Rocky Mountain National Park's Estes Cone Trail

Estes Cone Trail

Description:
The Estes Cone Trail begins from the Storm Pass Trail at an elevation of 10,240 feet and climbs 690 feet in .6 miles to 10,930 feet, just below the summit of Estes Cone (11,006'). Horses are not permitted on this trail. There is no hitch rack but there are plenty of trees to string a high line for tethering horses.

The trail begins a moderate climb through a lodgepole pine forest. In the beginning it is quite wide. The trail becomes more strenuous as it makes some switchbacks up the southwest slope of the cone. You'll soon be traveling over a lot more rocks through a less dense forest. Rock cairns mark the way through this area. The trail ends in the rocks below the summit. From here you must pick your way up through the rocks to reach the top. You get great views of the Estes Valley and Longs Peak. It takes about 40 to 45 minutes to hike up and about 30 minutes down.

Features:

Length:	.61 miles (.99 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	10,239' - 10,930'
Elevation change:	691 feet
Season:	June 1 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Moderate to strenuous
Use:	Moderate
USGS maps:	Longs Peak
Trailheads:	Longs Peak, Lily Lake
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	No

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Estes Cone Trail begins from the intersection of the Storm Pass and Old Storm Pass trails. The nearest trailhead is the Longs Peak Trailhead.. Take Highway 7 south from Estes Park for about 8.8 miles to the Longs Peak Area turnoff. Turn right and travel about a mile to the trailhead. The trailhead is near the ranger station and has space for about 60 to 70 vehicles. There is additional parking along the entrance road. This is a very popular area and fills quickly during the summer.

Hike for .53 miles on the East Longs Peak Trail to the Eugenia Mine Trail. Travel on the Eugenia Mine Trail for about 1.3 miles to the Old Storm Pass Trail. Turn left and hike about .7 miles to the beginning of the Estes Cone Trail. You can also take the Storm Pass Trail from Lily Lake (3.1 miles).

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