We had so much fun strolling about the lake looking for moose and yay saw two. It made our day. We spotted a lizard in the water which was also very special. read more

Lily Lake - Somewhere in there is a young moose. - Parks Near Me

I enjoyed visiting Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Not only is it a pretty lake, it is a great spot for bird watching and to see wildlife up close. The ground squirrels were fun and entertaining to watch. Because they are used to people feeding them, they come right up to you and beg. The short trail around the lake is easy and level. It is about 0.8 miles round trip and offers great views of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker and Twin Sisters. If you want something more challenging, you can jump on the Storm Pass Trail from here. Rocky Mountain Park requires a online timed entry reservation made in advance during peak season. read more

See all

This was a lovely stop by this beautiful lake with mountain views. The glistening of the sun and mirroring of clouds on the lake was almost magical. A family of ducks swimming in the lake was sweet to watch. read more

See all

Lily Lake is a great, leisurely trail perfect for the whole family and hikers of any skill-level. It is one of my favorite lake walks in Estes/RMNP (behind Sprague Lake) and is very easy to get to compared to other lakes within the park (you still need a park pass + reservation, though, when those are in effect). There are some other trails that branch off Lily if you want something more adventurous. Near the back of the lake trail there is a branch off where you can take the elevated Lily Lake hike in the rock cliffs; if you keep walking you past that on the branch you will end up at a little dead-end with a bench and some breathtaking views of the park - worth it! Keep your eyes peeled in the shallow banks of the lake for salamander! read more

***Review for Lily Lake*** If you're looking for a leisurely, family-friendly walking trail within Rocky Mountain National Park, the Lily Lake Trail is an excellent choice. The trail is less than a mile long and circles around the lake. The actual trail isn't anything too special, but it's those lake views that will make your savor your visit here. This trail is located right before the official entrance of the park, so you can actually visit this area without paying the National Park entrance fee (sssshhh! Don't tell anyone that I told you!). Across the street from Lily Lake is the starting point for the Lily Mountain Trail. This trail is far more difficult (actually rated as strenuous) then the super easy stroll around the lake. There's a good amount of parking and restrooms on site, but no other amenities available until you get to the official entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. If you're not looking to hike or walk around the lake, this is also a nice place to simply stop off and take a quick break from the drive while taking in the views of the beautiful lake. This is also a great spot to take a lunch break or to have a picnic since it's equipped with Rest benches and a few picnic tables. There's a popular overlook where people like to pose for pictures. I should also note that it can get extremely chilly depending on what time of the year and day that you're coming. Make sure to dress in warms layers, especially from late fall to early spring. Since Lily Lake is already on the way to and from Rocky Mountain National Park, it makes sense to make a short pitstop there on your way. The views of this beauty will make your stop worth while. read more

See all

I was bummed to find out that we needed reservations ahead of time to enter Rocky Mountain National Park (after 9am), but a woman we met in Estes park had mentioned Lily Lake as an alternative place to take our baby since the path is graded and is only a mile long. Technically, you are supposed to have a permit to enter here too but the park Rangers are not stationed there so we were lucky enough to find a parking spot and walk through. This trail goes around the entire lake and has awesome views of the backside of the Rockies. The parking lot is not that big so the hike itself wasn't too crowded. Theres also quite a few benches and logs along the trail for you to take breaks. I highly recommend this trail if you are with little ones or older folk who cannot hike anything strenuous. read more

See all

Don't miss Lily Lake when you're in the Estes Park area. 32 members of his family from all over the Midwest met in Estes Park for a family gathering. Lily Lake was one of the spots we all touched base. If you polled everyone from our trip I believe 100% would tell you their favorite day was when we met at Lily Lake. It's picturesque, memorable, easy access from the road, light hiking available. Stunning views. read more

Lily Lake - Estes Park - Parks Near Me

See all

Absolutely one of the most beautiful lakes around Estes. For us it's about 2.5 miles from our house and every single time we go there is some new to see or a different view. Different angle or cloud coverage, moisture or something. Great short walk around the lake or nice east trail up and around the ridge of Lily mountain. It's still a part of the park, so no pets on the trail. But your likely to see a moose in the early morning spring/summer time. Alway see a few duck duck goose swimming around, muskrats building a damn. Summer the water is clear and the winter your likely to go skating or walk out on the lake. Right nest to Twin Sisters trail head it's a incredible local treasure read more

This lake is so beautiful, especially during the fall. The tree's are beautiful around the lake and it is so peaceful. You can walk around the lake and it's a good trail around the lake. You can also hike up around the lake as well. it's beautiful to have a picnic here or even get a canoe or paddle board on the lake. This is a must place go to and super close to Estes Park. read more

See all

This is for the Lily Lake trail (before getting to the mountain trail). All-levels flat terrain just under a mile around Lily Lake. Perfect to bring all ages and enjoy the scenery--view of mountains are spectacular. There are a few trails that shoot off the lake trail to extend your exploring, but we stuck to the walk around the lake. Can be a bit cool and windy at parking lot, so bring a jacket/wind breaker. Small parking lot. read more

See all

The false trails aren't the easiest, but each route I believe leads to the top. Most spots are marked off with branches, so just don't step over obviously placed stones/branches and you're good! We got off somewhere but still made it to the top. great 360° View! One side is the plains and one side is a large drop with a valley below. Not good for small children. moderate challenge since there's a very small scramble, but not bad. I did it barefoot, no issues! Definitely recommend! read more

Lily Lake - Parks Near Me

See all

The trails are leisurely. The view is fantastic. There's all the essentials of wild life - birds, flowers, pine cones, trees. The sunset is gorgeous. People are kayaking. And it's easy to access from the main road. It's about 3 miles total. read more

See all

The old signs still state 2.0 miles, however, thanks to the June/July '14 work to develop a new trail after the '13 floods, it's more like 2.7 now.. The sign also LARGELY warns of mountain lions, with due cause...standing at the base of the summit, a straight shot up to capture the most anticipated views, my almost 2 yo pup has only completely erected his ears twice in his life, this being time #2, as we hear what's not quite a low rumble of thunder, my stomach and heart leaping to my throat... a deer which we originally had not seen, startles from Chuckles' movement and bolts, creating a quick caos of 5 pheasants taking flight into us as the mountain lion flashes us a look of disgruntlement along with a deep-throated snarl as it slithers and pounces after the deer.... I SSOOO wanna go the few extra yards to get to the top, but so week in the legs, scrambling for a log (of which there are many) to bat back the cat in case he decides Chuckles is easier prey, which sadly I relent would be a better option than myself, decide to head the way back down just as it starts to rain, making me hope the cat won't want to pursue.... The views into the Valley of Estes Park with low hanging clouds covering the peaks are spectacular, and the the inlets to stop and take photos are numerous along the way... Dogs are allowed along here as the trails just a mile ahead are apart of RMNP, and don't permit pets at all.. Driving up from Estes Park, signs are not visible at all, BUT is short of a mile from the Lily Lake and Twin Sisters Trailhead turnoff. If you've reached the turnoff, turn around to head back and just around the bend, on the left, you'll see the signs... Enjoy!!! It's much less traveled, all the better... read more

See all

Our dogs always accompany us on our travels and in a recent trip to Colorado they journeyed out with us. Estes Park is nestled in the middle of these amazing mountains. After touring the city we decided to go for a hike. Locals informed us of a short 4 mile hike just outside of town. The Lily Mountain Trailhead is roughly 5.8 miles south of Estes Park. We were already warned by the locals that you can easily miss the start of the hike so we made sure to slow down at mile 5.5 on Colorado Highway 7. The trailhead marker was nearly impossible to see so we were glad for the heads up. The trail takes you through the Roosevelt National Forest. This hike is located just outside of the Rocky Mountain National Park so dogs are welcome. While in the mountains we enjoyed the views looking down on the Estes Park area. There were numerous switchbacks. The first mile of the hike was relatively easy. Mile two however was mostly uphill. Roo maneuvered well over ¾ of the rocks. It was only when we got to the last portion that he needed help up the boulders. As we scrambled to the summit you could see the tree line fading and the mountain views appearing in the distance. Once we reached the top you had a 360 view of the Rocky Mountain National Park. It was absolutely stunning. This is a great place to take panoramic shots. In the distance we could see Mount Meeker, Longs Peak, the mountains along the Continental Divide and in the Mummy Range, as well as Estes Cone and Twin Sisters Peak. The climb was very much worth it. Great hike for both us and our boys! Check out more of our adventures at www.youriandroo.com. Instagram: @youriandroohike YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0l5LBcssIc read more

This is a short and very easy 1-2 mile hike. Pretty flat hike overall. But the scenery- Lily Lake- is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. When it's nice and sunny out, it makes for AMAZING pictures! read more

Kicked my tail Monday...I have done harder trails but for some reason I did not handle this trail well. It is not for a beginner. I am not an expert but know this is not my thang. read more

This was a great hike. It took about an hour and a half to get to the top. It is a little challenging, but it is well worth the view. It was fun to summit a mountain and provided for a beautiful picture at the top. Check it out if your up for the challenge. read more