Estes Cone (11,007′), Front Range
Estes Cone (11,007′), Front Range
Estes Cone is located about 3 miles from the Longs Peak trailhead on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The peak serves as a prominent landmark in the Tahosa Valley to the east.
The peak is named for one of the first settlers in Estes Valley, Joel Estes. The granite peak has a rocky outcrop on the summit that provides unobstructed views of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Trail Stats
- Trailhead: Longs Peak
- Round trip: 6.5 miles / 10.5 km
- Elevation: 9,400′ – 11,007′ / 2,865 m – 3,355 m
- County: Larimer
- Agency: National Park Service
- Nat’l Park: Rocky Mountain
Weather
GPS Route with Elevation
Trail Pictures
Estes Cone from the Longs Peak trailhead
Estes Cone from the Longs Peak trailhead
Serious lightening hazard so turned around about 100ft from the top
Serious lightening hazard so turned around about 100ft from the top
heavy thunderstorm with snow
heavy thunderstorm with snow
Storm moving in
Storm moving in
Following cairns
Following cairns
Close to the Estes Cone turnoff
Close to the Estes Cone turnoff
Looking towards Longs Peak
Looking towards Longs Peak
Weather rolling in
Weather rolling in
The only break from the dense forest
The only break from the dense forest
A rare glimpse of sunshine
A rare glimpse of sunshine
Snow deepened at the turnoff for Eugene Mine
Snow deepened at the turnoff for Eugene Mine
Fairly clear near the trailhead
Fairly clear near the trailhead
Longs Peak trailhead ranger station
Longs Peak trailhead ranger station
Estes Cone in the distance
Estes Cone in the distance
Video Tour
Trail Directions
The approach to Estes Cone from the Longs Peak trailhead is relatively easy with mild uphills until you reach the base of the mountain. Once you turn off the Storm Pass trail you will see cairns marking the turnoff to begin the steeper 800′ scramble to the top. Once you reach the base of the summit, head right of the rock wall to scramble to the summit.
Trailhead Directions