Near Storm Pass Trail
June 1st can be a bit early - be prepared for snow on the trail.
Near Storm Pass Trail
View of Longs Peak, looking west from Lily Lake. Lily Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park, Colorado.
Near Storm Pass Trail
Lily Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park, Colorado.
Near Storm Pass Trail
Estes Cone from the Storm Pass Trail (photo by Ben Brockert)

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Storm Pass Trail

3.3 (4 Ratings)
A scenic connector between the Lily Lake area and the Sprague Lake / Bear Lake Road area.
6.4
mi
Distance
1,522
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
ViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.43mi
Distance
1,522ft
Elevation Gain
1,607ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
10,259ft
High Point
8,868ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
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.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Megan W