Description

This area is primarily a subalpine spruce-fir forest consisting mainly of Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir with huckleberry in the understory. Lily Lake was one of the last privately owned parcels left in the area. It is surrounded by publicly owned and protected land, consequently it was important to continue safeguarding the character of the area as well as minimizing the development around the lake.

Take Hwy 34 into Estes Park and then take Hwy 7 South to the end of the valley and up the switchback. Follow this all the way to Lily Lake, which is located in Rocky Mountain National Park right across from the Twin Sisters Trailhead

Open Space Features
biking, dogsAllowed, drinking, hiking, horse, restroom, trails
Management Summary
  Yes No Comments
Permit Required   *  
Trails *   Fishing and canoeing are also permitted.
  • hiking
*    
  • Mountain biking
*    
  • horses
*    
Restrooms *   At the Lily Lake Visitor's Center
Drinking fountains *   At the Lily Lake Visitor's Center
Dogs allowed   * Dogs are allowed at the trailhead area if leashed. This trail connects to others in the Rocky Mountain Park system which do not allow dogs. Please watch for regulatory signs.
Property Information
Type of Acquisition #Acres Property
Value
Partnerships
Bargain Sales
Donations
Date
Acquired
Public
Access
Fee Simple 18.2 $ 400,000 Larimer Co. - $ 40,000
Private - $ 167,000
RMNPA* - $ 33,000
GOCO** - $ 160,000
1998 Yes

* Rocky Mountain National Park Associates
** Great Outdoors Colorado

Management Plan

Lily Lake trail is managed by the National Park Service as part of Rocky Mountain National Park. It links to Twin Sisters, Tahosa Valley, Lily Lake / Roessler, and Storm Pass trails.

Click a photo to enlarge.