28 minute read
SereniTEA
Enjoy mountain-inspired tea blends at SereniTEA
By Daisy St. Pierre, Owner, Rocky Mountain SereniTEA
For the Trail-Gazette
Rocky Mountain SereniTEA is the only tea store in the town of Estes Park. We blend and pack the teas by hand. We have about 120 different kinds of teas (black, green, white, decaf, chai, Oolong and PuErh) plus a number of specialty teas like Rooibos.
Since opening in July 2019, we have added even more selection of teas including organic teas and wellness special blends. The Calming Destress and Energy teas have been our customers newest favorites. We just came out with a new tea blend this summer called Golden Glow Beauty and Skin. It has turmeric, beets, carrot and hibiscus which is ver y good for the skin. For those of you who are looking for a delicious iced tea for your next backyard party, we have our refreshing teas Peach Green, Peach Apricot, Oolong goji berr y, and Lavender Earl Grey. These will complete your party!
We also added a beautiful fine bone china tea sets including beautiful souvenir tea mugs, teapots, teacups, and dessert stand.
Supporting local business has been one of our goals since we opened. We are proud to carr y local honey, goat milk caramel sauce, locally made jam, and decorative handmade soaps.
If you are looking for a locally made gift for that tea lover in your life, our signature blends like Rocky Mountain High, Maroonbells Lady Grey, Longs Peak, Lily Lake, and Glacier Gorge will make the perfect gift.
For me, tea is something that brings people together. I always have a good time with my friends or even my husband when we sit down and have tea. It is my goal to provide luxur y quality teas along with the finest tea sets and accessories so you can have your own quality tea time, whether it’s with that special someone or loved ones or enjoying a cup of tea alone, we want to make that moment special.
SereniTEA / Courtesy photo SereniTEA sells tea plus local honey, goat milk caramel sauce, locally made jam and decorative handmade soaps.
R E W I L D I N G E X P E D I T I O N S
• Guided Single Day Hiking • Multi-Day Backpacking • Custom & Private Trips Available in
Rocky Mountain National Park
Starting as low as $75 per person. Let us show you a wilder side of Rocky!
is a classic American restaurant and steakhouse featuring fresh, innovative dishes with a local flair and a focus on sustainable ingredients. Seasonally and weather permitting, Cascades also of fers an outdoor covered patio with views of the cascades water fall. The patio has al fresco dining and a seasonal outdoor bar. Some of our most popular items include the Colorado Game Meatloaf, Filet Mignon and Grilled Elk Loin, so bring your appetite! The Whiskey Bar
Before or after dinner, grab a drink at the illuminated Whiskey Bar for unique whiskeys and scotch you can’t find anywhere else. With over 1,100 dif ferent whiskeys, you will find something sure to please the whiskey connoisseur in your group. Create a flight of several dif ferent whiskeys from all over the world. If whiskey isn’t your thing, try one of our signature cocktails like the Lucky Lucy or Redrum Punch. Or grab a local draft beer to end your night! Georgia’s at the Lodge
Grab brunch at Georgia’s at the Lodge after your stay at The Stanley Hotel. This southern-style breakfast restaurant is sure to bring a smile to the family and is a great way to start your day! Enjoy a plate of Belgian Waf fles, or Biscuits and Sausage Gravy paired with a nice mimosa, with beautiful mountain views from the window. The Colorado Cherry Company
Need a little pick me up during your day of fun-filled activities? The Colorado Cherr y Company can provide you with a delicious RedRum Latte and yummy snacks. Their homemade pies are per fect to bring on a picnic in the park or out on the lake. You will also find hidden surprises such as local honey and other local Colorado products to take home with you! Find this delightful cafe downstairs from the main hotel, near the tours depar tment. History and Ghost Tours
If you want to learn more about the history of The Stanley and all of the resident ghosts, you don’t want to miss one of our history or ghost tours provided daily! This hour-long tour will take you through the proper ty and explain the legacy F.O. Stanley has left behind. Explore hidden tunnels and unique experiences our tour guides have heard and shared throughout their time at The Stanley. Hotel guests receive a special discount on these tours and our night tours focus specifically on our resident ghosts and finding the paranormal. Stop by the tours desk in the basement of the hotel or book your tour online ahead of time. Reser vations highly recommended as these tours sell out daily! Chrysalis Gift Shop
Before you head back home, remember to stop by the Chr ysalis Gift Shop on the main floor of the main hotel to grab your souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home. Grab yourself a Stanley whiskey glass, a T-Shir t, or your own copy of The Shining. The adorable shop will have something to charm ever y member of the family.
Kar t
from page 30
fight might be welcome. The aim of the game is to slingshot water balloons on your opponent’s “battle station.” If that is not enough to beat the heat, they have icy treats too!
With the number of activities available it is easy to play all day here. Visit www.rideakar t.com for hours of operation.
Tradition from page 30
The locals have begun to come out to try the tacos, and business is getting better every day.
Along with traditional tacos, the restaurant will also be offering a selection of authentic Mexican desserts, drinks, and artisanal candies. Tacos La Tradición also plans to expand the menu to include breakfast items and burritos.
One exciting aspect of the restaurant is that they have a small market area where customers can buy the ingredients used in their favorite dishes to make traditional Mexican meals at home.
Gonzales would like to invite ever yone down to tr y the tacos. The Estes Chamber of Commerce will also put on a ribbon-cutting event on Wednesday, May 5, for Cinco De Mayo from 1 pm. to 1:30 p.m. Mayor Wendy Koenig will be on hand to help cut the ribbon. There will be two-forone specials on tacos and free samples of the desserts and candies during this event.
The new taco house is located at 112 W. Elkhorn Ave. and is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday – Monday. The summer hours will be 8 a.m. –9 p.m.
You can find more information by visiting their web site at https://latradicion .isolutionss.com.
Eagle from page 19
thir ty years.
With Dayton’s passing in December 2020, Nico is now taking over the reins, with help from her son and daughter-in-law, and moral support of toddling granddaughter Dawn Blue Wing.Nicohas been involved with Native ar ts all her life–directing art galleries, ser ving on the advisory board of the First People’s Fund, and working as an appraiser of Indian art and antiquities.
Eagle Plume Gallery lies ten miles south of Estes Park on Highway 7, nestled at the base of Long’s Peak, in a hand-built log building. There you’ll discover one of the West’s best-kept secrets rich in the traditions and ar ts of the Indigenous American.
Summer hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m.
The store is at 9853 CO-7 in Allenspark. Contact the trading post at 303-7472861or visit www.eagleplumes.com.
come year after year to hike with us, and they come during dif ferent weeks, we will hold two events each week throughout the summer.
On Sundays, join the Hiker’s Huddle presentation, an explanation of how the hiking program works and what hikes are scheduled to go out that week.
After Hiker’s Huddle, enjoy a Hikemaster Showcase presentation where a current hikemaster will give a talk on a topic they are passionate about.
Some presentations topics include: How Glaciers Shaped Rocky Mountain National Park, Using Hiking to Reduce Anxiety, RV Living and How to Volunteer for National Parks Ser vice, and Victorian Women on the Summit of Long’s Peak.
Additionally, each week, specialized hikes willshowcase how unique the YMCA of the Rockies hiking program is.
Unlike other hiking outfitters in Estes Park, we can do both topically focused hikes and provide special treats on our hikes, free of charge for guests staying in accommodations at YMCA of the Rockies. Some hikes we have scheduled throughout this summer include: Cof fee and Donuts at Mills Lake, Afternoon Tea at the Wigwam Tea Room, Persoid Meteor Shower on Sundance Mountain, Bierstadt Lake from the perspective of 1920s hikers and The Legend of the Blue Mist at Miner Bill’s Lost Mine.
Lastly, YMCA of the Rockies is of fering a weeklong final celebration the week of Aug.1-7.
Other events this summer include: an orienteering race on a new course at the YMCA, a Long’s Peak hike from the YMCA in honor of the Pifer sisters, and a final celebration potluck. Stay tuned for details and contact the YMCA of the Rockies hiking program for more information at 970-586-3341 x1104 or visit ymca rockies.org.
YMCA of the Rockies / Courtesy photo Specialized hikes will showcase how unique the YMCA of the Rockies hiking program is.
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4pm | Dinner: 4pm-9pm 970-577-0682 China Garden
Tue-Sun: 11:30am-8:30pm | Closed: Mon. 970-586-2488 Himalayan Curry & Kebob
Wed-Mon: 11am-8pm | Closed: Tue. 970-586-6226 Nepal’s Café
Ever y day: 11am-8:30pm 970-577-7035 Craft Beverages
Avant Garde Aleworks
Mon-Thu: 1pm-9pm | FriSun: 12pm8pm 970-591-2700 Coffee on the Rocks
Ever yday: 6am-9pm 719-250-4829 Elkins Distilling Co.
Sun-Thu: 11pm-6pm | FriSat: 10am7pm | Sun: 10am-6pm 970-480-1848 Estes Park Brewery
Sun-Thu: 11am-9pm | FriSat: 11am10pm 970-586-5421 Inkwell & Brew
Mon-Thu: 7am-5:30pm | FriSun: 7am6:30pm 970-342-1297 Kind Coffee
Ever y day: 6am-5pm 970-586-5206 Lumpy Ridge Brewing
Mon-Fri: 1pm-8pm | SatSun: 12pm8pm 970-235-1752 Mile High Coffee House
Fri-Sun: 7am-7pm | MonThur: 7am5pm 970-586-2222 Raven’s Roast Coffee Lounge
Ever y day: 8am-5pm 970-586-4326 Rock Cut Brewing
Ever yday: 11am-10pm
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861 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park, CO (970) 586-3137
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970-878-8298 Snowy Peaks Winery
Ever yday: 11am-7pm 970-586-2099 The Whiskey Bar @ The Stanley
Sun-Thu: 11am-11pm | FriSat: 11am12am 970-577-4001 Ziggi’s Coffee
Ever y day: 6am-7pm 970-591-2532 Italian Food
Antonio’s Real NY Pizza
Tue-Sun: 12pm-8pm | Closed: Mon 970-586-7275 Bob and Tony’s Pizza
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Fri-Sun: 11am-2am | MonThur: 4pm2am 970-586-7287 Domino’s Pizza
Sun/Wed/Thu: 11am-11pm | Mon-
Tue: 3pm-11pm | Fri-Sat: 11am-12am 970-586-8181 Mama Rose’s
Ever y day: 4:30pm-8pm 970-586-3330 Poppy’s Pizza & Grill
Ever y day: 11:30am-7:30pm 970-586-8282 Sweet Basilico
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Casa Grande & Cantina
Ever yday: 11am-8pm 970-577-0799 Chelito’s
Ever yday: 10:30am-8pm 970-586-0886 Ed’s Cantina
Ever yday: 11am-9pm 970-586-2919 El Mex-Kal
Ever yday: 11am-9pm 970-586-4377 La Cabaña Mexican Bar & Grill
Tue-Sun: 12pm-8pm | Closed: Mon 970-586-1156 La Cocina de Mama
Ever y day: 11am-9pm 970-586-9001 Peppers Fast & Fresh Mexican Grill
Thur-Tue: 11am-8pm
Closed: Wed 970-577-0032 Tacos La Tradición
Ever y day: 10am-8pm 970-480-5860
Mountains from page 4
again and again.
There is ample, free parking at the Estes Park Visitor Center, with a four-stor y parking structure that has increased parking availability for downtown Estes Park, with a total of 412 spaces.
The structure is reducing emissions by allowing more people to park vehicles and quickly access the seasonal shuttle system (www.estes.org/shuttles) that is available at the Visitor Center. We also provide clean public restrooms and a water fountain for your convenience.
The Estes Park Visitor Center and telephone call center are open daily year-round, 360 days of the year! The center is closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve and Day. Do you have questions as you plan your visit? Call the center at 970-577-9900 or 800-44ESTES to talk to our friendly staff or you can send an email to VisitorSer vices@estes.org. For updates about the Estes Park Visitor Center, please go to www.estes.org/VisitorSer vices. The Visitor Ser vices team looks for ward to seeing you soon!
what’s happening at The Stanley and how busy longtime and new restaurants in town are, it’s clear that Estes is a great community and fit for what we’re doing.”
With ample parking right next to the building, guests don’t even have to enter the hotel to get to The Post. And if you’re looking for chicken with a five-star view of the Rockies, you’ll find it here on our stunning, mountain-facing patio.
More words to live by: Come for the chicken, come back for ever ything else.
The Post of fers lunch and dinner seven days a week plus happy hour, weekend brunch, and takeout. Come see us at 333 E. Wonder view Ave.
Elkhorn from page 17
return to the Elkhorn Lodge, the business will use both locations.
“I was sad to leave the Elkhorn because my husband and I met there 11 years ago,” Smith noted. “When I pulled into the Dao House for the first time and walked into the barn and looked at Longs Peak, I thought, ‘This is it.’”
Elkhorn Stables works with the Colorado Horse Rescue Network. The Smith take in a lot of horses that cannot be adopted out. If the network gets a horse that could be trained, they calls the Smiths who evaluate them and try them.
“If they work, great,” Smith said. “If they don’t, unfor tunately we adopt them out to another home. We also hit the sale barn. We will buy horses before they hit the killer trucks, as we call them.”
Smith had nothing but high praise for Cody Walker and Sombrero Stables who of fered to help them out during a dif ficult time, even of fering to hire some of Elkhorn’s employees if need be.
“Walker did not want to see another stables in Estes Park go out of business,” Smith remembered.
With the tourist season quickly approaching, Smith expects a busy summer season.
“People love to horseback here,” she said. “Colorado is still the frontier. When they come to our stables, we’ve got wranglers who are working cowboys.”
Mike Kennedy who grew up in Estes Park and has lived her as an adult since 2006, called Elkhorn Stables a big draw in town.
“They run a good operation,” Kennedy stated. “If you haven’t been out to the Dao House, you need to come. It is some of the most beautiful country in the world. If you’re into horseback riding, you need to go try this out.”
The Smiths have owned Elkhorn Stables for eight years. To find out more about Elkhorn Stables, visit Horsebackestespark.com.
ORIGINAL LOCATION
LONGMONT 230 MAIN STREET LONGMONT, COLORADO 303-923-7427 (RIBS) LYONS 228 MAIN STREET LYONS, COLORADO 303-823-7427 (RIBS)
CENTENNIAL 7685 E ARAPAHOE RD CENTENNIAL, COLORADO (720) 728-5769
DENVER 1551 CORTEZ ST DENVER, COLORADO 303-430-7427 (RIBS) ESTES PARK GOLF COURSE 1480 GOLF COURSE ROAD ESTES PARK, COLORADO 970-586-8146 (EXT. 3)
collapsed house made of stone was a bungalow with a huge wrap-around deck and a massive fireplace that still stands. Sadly, the house caught fire and burned before it could be saved.
Metal decking has been placed in and around the Ruins so you can get a good idea of the amazing views Birch had of the Continental Divide Mountain and the surrounding mountains. One of the windows remains intact, providing a spectacular frame of the natural beauty beyond.
The trail dips down at this point and takes you to a feature called the Cabin. When the Ruins burned down, Birch star ted working on this cabin in the willows below the original house. A sturdy structure made of lodge pole pines, it ser ved as a summer retreat for the Birch family until the 1980s.
Both the Cabin and the Ruins were placed on the State Register of Historic Places in 2001.
After the Cabin, the trail then circles back to the Trailhead. Along this section, I got to enjoy wonder ful views of Lumpy Ridge and The Stanley Hotel.
When you get back to the Trailhead, you can take a path that cuts right through the center of the loop.
The entire loop and the trail that cuts across it is less than a mile, but you can do it several times as I did to get your heart rate up and get in some more steps. Par ts of the trail are rocky and there are some ups and downs.
I saw abundant wildlife on the sunny day I took the trek, some small mammals to a multitude of birds. It was a peaceful way to while away the morning.
The Estes Park Women’s Club paid for the signage at rupted by the beetle kill so prevalent in other par ts of the area.
From here, we wound our way down some switchbacks surrounded by stunning rock walls to the water itself. The foot of the dam is fascinating with a water shoot so power ful, it’s hard not to stare and dif ficult to pull yourself away.
This protected watershed is managed and maintained by the City of Longmont. The reser voir provides that city with water. I have learned since this hike that the area was severely damaged in the 2013 flood. The preser ve was closed for 643 days before it reopened to the public in June of 2015!
In total, our hike was about 4.7 miles and considered a moderate outing with an elevation gain of 605 feet.
Dogs are also allowed on this trail and we saw a lot of them. They must be kept on a leash. For a beautifully forested and dynamically dif ferent hike nearby, consider tr ying this trail.
Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail-Gazette Some of the switchbacks at Sleepy Lion are surrounded by stunning rock walls.
Centennial Open Space. Improvements and beautification of this open space took place in 2017 in honor of Estes Park’s 2017 centennial. Sleepy Lion in Button Rock Preserve
For a glorious hike near Estes Park but not in Rocky Mountain National Park, I went with the Weekend Warrior group of the Estes Park Newcomers Club to Sleepy Lion in Button Rock Preser ve. The winding trail provided a wonder fully surprising and beautiful experience.This is a great rocky trail with a few steep climbs that is rated moderate. It is heavily traf ficked and there are limited spaces, so it is good to go in the morning. We left Estes Park about 7 a.m. to travel down to Longmont Dam Road (County Road 80) near Lyons and it worked out fine. After the turn, you drive 2.7 miles to the Preser ve.
The trek begins on a wide gravel road that takes you beside the Nor th St. Vrain Creek. We passed amazing rock formations which are provide quite dif ferent scenery than what you see in Rocky Mountain National Park.
You can tell a big dif ference in the vegetation, too, with various kinds of cacti growing along the trail.
When you get to the trail off of the main road, it becomes rocky and steep with many switchbacks. There are so many trees here and they were green and beautiful. We had to stop a couple of times to catch our breath, but what came next made the ef fort wor thwhile.
The trail takes you to a wonder ful meadow area. Wild turkeys and Aber t’s squirrels greeted us as we trekked our way through. Others have repor ted seeing osprey, eagles, great blue herons, coyotes, black bears and even the occasional mountain lion.
The next highlight of this hike is a boulder-filled ridge that looks over the Ralph Price Reser voir and out toward the mountains beyond. We got a look at some dramatic – and dif ferent — views of Long’s Peak, Mt. Meeker and Twin Sisters. The surrounding pine forest is pristine and verdant. The green seems uninterLake Estes Loop Trail
For a quick, scenic hike inside the town limits which you can make as leisurely or dif ficult as you want, try to Lake Estes Loop Trail. This is a 3.8-mile paved path that draws locals and visitors alike.This is a delightful way to feel part of the community during the pandemic. The bright sunny morning I went by myself, I delighted in the people of all ages enjoying the great outdoors, from cyclists to joggers to mothers pushing strollers.
You can star t anywhere by parking in the lots near the lake or the Visitor Center. I parked at the Dog Park and walked under the highway bridge to begin.
The elevation gain is only See HIKES, pg. 37
190 feet. From where I star ted, that uphill climb from the edge of the lake around Mall Road came first.
Bobcats’ season ends in semifinals – Videos and photo gallery included.
Looking at the beautiful lake from the top of the hill, I watched the boaters and paddle boarders and people fishing from the edge of the lake. An entire flock of migrating geese settled on the lake for a rest after making a honking ruckus during their landing.
After the brief climb, the trail takes you below the 70foot tall Olympus Dam through a meadow that often features wildlife. Walking along the edge of the dam back up toward the lake, I saw many couples – young and old – enjoying the brilliant blue mountain morning together.
Interesting features of this
At the eastern side of the lake, there are many more trees and what is the only measurable shade along the route.
Lake Estes is nearly a mileand-a-quar ter long and a third of a mile wide. There are lovely vistas everywhere you look. I worked up a sweat and felt like a part of Estes Park in a way I hadn’t for a long time.
Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail-Gazette Lake Estes is nearly a mile-and-a-quarter long and a third of a mile wide.
side of the trail include exercise stations, a walk past the marina and a view of the new location of the Dunraven Inn with diners enjoying their meals on the deck.
On this side of the lake, I began to notice the golf course filled with spor tsmen and elk. A little fur ther along the trail and the river winds along the right side. A small wooden bridge takes you across. Brainard and Long Lakes
Just a short drive south of Estes Park near the Town of Ward is an excellent place to hike. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area, run by the U.S.D.A. Forest Ser vice, is accessible with well-kept trails and knowledgeable rangers on site. The trail I hiked recently is a high one, sitting at about 10,500 feet See HIKES, pg. 38
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elevation. The elevation gain during the 4.9-mile trek was about 400 feet. As autumn erupted in all of its glory, this trail was full of changing colors and beautiful water features. I was also treated to spiky peaks with patches of snow on top and beautiful streams.
We star ted on a paved road around Brainard Lake itself which reflected the clouds in the brilliant blue sky and mirrored the lovely trees that line the edges. A huge boulder near the shoreline is a favorite for visitors taking photos of themselves.
There are plenty of picnic tables here and restroom facilities.
When we reached the Long Lake Trailhead, the walk became more of a hike. The aptly named Long Lake is nestled in a beautiful part of the recreation area. You begin by walking past a sign for the Indian Peaks Wilderness boundary.
The Long Lake Loop (also called Jean Lunning Loop) is considered an easy hike that takes you 2.8 miles around the lake.
During the first part of the hike, you are nestled in trees and not walking right along the water. However, the views of the mountains beyond are stunning, from bald mountains to spiky mountain tops and even a glacier.
After rounding the tip of the very long lake, you begin a decent that takes you near the edge of the water. This was my favorite part of the trail. Many small inlets are perfect places to stop for a rest or a picnic.
When I read up on the hike, it said this is a prime spot for moose, though we did not see any the day were there.
Toward the end of the Long Lake Loop, you cross over the South St. Vrain Creek.
Not Provided / Estes Park Trail-Gazette The Brainard Lake and Long Lake trails are full of lovely colors and beautiful water features.
When you are on a picturesque footbridge, look back upstream for an incredible view of Apache Peak (13,441 ft.) and Shoshoni Peak (12,967 ft.).
Other trails at this site include Beaver Creek Trailhead, CMC Trail, Little Raven Trail, Mitchell Lake Trailhead, Red Rock Trailhead and Waldrop Trail.
To get there, from Colorado Highway 72 at Ward, turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road. Travel 2.5 miles to the Brainard Gateway Trailhead, and continue another two miles to Brainard Lake. The entrance station is open seasonally.
Parking at Brainard Lake Recreation area is limited and costs $12. This is a popular spot, so you may want to head out early. The sights are worth the effort. Estes Cone
A strenuous hike – not for the faint of heart – is the Estes Cone in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail is particularly challenging and spectacular in the winter. The payoff for the 6.5-mile hike is worth the effort.
When you arrive at the top, you’ll be treated to 360-degree vistas that will take your breath away.
To hike the Estes Cone, start by driving to the Longs Peak Trailhead off of Highway 7 south of Estes Park. This is the starting point for several hikes, so be sure to follow the signs.
The hike begins at an elevation of 9,405 feet. By the time hikers reach the summit, they will have climbed 1,790 feet to arrive right at the tree line at around 11,006 feet.
You begin by following the East Longs Peak Trail. This is a lovely climb up through a beautiful forest of spruce, fir and pine. The trail is wide and easy to follow for the first half mile or so.
Turn right to follow the trail to Eugenia Mine. This is an old (failed) mine. It opened in 1905, but the dreams of finding rich ore never yielded a profit. The entrance and the park sealed it off in the 1960s. Still, it’s an interesting landmark on the trek to the Estes Cone.
During this first part of the hike, you can see the Cone peeking over the trees on your right, giving you a fine look at your final destination.
Continue from Eugenia Mine to Moore Park, which is a lovely meadow providing very different views from the first part of the hike. On the other side of this meadow, you take a very sharp left and begin your ascent up into the trees once again.
From here, the hike gets more challenging and rewarding.
At 2.6 miles in to the hike, you’ll reach Storm Pass. Trails from here go to Lily Lake and Bear Lake. To get to Estes Cone, take the trail straight ahead.
At this point, the trail gets rockier and steeper and harder to follow. Luckily, many hikers have built piles of rocks to help lead the way.
We had to take several breathers on this stretch as the incline and the altitude took our breath away at times.
Upon reaching the top, however, all of the effort and time spent getting there fell away as we took in the incredible views of Longs Peak, the Continental Divide Mountains and a look into Estes Valley. You can even pick out Lake Estes below.
We rested and ate at the top as we drank in the beautiful vistas laid out before us. The astounding sight even brought tears to my eyes. That is how extraordinary the views are at the top of Estes Cone.
Coming down the rock scramble at the top is fairly challenging. However, once you get to Storm Pass, the descent becomes much easier and takes less time.
All in all, this hike took us five hours, though I’m sure more experienced hikers can make the climb in less time.
Estes Cone is not the result of a volcano, but it’s shaped in the classic conic form. The shape is the result of erosion, possibly due to the fact that the cone is not near other mountain peaks.Finally, if you attempt this hike, it’s probably a good idea to make this climb on a day that is not too windy.
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