Hiking – RMNP - Estes Cone via Lily Lake TH

Beginning at the Lily Lake Trailhead, this out-and-back hike to Estes Cone offers a rewarding blend of beauty and challenge. The trail starts with a gentle climb through shady ponderosa pine and aspen forest, crossing soft, pine-needle-covered terrain and passing through open meadows alive with summer wildflowers. Gradually, the path ascends toward Storm Pass, where the forest grows thinner, the air cooler, and granite outcrops begin to appear among the trees. From Storm Pass, the real test begins—a steep, rocky ascent of nearly a thousand vertical feet in less than a mile, demanding steady footing and perseverance. After a short but rugged scramble to the top, hikers are greeted with sweeping, 360-degree views of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, and the Estes Valley below—an inspiring reward before retracing the route back to Lily Lake.We'll stop at a comfortable spot for lunch/snack. Our pace will be consistent with completing this trip in a reasonable amount of time. Overall ~8 miles and ~2600 ft elevation gain. (Lily Lake to Estes Cone - CalTopo)

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at Estes Park Visitor Center parking lot at 7:30am, for no later than 7:45am departure (Estes Park Visitor Center - Google Maps)

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

An additional carpool location is possible for those coming from the south.