Story:
The summit of Estes Cone (11,006') is supposed to offer some panoramic views of the only 14er in the area, Longs Peak (14,259'), as well as the east side of RMNP. Unfortunately we had a panoramic view of snow laden clouds when we summited. On the way down, the sun broke through, and blue skies were evident when we returned to the TH......good timing!
The bristle cones just below the craggy Cone were spectacular. Some of them looked as old as Methuselah. And the final Class 3 scramble to the summit was great, challenged by the glaze-ice covered rocks.
Looking at the map after the hike, I noticed that Estes Cone can be reached from the Storm Pass TH, off the Bear Lake Rd, to the west. Couple of options for future hikes exist:
(1) Hike from the Storm Pass TH on Bear Lake Rd east to the Cone and return.
(2) Shuttle hike, placing cars at Lily Lake TH and Storm Pass TH.
The summit of Estes Cone (11,006') is supposed to offer some panoramic views of the only 14er in the area, Longs Peak (14,259'), as well as the east side of RMNP. Unfortunately we had a panoramic view of snow laden clouds when we summited. On the way down, the sun broke through, and blue skies were evident when we returned to the TH......good timing!
The bristle cones just below the craggy Cone were spectacular. Some of them looked as old as Methuselah. And the final Class 3 scramble to the summit was great, challenged by the glaze-ice covered rocks.
Looking at the map after the hike, I noticed that Estes Cone can be reached from the Storm Pass TH, off the Bear Lake Rd, to the west. Couple of options for future hikes exist:
(1) Hike from the Storm Pass TH on Bear Lake Rd east to the Cone and return.
(2) Shuttle hike, placing cars at Lily Lake TH and Storm Pass TH.
Tips:
Great place to have a late lunch after the hike is Smokin’ Dave's BBQ & Taphouse, on West side of Estes Park, just before the Shell station. Check out his menu at: http://www.smokindavesbbq.net
Great place to have a late lunch after the hike is Smokin’ Dave's BBQ & Taphouse, on West side of Estes Park, just before the Shell station. Check out his menu at: http://www.smokindavesbbq.net
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