Calling All Coneheads

Estes Cone is one of the most recognizable features in Rocky Mountain NP.  It’s a cone-shaped mountain covered by dense forest and topped with exposed stone outcroppings.

 

 

 

Waiting for the Clouds to Clear

When we started this hike, low clouds and fog reduced visibility down to just 100 feet.  A mountain hike in the fog is just no fun… why climb 1,600 feet up to see the same thick fog that you can see sitting in your car in the parking lot?  But the weather report promised afternoon sun, so we started up the mountain, hoping the clouds would clear.  Surprisingly, the weather forecast was right-on this entire trip, and the clouds began to part as we made our way up the cone.

 

 

 

Tough, Rocky Climb

 

The climb up Estes Cone was quite challenging, especially the last 0.7 miles, which required constant scrambling over jumbled rocks up the steep trail.

 

  

  

Spectacular Views

 

But the reward was worth it: breathtaking views in all directions.

 

 

 

On the Edge

 

 

Sure-footing is required to keep from tumbling down the steep rock formations on top of Estes Cone.

 

 

 

Lily Lake Far Below

Lily Lake is a favorite among local fishermen.  Here Theresa enjoys the view a half-mile above Lily Lake.

 

 

 

Long’s Peak

Estes Cone provides a close view of Long’s Peak, the highest mountain in the park, which is only 4 miles away in this photo.

 

 

 

Another Amazing Lunch Spot

Theresa is standing on the rock ledge where we ate lunch and enjoyed spectacular 360-degree views of the Rocky Mountains.

 

 

 

Walking in Sunshine

 

At the base of Estes Cone is a pretty meadow with a good view of the cone (as shown in the first photo).

 

 

 

We Climbed That?!

 

Wow, Estes Cone sure looks alot higher from the ground!

 

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