Hiking – Estes Cone (RMNP)

Hiking to Estes Cone from Lily Lake is a great adventure with stunning scenery and diverse terrain.  This 7.5 mile route begins from Lily Lake and heads SW along the Storm Pass trail, crossing Aspen Brook.  The trail becomes increasingly steep while curving around the base of Estes Cone to a junction for the primitive summit trail.  Marked by cairns, we will navigate the switchbacks and eventually do a little scrambling as we pick our way to the summit after a 2275' ascent.  From the summit, we'll have spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding peaks while enjoying lunch before beginning our descent back to Lily Lake.  

We will meet in the JAX parking lot (SE edge), 2665 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland at 6:30 a.m. to carpool 27 miles west on U.S. Hwy. 34 and 5 miles south on Hwy. 7 to the Lily Lake parking lot (RMNP).  If you prefer to meet the group at the Lily Lake parking lot at 7:30 a.m., please contact Anita Wright in advance (via email, text, or phone).  (Timed entry permits are not required, since we will arrive prior to 9 a.m..)

Contact Anita Wright, adwright2001@yahoo.com, 970-222-5920 (cell)