Trip report
Sep 19, 2016 — I started off at Lisa Falls, a tiny 0.1mi hike to a pretty slickrock granite waterfall, with the intention of only hiking until Lisa Canyon ended. So, I only had a couple of granola bars and not enough water. However, after scrambling up the canyon for a long time, I realized the canyon wasn't ending. I was already halfway to the summit of Twin Peaks anyway, and stupidly decided to keep going, despite the time and lack of water. And also without telling anyone where I was. Still, I was excited and therefore, reasoning didn't matter. Derp.
The photos should only serve as examples of what kind of scrambling and waterfalls to expect, because there is no possible way I could show the route I took via photos. I have no idea what I did. Plus, route-finding up Lisa Canyon is the most fun part of this kind of hike. One thing I should note is that there is one major fork in the canyon, where right continues up Lisa Canyon proper, and left takes you up, well, something else. Naturally, I chose the wrong way, which ultimately led to some difficult (3rd class) moves before the canyon ended at the base of Twin Peaks and I needed to exit and scramble up crumbly nonsense toward the ridgeline up and to the left. Following this ridge led to both of the peaks of Twin Peaks, and provided a nice little loop, so definitetly enjoyed it despite the dumb mistake. After summiting, I actually considered going down the opposite way (on the established trail to Twin) and taking a taxi back to my car because I was a little freaked, but I decided going down Lisa Canyon looked much too enticing. And it was really incredible. To be honest, I was only becoming sick of scrambling when I ran out of water and the sunlight was almost gone.
It's definitely a bit easier to follow the proper Lisa Canyon all the way up (mostly because it's more obivous where to go), but the ridgeline on my accidental alternate route made for some extra fun and views. Yes, the scramble is almost 5,000 feet of vertical gain in about two miles either fork direction you go, but the excursion goes by quickly and the scrambles are unique and interesting, and the countless mini waterfalls add even more to the day.