Hike Profiles for Rocky Mountain National Park and Surrounding Areas

www.thespiritoftherockies.net

Distance: 3.3 miles one-way Summit elevation: 11,006 feet Trailhead elevation: 9,400 feet Net elevation gain: 1,606 feet Longs Peak Trailhead Rocky Mountain National Park

The hike to the rocky summit of Estes Cone offers a challenge, despite its relatively short approach and lower elevation. Estes Cone offers fine panoramic views toward Longs Peak and Mount Meeker, the Continental Divide, and the Estes Park Valley.

Looking west from the summit of Estes Cone

Major Trail Landmarks Junction of Longs Peak and Eugenia Mine Trails (0.6 miles one-way from trailhead) Moore Park (1.7 miles one-way from trailhead) Storm Pass (2.7 miles one-way from trailhead)

Principal Destinations Near Estes Cone Bear Lake Road via Glacier Basin (7.0 miles one-way from trailhead) - via Storm Pass Trail

Backcountry Campsites Near Estes Cone Moore Park (1.7 miles one-way from trailhead) - 2 individual sites

The Longs Peak Trailhead is on the east side of the Continental Divide between Estes Park and the village of Meeker Park. Longs Peak Road provides access to the trailhead from Colorado Highway 7. Turn west on to Longs Peak Road from Highway 7 at a junction approximately 9 miles south of Estes Park, or 2 miles north of Meeker Park. Look for a left (south) turn to the trailhead parking area, about 1 mile from Highway 7, where Longs Peak Road continues straight (west) to the Longs Peak Campground. The most common route to the summit of Estes Cone is from the Longs Peak Trailhead. Follow the Longs Peak Trail to a junction with the Eugenia Mine trail, and take the right-hand trail toward the mine and Storm Pass. Follow this trail through Moore Park, and then west and uphill to Storm Pass. At the pass, take the steep route leading north to the summit of Estes Cone. The trail fades out among rocks at the base of the summit.

Sample photographs of the hike to Estes Cone

Estes Cone from Moore Park

Twin Sisters Peaks and Moore Park

View toward Lily Lake from the summit

Twin Sisters, Tahosa Valley from the summit

Estes Cone topographic map

Principal summer trail marked by solid red line; unmaintained trail or route marked by dashed red line

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All photographs are property of Mike Amfahr and are protected by copyright laws. Topographic map is property of and copyrighted by Maps a la carte, Inc., and is used on this site with permission.