Ascending Hikes – RMNP - Estes Cone via Lily Lake TH

We'll be hiking from the Lily Lake trailhead in RMNP, first taking a loop around Lily Lake along the Lily Ridge and Lily Lake trails. We'll then turn SW along the Storm Pass Trail. Once we cross Aspen Brook, it will be a steady climb to Storm Pass where we meet the Estes Cone spur trail, with a steep climb to the rounded summit crag, with some moderate scrambling to reach the summit. This modest mountain is strategically positioned to showcase panoramic views of the Estes Park Valley and the east side of RMNP. We'll find a spot at or near the summit to stop for lunch/snack while we take in the views. Our pace will be determined by the strength, stamina, and endurance of the group. We'll make our way down off the summit and return to the cars by the same route with the exception that we'll complete the Lily Lake loop we experienced on our way up. (Lily Lake to Estes Cone - CalTopo)

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at Lyons Visitor Center parking lot at 6:30am, for no later than 6:45am departure (Lyons Visitor Center - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to Lily Lake Parking Lot (Lily Lake - Google Maps)

For those travelling from the North an additional carpool place & time: Estes Park Visitor Center (Estes Park Visitor Center - Google Maps) at 7:00AM, depart 7:15AM