Estes Cone, Longs Peak Trailhead, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Estes Cone - 6.1 miles
Longs Peak Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 6.1 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 9,425' - 11,002' (11,002' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +1,577' net elevation gain (+2,023' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Moderate-Strenuous |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Estes Cone - 6.1 Miles Round-Trip
Estes Cone is located 3.05 miles from the Longs Peak Trailhead on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. A short but steep climb up this conical formation offers panoramic views of Longs Peak, the Continental Divide and Estes Park area:
The trail climbs steadily in a mixed pine forest to the Chasm Lake - Estes Cone Trail split and turns sharply north (.45 miles : 9,670'). It continues on a moderate grade that levels over a stream (1.3 miles) to the Eugenia Mine site - a settler era gold mine which in the words of the Park "produced more dreams than gold".
The trail dips past the mine to Moore Park Backcountry Campsite (1.6 miles : 9,732') and begins a steep push to the summit, covering almost 1,000' in the final .7 miles.
Cairns help identify the trail, but can be difficult to spot, especially with lingering snow. A 20 yard scramble up steep scree leads to the bare-rock summit of Estes Cone (3.05 miles : 11,002').
The Cone's pinnacle offers rangy views across the Continental Divide, Estes Park and Lumpy Ridge area. Many named peaks can be identified from the top including Twin Sisters, Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N40 16.330 W105 33.409 — 0.0 miles : Longs Peak Trailhead
- N40 16.495 W105 33.852 — .45 miles : Estes Cone Trail split
- N40 17.716 W105 34.04 — 3.05 miles : Estes Cone
Worth Noting
- Most of the trail's net elevation is gained in the final 1.2 miles.
- Views are mostly limited en route, but exceptional from the top.
- Estes Cone's summit is subject to strong wind.
- Moore Park (1.7 miles one-way from trailhead) offers 2 individual back- country campsites.
Camping and Backpacking Information
- Moore Park Backcountry Campsite: is 1.6 miles from the Longs Peak Trailhead at 9732'. Total Ascent to the campsite is 488'.
Directions to Trailhead
Estes Cone is accessible from the Longs Peak Trailhead along the west side of Highway 7 between Allenspark and Estes Park. The trailhead is located 7.5 miles south of Estes Park on the west side of Highway 7. There is no fee for this entrance to the Park. Parking is limited and the lot fills up early in the summer season.
Contact Information
Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitor Information:
970.586.1206
Backcountry Office:
970.586.1242
Campground Reservations:
800.365.2267
Emergency Dispatch:
970.586.1203
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