Name: Estes Cone Trail
Rating: 3.9

“A trail that quickly summits Estes Cone.”

— Brian Smith

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Runner Notes

The portion of this trail that is north of Storm Pass Trail is extremely steep and probably not runnable for most individuals.

Description

This trail begins on the west side of CO 7, just south of the Lily Lake trailhead, and provides access to Estes Cone.

Estes Cone is a unique geologic formation located just north and east of Longs Peak that rises to an elevation of just over 11,000 feet. Most runners will access Estes Cone from either the Storm Pass trailhead via the Storm Pass Trail or from the Lily Lake trailhead, also via Storm Pass Trail.

From south to north, this trail gets increasingly steeper and not surprisingly, more difficult. After crossing Storm Pass Trail, the Estes Cone Trail has its most aggressive increase in grade. From this point, the trail will lead you through a series of switchbacks all the way to the summit of Estes Cone. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of Estes Park to the north, the Twin Sisters to the East and Longs Peak to the south.