Lily Lake and Trail - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Lily Lake and Trail is one of the most beautiful places in Larimer County, Colorado. The area is teeming with wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and moose. Lily Lake itself is a great place to fish for greenback cutthroat, but it is catch and release only. The trail offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, and is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. In the winter, Lily Lake and Trail is a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The trial of the lake provides atunning views of Estes Cone and of the two highest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park -Mt. Meeker and Longs Peak.

Lily Lake was formed over 10,000 years ago when a large glacier melted and created a large pool of water.The lake got its name from the abundance of lilies that used to grow in the area. Today, the lake is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and picnicking.

The lake is situated at the headwaters of Fish Creek, which flows into Lake Estes. The lake covered 14 acres of surface area containing 39 acre feet of water but a dam constructed in 1915 increased that to 17 acres, with amount of water to 75 acre feet of water. In 2010 the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation rated the Lily Lake Dam as a high potential hazard. Although the park considered removing it, the decision was made to repair the dam in 2012.

The best time to visit Lily Lake and Trail is from June to September when the weather is warm and dry. During this time, the wildflowers are in bloom and the days are long. 

1. The best time to fish is early morning or late evening when the sun is not strong.
2. There are several benches along the trail where you can stop to enjoy the views.
3. Access to Lily Lake is limited to foot traffic only - no vehicles are allowed beyond the parking area.
4. The lake is stocked with trout each year, so you're sure to have a good chance of catching something!
5. Start your hike early in the day. Not only will this help you avoid the heat of the midday sun, but it will also give you a chance to see wildlife that is most active in the early morning hours.
6. Note that there is limited cell service in the area. So if you're planning on using your phone for directions or taking pictures, make sure to download what you need before you start your hike.

1. Lily Lake is stocked with greenback cutthroat trout, a federally listed threatened species.
2. A dam was constructed in 1915 in order to increase the size of the lake.

Many visitors to Lily Lake and Trail underestimate how much time they need to explore the area thoroughly. While it is possible to complete a quick visit in an hour or two, in order to truly appreciate all that Lily Lake and Trail have to offer, it is best to allow at least half a day. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy the scenic views and take a leisurely hike around the lake. If you are short on time, it is still possible to enjoy Lily Lake and Trail, but by allowing yourself enough time, you can make sure that you don't miss anything.

To get to Lily Lake, take Estes Park exit 232 off of I-25 and follow Highway 36 for about two miles into town. Once you're in Estes Park, turn left onto Macgregor Avenue. Follow Macgregor until it dead-ends at a T-intersection with Moraine Avenue. Then, turn right onto Moraine Avenue and proceed for about a half mile until you reach the Lily Lake trailhead on your left. The Lily Lake trail is an easy, kid-friendly hike that winds around the edge of the lake.

The entrance fee to Lily Lake and Trail is $3 per person for those aged 16 and over. The fee for Seniors aged 62 and over is $2, and for children aged 15 and under, the fee is free.

Lily Lake and Trail is open all year round, but the hours vary depending on the season. In summer, the trail is open from 6 AM to 8 PM, and in winter it is open from 8 AM to 4 PM.