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Lily Lake and Ridge Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (21)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. Estes Park
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“A quick loop right off of the peak-to-peak highway near Estes that offers a taste of RMNP's bounty. ”

Brian Smith
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Map Key

1.1

Miles

1.8

KM

Loop

9,089' 2,770 m

High

8,922' 2,720 m

Low

168' 51 m

Up

166' 51 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly This is a short enough loop to be doable for the whole family. If climbing and descending the ridge is too much at this altitude, give it the axe and finish the complete Lily Lake Trail.

Overview

This is a great way to experience a taste of RMNP's bountiful scenery, flora and fauna. It's an easy drive (or shuttle ride) from Estes Park and the trail is located directly off of the highway.

Description

From the Lily Lake TH, start out on the Lily Lake Trail in a clockwise direction. This section of trail offers a nice, flat warm-up with stunning views of Longs Peak (14,259') and Mount Meeker (13,911') and, of course, the serene Lily Lake. Once you've reached the opposite side of the lake, look for the Lily Ridge Trail to branch off to the left - take it.

Lily Ridge Trail switchbacks its way up the ridge on the northern shore of the lake before flattening out and descending to the lake's eastern shore. This trail could prove a slight challenge for some but the views down on the lake are worth it if you're willing to put in the extra work.

Once you descend back to the lake, you'll be back at the trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

The wildflowers around Lily Lake are stunning in the spring after the snow melts. Keep an eye out for deer, birds of prey and the [not so] occasional chipmunk.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

Shared By:

Brian Smith
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 21 votes

#5

in Estes Park

#1184

Overall
  4.1 from 21 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
24%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#5

in Estes Park

#237

in Colorado

#1,184

Overall
24 Views Last Month
5,169 Since Jun 17, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

View of Longs Peak, looking west from Lily Lake. Lily Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park, Colorado.
Aug 10, 2019 near Estes Park, CO
Lily Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park, Colorado.
Aug 10, 2019 near Estes Park, CO
Lily Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park, Colorado.
Aug 10, 2019 near Estes Park, CO
Rainy this day but great views here.
Jun 9, 2016 near Estes Park, CO
Overlooking Lily Lake from Lily Trail
Jul 9, 2020 near Estes Park, CO
Longs Peak from Lily Ridge Trail.
Jul 9, 2020 near Estes Park, CO

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 96 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 17, 2023
Anne Cecere
Sep 4, 2023
Julius Rice
1.2mi
Aug 16, 2023
Diana Capellan
Jul 19, 2023
Ashley Baker
Jun 21, 2023
Molly Stewart
May 27, 2023
Rachel Solorio
1.1mi
Oct 10, 2022
Julius Rice
Aug 27, 2022
Rosie Betenbaugh
1.1mi — 9h 37m

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