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Estes area hike 11/12

PostPosted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 7:34 pm
by gethikin
Hello,

I am going to be in Estes Park area this weekend for the first time. Any recommendations for a "must see" hike in the 4-8 range? Are most areas snowed in yet? If so-any good areas to drive to for photos? Thanks for any suggestions.

Re: Estes area hike 11/12

PostPosted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 9:32 pm
by Kiefer
gethikin wrote:Hello,

I am going to be in Estes Park area this weekend for the first time. Any recommendations for a "must see" hike in the 4-8 range? Are most areas snowed in yet? If so-any good areas to drive to for photos? Thanks for any suggestions.

Town is down to light snow on the ground now. More up in the park (obviously).
Try starting with these:

*Gem Lake- Moderate but short hike with great views of the Estes Valley. The Lake (pond) itself is tucked away and rather pristine and secluded. Good scrambling opportunities on the surrounding granite and up what we call, 'The Gemstones'...East, Middle & West Gemstone. Good trail.

*Crosier Mountain- There are three trailheads to access Crosier. Each one is progressively longer, so you can kind of control how long you spend. The summit crag is smallish but lots of flatter areas just below it to sit & chill. Phenomenal views of the WHOLE Estes Valley, the front of the Park and Longs Peak.

*Mt. Olympus- This bad boy is located at the tail of Estes Valley off hwy. 34. It's fairly noticeable & prominent. There are NO established trails up to the summit but cairned social paths exist through the woods. Again, killer summit views. This one is a bit of a locals, hidden gem.

*Twin Sisters- This gemini summit used to function as a fire lookout for the Tahosa Valley (south of Estes Valley/Longs Peak area).
This is a popular, solid trail, around 4 miles OW. Great views from the summit of Longs Peak (directly west), the Front Range (east).
There's a social trail from here further south to the apogee of Twin Sisters Mountain, a separate, ranked peak. This is a good one.

*Estes Cone- This is likewise, an easy hike that starts at the Longs Peak Trailhead (9100+). It's popular with locals and once you leave the main trail, you can expect to see little people if any. Admittedly, the views aren't the best from the summit but it's a good, rewarding hike.

Photography:
* St. Malo Church (8 miles south on hwy.7)
* Peak to Peak Highway (heads south to Jamestown, Central City/Blackhawk)
* Many Parks Curve (RMNP)
* Estes Lake (the path that goes around the lake)
* Bear Lake (RMNP)
* Mills Lake (RMNP)

***Estes park CANNOT be reached Loveland. Highway 34 is closed at the mouth of Big Thompson Canyon due to road repairs stemming from the flood a few years back. Only way to reach it is from hwy. 36 via Lyons/Longmont. FYI.

Re: Estes area hike 11/12

PostPosted: Tue Nov 21, 2017 11:37 am
by gethikin
Thanks for the reply! We ended up hiking up to Emerald Lake. Windy, cold and slippery but a great hike!