. gain)
Elevation at Twin Peaks Saddle = 6560 ft. (400 ft. loss)
Elevation published for Twin Peaks = 7760 ft. (1200 ft. gain).