Estes Cone

July 30th, 2007

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This was the third time we climbed Estes Cone. There are 4 trail heads to start from, Longs Peak, Lily Lake, East Portal, and Storm Pass. Today we started from Storm Pass TH at 6:15 a.m. The routes from Storm Pass TH and the East Portal are the longest, the East Portal having the greatest elevation gain. At the trail head we got a nice view of Otis and Hallett Peaks with a little morning glow.

If you try this route, here are some things to keep in mind. The Storm Pass TH parking lot is very small. So either arrive early, park at the Bierstadt TH just a couple hundred yards up Bear Lake Road, or shuttle to the Bierstadt TH and start from there. The area by the trail head is known as spaghetti junction due to the large number of trails crossing there. Everything is very clearly marked, so it's not a problem. However, none of the signs mention Estes Cone. Instead, follow the signs to Storm Pass. The 0.7 mile spur trail to Estes Cone is at Storm Pass, 4.5 miles from the TH. When Ali arrived at the junction, there was a young male moose by the horse hitch rack. He followed her a short way, as she turned up the spur trail. He gave up when the terrain became rocky, but she said it gave her a boost of adrenalin that propelled her quickly to the summit.

I think the extra effort required for this route is worth it. The trail itself is fairly nice, at least equal to the others, and I think there are better views along the way. There's a good mix of open and wooded areas, both pine and aspen - could be pretty in fall colors.

The spur trail from Storm Pass up to Estes Cone is a very rugged 0.7 miles. It starts out smooth, but that doesn't last long. It's fairly well defined at first but becomes less so as you climb. However, there are many cairns in the most rugged portions. It's definitely a good section of trail for folks new to following cairns to get some practice. The slope and ruggedness reach a climax just before you get near the summit. So when the grade lessens and the trail becomes more defined, you'll know you're almost there.

The summit area includes some fun, easy rock scrambling but no exposure to huge heights. The trail ends at the base of the summit ridge with a cliff wall about 40ft high. Cairns lead you right along the base of the wall to a short, but fairly steep, chute that climbs to the top. Hand holds and foot holds are plentiful in the chute, and it's easy to stop in the chute to rest, take photos, or help your fellow climbers up. Be sure to check out the great view of Longs and Meeker as you scramble up. The summit has plenty of room and view to explore. Another little scramble gets you on the true summit. There are 360° of views. The best are of Twin Sisters and Longs-Meeker since they're the closest. But you'll enjoy seeing all the summits along the divide and around to the Mummy Range.

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