ECC001
Location: 40.3064193725586, -105.53800201416
Begin on wide, crushed-stone path
ECC002
Location: 40.3047294616699, -105.540298461914
Veer L onto 2-track dirt road (poorly marked). In a few strides, swing R onto thin trail, following signs to Estes Cone
ECC003
Location: 40.3028297424316, -105.541702270508
Veer L onto 2-track dirt road (poorly marked). In a few strides, swing R onto thin trail, following signs to Estes Cone
ECC004
Location: 40.3018493652344, -105.544799804688
Stairs drop into an offshoot of Aspen Brook, deeply cut from rapid spring melt (only a trickle in midsummer)
ECC005
Location: 40.3004684448242, -105.545600891113
Go straight @ 4-way; immediately cross bridge. Trail begins climbing
ECC006
Location: 40.3044013977051, -105.550102233887
Cross more bridges and under a few large, lifeĀless aspens where hawks prey on squirrels and mice in the forest duff. Eventually, pass through short hallway of tilted rocks to a brief overlook above Lily Lake
ECC007
Location: 40.3012008666992, -105.557197570801
After a few switchbacks, trail eases briefly near two VW-bug-sized rocks among conifers and stacks of deadfall tinder. Intermittent views of the Twin Sisters to E
ECC008
Location: 40.2949981689453, -105.560943603516
Path boomerangs around the W side of Estes Cone
ECC009
Location: 40.2918701171875, -105.56909942627
Hulking, sheer Diamond Face of Longs Peak dominates W horizon. Keep hiking: Eye candy gets better!
ECC010
Location: 40.2930488586426, -105.573799133301
Reach Storm Pass; turn R to begin short, steep ascent of Estes Cone
ECC011
Location: 40.2941017150879, -105.570701599121
Caution: Rocky trail switchbacks @ odd places. Watch for random cairns
ECC012
Location: 40.2952919006348, -105.567398071289
Estes Cone (11,006 ft.): Summit serves up views of dozens of snowy peaks, including Mt. Meeker and Longs Peak
ADD A COMMENT