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A scenic connector between the Lily Lake area and the Sprague Lake / Bear Lake Road area.


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Map Key

6.7

Miles

10.8

KM

Point to Point

10,257' 3,126 m

High

8,935' 2,723 m

Low

1,534' 468 m

Up

1,548' 472 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

The start of the Storm Pass Trail leaves from the southern-most point on the road-like Lily Lake South Loop. Follow the signed turn off to the left (southwest) towards Estes Cone and Storm Pass. Early on you'll glimpse views of Longs Peak and Estes Cone. Descend into the Aspen Brook drainage and cross a footbridge. Climb up a forested hillside that comprises the eastern flank of Estes Cone. Continue straight through the 4-way junction with the Estes Cone Trail (heading north and south) and arrive at the saddle of Storm Pass.

From Storm Pass, continue west, contouring around the heads of a couple of valleys before turning more northerly. Descend gradually along a forested hillside before making a couple of steep switchbacks to quickly shed some elevation. Before long, pass the intersection with the Wild River Trail and arrive at a mini-saddle. The grade eases for the remainder of the distance to where the trail ends at a T-intersection with the Glacier Creek Trail. Either retrace your steps or take your pick of nearby meadow trails to reach Bear Lake Road and its many associated trailheads.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 4 votes

#12

in Estes Park

#27382

Overall
  3.3 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#12

in Estes Park

#2,233

in Colorado

#27,382

Overall
23 Views Last Month
3,785 Since Jul 13, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Estes Cone from the Storm Pass Trail (photo by Ben Brockert)
Jul 15, 2015 near Estes Park, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 76 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jun 28, 2023
alex Th13l
w/ the middle school boys 3.2mi
Jan 30, 2021
Ben S
We took this up to Storm pass, and then went to Estes Cone. Snow covered, but nice. We got a bit cold the on way down. 5.4mi
Jul 8, 2020
Tiffani Kurtz
Apr 21, 2019
Josh B
Feb 17, 2019
AJ Fisher
Microspikes recommended for first 2-3 miles, then snowshoes after that.
Jan 5, 2018
Daylene York
Hiked from Lily Lake to junction with Estes Cone Trail 6mi
Dec 30, 2017
Mike G
Departing from the Storm Pass Trailhead, the first couple miles had been well traveled. Beyond that snowshoes are recommended.
Aug 9, 2017
Brad Strathman
Gradual climb through Storm Pass with the option of a short connector trail to Estes Cone. Great views of Longs Peak. Finishes at Lily Lake. 8.7mi
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