Lily Lake Trails

Date Climbed: 20Jul11

Elevation: 8,939 at the Lake

Range: Rocky Mountain National Park

Latitude: 40.30664, Longitude: -105.53739 (at Lily Lake Trailhead)

Route: Lily Lake Trail & Lily Ridge Trail

Mileage: Lily Lake - .75 miles, loop; Lily Ridge - .70 miles, one way OR 1.30 miles with loop described below

Pre-Hike Comments

We have visited Rocky Mountain National Park for years and have parked at the Lily Lake Parking Area many times; but until this summer, we had never walked the paths. We knew the paths were easy and short. In the Summer of '11, we finally walked the paths because we only had a few hours to spend hiking that day. It is a great area. We hiked the Lake Loop and then walked the Lily Ridge and Picnic trails to form another loop.

The Hike

Directions: Estes Cone is on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park (CO), just south of Estes Park on Highway 7. From the junction with Hwy 36, Highway 7 leads south as it climbs for 6.5 miles to Lily Lake (on the shoulder of Lily Mtn). As soon as the road levels out, the Lake is to the right and a parking area and unused Visitor's Center is on the left. Park in either area. This is a congested area.

Lily Lake Trail

From the trailhead kiosk, go right to begin the hike going counter-clockwise around the lake.

After a short distance is the junction with the start of the Lily Ridge Trail on the right. Stay straight along the lake.

As the trail follows the north shore of the lake, there are good views of Longs Peak and Estes Cone to the south.

At .30 miles from the trailhead a path goes up a gully to the right. The path leads to a rock climbing area (Jurassic Park) on Lily Mountain. It is not indicated on the Park's map at the kiosks.

In a few hundred feet the Lily Ridge Trail rejoins the Lily Lake Trail.

Traveling on the south shore of the lake offers good views of Lily Mountain.

At .50 miles from the trailhead another trail branches off from the lake. The trail goes through a picnic area. The tables seem to need to be reserved through the Park.

The trail continues east and crosses a wooden bridge and then before returning to the trailhead, a small pier stands over the lake.

The loop distance is .75 miles.

Lily Ridge Trail

From the trailhead kiosk, go right to begin the hike going counter-clockwise around the lake.

After a short distance is the junction with the start of the Lily Ridge Trail on the right. Follow the Lily Ridge Trail.

A few short switchbacks climb above the lake. The trail is not difficult when judged by mountain standards; but it is much harder than the Lily Lake Trail.

The trail climbs through rocky terrain for almost 200 feet until it levels out at about 9,130 feet after a quarter of a mile. There are several viewpoints.

Following the high point, the trail begins to descend to lake.

At .55 miles, the climber's trail that began at the Lake Trail crosses the Lily Ridge Trail. Continue straight.

The Lily Ridge Trail rejoins the Lake Trail at .75 miles from the trailhead.

Follow the Lake Trail for .15 miles to the Picnic Trail begins on the right.

Turn right to hike the alternative Picnic Trail (or continue straight for .25 miles for the shortest return to the trailhead.)

The trail weaves through the wooded area and joins the Storm Pass Trail after .25 miles.

To return to the trailhead go left (or straight) at the junction and continue for .15 miles to the parking area.

The total loop distance is 1.30 miles.