Lily Pad Lake Reviews

It took us a while to find this trail, but glad we finally did. Limited parking; popular with families. Enjoyed the wild flowers along the way. Make sure to wear good shoes, as there were several wet areas.

A group of four went to Lily Lake (just outside Estes Park, CO). We hiked around the lake. I am out of shape and was a little afraid to do it. So glad I went. It was challenging but doable and so very pretty! The trick is to start the hike in a clockwise direction so you are coming down the steep side as opposed to starting the hike by climbing the steep part. And if you are like me, take the shorter path (as opposed to the long one). It is well worth the trip! I actually felt great the next day. Will do it again and then try the longer hike. Enjoy!

Beautiful hike! It was a peaceful, easy hike with our two young sons. The scenery changed just often enough to keep us excited about each new section of trail. We even saw a mama moose with her calf cross the path just a few hundred feet in front of us. It was amazing, but we stopped and gave her plenty of space to be safe.

We hiked around 10am and it was not crowded, but we met several friendly hikers.

This hike begins with lovely views of Lake Dillon and the mountain ranges, followed by beautiful woods, creeks, fun bridges to cross, bouldered areas, streams and plenty of shade with just enough sun to keep you warm in July.

Just when we started to get a bit tired and the mosquitos came out, we made the last leg to Lily Pad Lake. It was lovely with so much wildlife. Chipmunks came right up to us, a mama duck swam through the lily pads with her ducklings, birds flew all around and the lily pads had huge, beautiful yellow flowers. There were also many wildflowers along our way.

Parking was tough, so we would recommend using the shuttle - it drops you right at the trailhead. We walked from the condo we rented in the Treehouse community.

We walked slowly, took plenty of time, stopped many times to look at plants and wildlife and stopped for about half hour to eat lunch at the lake. It took us around 3 hours total, but we were not exhausted when we were done.

We've done this hike several times with our kids, and although the sign at the trail head says it is a 1.32 mile trail (2.6 round trip), our mileage always comes out about a mile longer. Not a big deal, but be prepared for a slightly longer hike, especially if your hiking companions have short legs.

The parking area along the road fills up quickly on weekends, so be sure to arrive early to get a decent spot, and to avoid the mid-afternoon thunderstorms that occur so frequently in this part of Colorado. Towards the beginning of the trail, a vast portion of the hillside has been killed to remove trees affected by the pine beetles. While it's not the most pleasant part of the trail, the cutting did open up a great view of Lake Dillon and Keystone. The hike is generally a slow climb, bot nothing steep or technical. There are lots of tree roots and boulders along the trail, so leave the stroller back at the car. In wetter conditions, several parts of the trail can become muddy; embrace the nature and deal with it, rather than creating your own side trails. Dirt washes out most of the time.

Although it is a beautiful trail, it is not maintained for horses. All of the bridges we're rotted out so we had to try to go around them, added two extra hours and a lot of stress. Our horse literally fell through the first bridge and on the two others, to get around them we had to go through deep bogs and horrible crossing conditions. Until they maintain the bridges, do not ride horses on this trail.

Lily Pad Lake trail has been hurt by the beetle damage. It was so pretty before the damage. The trail is now in the sun for more of the trail. Still worth a hike.

Lily pad lake, and the hike up to it are beautiful. Open meadows, talus slopes, great views, multiple streams and eventually a great pair of lakes at the top make this a great area. Easy enough for kids but long enough to be a moderate challenge, this hike has it all.

We enjoyed our hike with a teenager and young adult children along. It was beautiful and we saw a moose right off the trail. Great for out-of-towners not used to more difficult hikes. We found it to be about a two hour hike with taking time to enjoy the trail.

Lily pad lake has two trail heads hiked both. the eastern trail head is an easier hike. the western trailhead is easier to find. Can take the free shuttle to the eastern trailhead.

Highly recommend if you want an easy hike. My husband and I kept a brisk pace and it took us 40 min each way. We spent some time at the lake. It is highly trafficked so if you don't like other people around, this will not be your favorite. Only steep uphill is the first brief incline up the road to the trail. Trail is wide and well marked. Parking lot was obvious, but full so we parked along the road. Don't miss the main lake, when you get to the first small one you are close to the 2nd. My other recommendations is the Old Dillon Reservoir Trail for a short and easy hike.

Took a hike with my wife and kids (ages 5, 8 and 11) and our friends with kids (ages 7 and 11). My in-laws also joined us (in their 70's). Easy hike that everyone enjoyed. Lilly Pad Lake is pretty amazing and unique to the area

Nice hike with little elevation gain, great for beginners. Has a pond and a lake, our dog enjoyed cooling off in the water. Take bug spray!

Great little hike with beautiful views. Easy with small elevation gain. Hike is rocky in some areas so wear good shoes.

Great picnic hike. Beautfiul view. DO BRING BUG REPELLENT. This is a moderate family and dog friendly hike. There are a couple of stream crossings, but nothing dangerous. EAsy parking at the trail head.

This is an easy family hike to a nice little lake. It took a little longer than I thought it would, but still really enjoyed it. I was surprised at the very young kids that were on this trail. I stopped and talked to them and they were all having a great time. Some families brought a picnic lunch to have at the lake. Be prepared for all the dead beetle trees, that part was sad, but I don't imagine that kids noticed much.

This is a great hike with great views along the way. Good for the entire family and for all ages. Our family of 5 really enjoyed it. Dead trees in certain areas. Nice variety...forests, meadows, and the reward of the beautiful lake at the top. A great way to spend 2-3 hours.

This is supposed to be a very easy hike but I found the trail VERY rough and rock strewn. There is little elevation gain so that is not a problem, though you are up around 10,000' or so. Large swaths of forest have been cleared at the start, I presume for fire mitigation for the Wildernest residential area. Nice for a walk.

Uphill start evens out to a fairly easy trail with wildlife like chipmunks and ducks. A couple of views of Dillon Reservoir, a stream, and the two small lakes make the trip more enjoyable.

We don't live at altitude any more, and we don't hike that much, either. This was perfect for our varied ages and for our dogs! Pretty level, a variety of scenery, some foot bridges, wildflowers, a lily pad pond, and a like with a sandy shore. The dogs had a great time swimming and retrieving sticks thrown by little boys along the shore. A perfect day!

It is about 3.3 miles round-trip for this hike. The first 100 yards are up hill. You are immediately rewarded with a mountain view and a view of the Dillion reservoir. It is beautiful.

Continuing the hike you have a wide path with a few creek crossings. You end at Lily Pad Lake. It is well named as it contains hundreds of lily pads.

This is a very nice hike that is appropriate for beginners and children.

In mid summer when the water lilies are in bloom. Considering I live 49 feet above sea level, ony hike at 9k feet is a bit of a challenge but it is a doable hike. Kind of fun crossing streams on wooden bridges or in one case a downed tree. There are several rocky areas and many, many exposedvtree roots but these things remind you that you are on a hike, not a walk.

The first 100 yds is the toughest! Make sure to walk to the 2nd lake, we almost stopped too soon! Go early to avoid heat. It is a popular trail.

The first part of the trail is steep, but it quickly becomes a regular mountain hike. Lots of variety along the way. And the lily pads were abundant in the first lake. Go early in the day. We started at 7 for a quiet hike; met later hikers on our way down. Trail entry is a few hundred feet from Buffalo Mountain trail, and uses the same parking lot. We did this hike in the middle of August.

Nice easy to follow gentle trail through the woods to a scenic pond. Saw lots of wildlife on the way and worth a look.

Nice short hike ,but beware this hike is short but steep. This trail is very popular so don’t expect solitude. Best time spring and fall for the Aspens

We have hiked this trail several times. Small steep hill at the beginning but rest of the hike to the lakes is fairly level. Mostly shaded and two pretty lakes at the end of the trail. Pretty popular hike. Good for most ages, our 4 year old usually ends up on my husbands shoulders for part of the time.

We love this hike in the winter and the summer. Beautiful vistas, lots of people, awesome little lakes and a great spot for a picnic! We live just down the road and will always enjoy our Lily Pad Lake hikes!

Loved this walk, wildflowers but shady. Awesome. If you start from the Frisco end it is pretty rocky and a bit steep...more moderate than easy. But, it is gorgeous! Main PROBLEM: crowds!! Don't go on a weekend, and go early!

After doing some of the more severe hikes over rocks and boulders this trail was refreshing and a nice change. It's about a mile and a half trail through the woods with some areas that needed some balancing. Most of the trail is in the shade. Beautiful views of the pine trees! We saw a coyote and beaver on the trail. Saw large footprints of maybe an elk. Very secluded. Beautiful Lilly pad at the end. Must be beautiful in the springtime when in bloom. Did see a few ducks on the pond....no fish. Pretty quiet trail....not many people on it.

Got started a little late in the day but was a very relaxing and peaceful treck through the hills above Silverthorne . Great way to burn off some energy and enjoy creation. Actually arrived back at the trailhead at nightfall and had the most amazing view of the lights of the Silverthorne/Dillon communities as well as the trail of car lights up I-70 up to the tunnel and Keystone's night skiing.

The trail to reach the lake isn't that long or difficult. The views are worth the short hike. There are several lakes or ponds. It's a good place to take the dog. They can romp around on the lake shores or in the water. It would probably be a good place to take kids due to the ease of the trails and short distance. It is a short drive from Denver. You have to drive to Silverthorne, exit on the left side and go up the hill past the Outlet Mall. It makes a good day trip or could be included as part of a tour of one of the many beautiful places to visit.

We were staying right at the base of this hike. It was a beautiful hike that ended at both the lily pad lake as well as another larger lake. The view of Dillon Lake at the beginning was stunning. It is a moderate hike. Not much extra elevation. There are chances to branch off and explore. We truly enjoyed our time. We were gone for a little over 2 hours.

This is a hike that that our entire family enjoys! It's not too long, and not too short, and reaching "Lily Pad Lake" is a great goal for little ones.

This trail is now out of control. So overused that the county is beginning to ticket cars parked illegally. You cannot park in the road and obstruct traffic including the Summit Stage. Park at the transfer station in Silverthorne and ride up. We just had a wildfire up there. No smoking or open fires. Be smart

Nice hike for older children and adults. Peaceful and beautiful scenery. We did this hike on a Monday late morning and not much traffic on the trail. Seeing the beautiful Lily Pad Lake is well worth it.

It was pretty busy when we went up on a Saturday morning. We went with some friends and our kids, 9 and 4. It's really rocky and there are tree roots everywhere so hiking boots or good tennies are a must. There are fallen trees to climb over or crawl under, lots of bridges and mud. We had a great time. Our 4 year old only made it about half way before we had to turn back, but my 9 year old and our friends made it up to the lake where there were baby ducks and great views.

About 1.5 mile hike into lily pad lake and there is another bigger lake right behind it. Easy for kids, very cool hike in and among the lodge pole pines and aspen trees. The total hike is about 3.5 miles round trip. Trail is well marked. Enjoyed it very much.

There are two ways to get to Lily Pad Lake -- from the trailhead near Silverthorne (looked complicated to find) or from the trailhead just off the intersection of Hwy 9 and I-70. We started at the latter (our phone sent us there when we typed in Lily Pad Lake). Go to the north side of the I-70 / Hwy 9 interchange and take the gravel road west - maybe half a mile down there is a parking lot. The trailhead is on the northwest corner of the lot.

This trail climbs around 650' over the course of approximately 1.7 miles (this is based on my FitBit - which isn't exactly the most accurate measuring device - but you get the idea). The trail parallels / crosses Meadow Creek as it passes through pine and aspen forest, with a few openings in meadows. There are views south of the mountains and Lake Dillon. It has been a rainy summer in Colorado, so the wildflowers were still pretty common.

Don't miss the righthand turn to get to Lily Pad Lake. First you'll pass a small pond, then see a medium sized mountain lake (without lily pads). Continue along the trail to the east of the lake to get to Lily Pad lake that, indeed, is covered in lily pads. Unfortunately, a majority of the trees in this part of the forest were killed by the pine beetles. But even so, it is a relaxing hike through forest and meadows, with a pretty lily pad filled lake at the end.

Nice hike and beautiful scenery, although the trail was a little rocky. Get there early as the parking lot fills up, and there is nowhere else to park, other than riding a bus there.

An easy and short trail. However, the trail was packed with families and dogs. Labor day weekend! It was too busy for us. We went past the lake to the meadow lark trailhead and continued up that way. This was more peaceful. We only saw one other couple and two trial runners. The Lily Pad trail had about 100 others out. All had their dogs on leases, but just too busy for us.

Pros -
Great distance of 3.3 miles total, 400 ft elevation according Apple Watch.

Variety of terrain, rocks, roots, dirt, small wood foot bridges.

It was challenging but absolutely doable for our group of 7 kids ranging from 4-11 yrs.

Good hike with a destination to look forward to being the lake.

Cons -
Lack of Parking.
Limited to 20 spots that are usually full. Requires extra logistics to be dropped off at trailhead because simply no parking around.

We try to head up to this pretty lake every summer. You can either come at it from the Wildernest Road, or from the road off the roundabout at I70 coming out of Frisco. The Wildernest side is way easier. The Frisco side is a fairly steep hike, with according to my fitbit, 75plus flights of stairs, but has prettier veiws along the way to get there.

This was a great moderate level hike. Definitely recommend sturdy hiking shoes, as there are lots of rocks and uneven terrain. The trail is mostly shaded, with some open space to start. I saw lots of families with small kids, but would recommend lots of water and snacks if you have little ones with you. We spent about 2.5 hours on the trail. There are two beautiful lakes at the turn around point. One covered in lily pads (as advertised) and one clear, still lake with lots of ducks and dragonflies. The only downside of this hike was the limited parking. We got to the trail head around 10 and had to make several laps before a spot freed up.

A couple of asterisks: this reviewer has over 80 reviews, mostly of trails in our national Parks with 92 approvals. Secondly, this hike was in the first week of June, 2017. Now to the nitty-gritty. This is a highly touted Trail, and we saw a large group of kindergarten kids heading out as we came back to the trailhead. Yet we found the Trail--perhaps a quarter mile in to be boggy and then streams of water flowing in the Trail. Farther on, there were so many downed trees and more bogs that the Trail was not discernible. We went maybe over a mile, picking our way and looking for the Trail, but finally had to turn back. Maybe we too early in the hiking season, but the trail really needs some work and some markers. I located a couple cairns that really didn't help. Go hike someplace else, like Lower Cataract Lake, or North Tenmile Trail out of Frisco!!

Great easy family hike! Once you get by the first part kids like the sights. Lily pad dam was made by a beaver who apparently moved.
Sadly you will see the effects of the pine bark Beatle on the pine trees.
Good place to get used to altitude.

Great little hike-not too long. Maybe a little strenuous for those not used to the altitude, but not too difficult. Lots of nice views. You might see some wildlife. Its a pleasant way to experience the local scenery.

This is a beautiful hike once you get past the first steep part! Don't stop when you reach the first lake. Keep walking and you'll see another lake! Very peaceful place.

Beautiful hike! A little steep, but amazing views of Dillon lake! Lily pad lake was phenomenal. There is thick forest with beautiful wide aspens. Go here if you’re in Frisco or Breckenridge!

Nice hike to the lakes. Lily pads were covering the lake. Not too hard of a walk. Some people, but not too crowded.

A very nice hike up to the Lilly Pad Lake. If you take people that have not spent much time at elevation give them some time. It is not difficult but there are some definite inclines. The lake is a nice payoff.

This is a nice hike, but there are much better ones in the area. The mosquitos here are pretty annoying, and we had bug spray. Bring some nuts for the chipmunks; they are rather amusing. The Lilly pads covered most of the lake, so it lived up to its name.

The hike from the parking is by far the most strenuous and at times the trail isn't the clearest but you aren't going to get lost either. This is a nice easy hike if you are not used to hiking at altitude and the lakes are pretty but they look very similar to most you see in the mountains. This is a great hike for kids and you feel like you are really in the woods. I would highly recommend. Just know the start is tough for about 5 minutes.

The trailhead said Meadow Creek so we were a little confused. Someone told us that Lily Pad was at the right fork. Pretty steep at the beginning but it levels off. Great hike to see wildflowers, stream, vistas of Lake Dillon and two lakes. It does not disappoint. Make sure you go past the first lake to get to the second one that is covered with lily pads. The trail was partially in shade and partially in sun. I would not attempt this with children unless they are 4 yrs old or older. There are some steep inclines

Pretty mountain hike, multiple access points for easy to moderate hiking. The Wildernest parking trailhead has the least elevation gain to get to the lake. The parking and trailhead off of I-25 / Hwy 9 has a bit more elevation gain, still an easy hike but less so for people with health difficulties that make hiking up hill at altitude a challenge. Short and easy enough for young children, even if they need to be carried for a bit.

I've done this short hike a half dozen times. It's especially pretty in the spring to summer when there's flowers. I took a picture one year which became my screen saver. It's very popular and well trafficked. From the Silverthorne end, there's a hill up which will be the steepest of the trail. One can also star at the Frisco end. One time I went Silverthorne to Frisco, walked over the bridge over I70 to the transit center and took the free shuttle back.

This is a great hike for anyone in moderate health! The trails are fairly open, except in some parts it’s muddy and water flowing through the trails with all the snow we got this spring! But overall, easy hike with little incline- in fact, the steepest incline is right from the parking lot. The smaller lily pad lake is beautiful and the larger lake is just 20 feet away! Pack water and a snack or picnic and relax at the lake before heading back! It’s approximately 3.25 miles round trip if you walk around the larger lake!

Lily Pad is an easy going trail that rises gently from the top of the road (Ryan Gulch) in the Wildernest community above Silverthorne.
It offers some spectacular views of the valley near its beginning. Then it wanders through the forest crossing several small streams with running water. It very popular in the fall when the Aspens start turning.
The climb to the lake is mild and the lily pads and waterfowl hold your attention. It's easily assesible with smaller children.
Do to its popularity, the small parking area at the top of Ryan Gulch fills fast. Get an early start or you won't find parking. Don't dare think about parking in one of the housing complexes. They will tow you.

Parking is very limited so get there early! The hike is about 3.5 miles out and back. “Forest therapy” is a real thing! The hike is easy going and well marked. Dogs are welcome on a leash. The lake and pond are worth it! So pretty and picturesque. If you look carefully in the lake you might see salamanders! Recommend taking a picnic lunch and a change of clothes for the kiddos.

This is a very popular trail. Most people go from the trailhead at the top of Wildernest (Silverthorne). It is a relatively easy, approx 1 mile hike to the lake. The second most popular route is from the Meadow Creek Trailhead in Frisco. That route is about a mile and a half each way with more elevation gain. The third route is the Salt Lick Trail that starts at the first switchback on Wildernest Road. That way is about 2 miles with about 1000 ft of elevation gain. This is the least crowded and obviously the most difficult.

We were just there again last week and the flowers on the Lily Pads are in full bloom.

This is a nice short hike but has become too crowded. It would be nice if parents kept their screaming kids quiet so the rest of us could enjoy the hike

Great snowshoe/hike. Easy and great scenery along the way. Lake was frozen over when we were there . Very enjoyable

Wonder place lovely and very zen like. You can sit here and stair at the water and watch the current shift. There are portable potties that you can use, a few benches to sit on as well as a trail for jogging and biking. Great for the whole family, couples or solo.

1. Access the trail from the Exit 203 round-a-bout and go 1/4 mile west. This is a beautiful area that climbs up toward Buffalo Mountain. About a mile up, take a right turn to get to the "lake" (anywhere else they would call this a "pond")
2. Drive or take the free Summit Stage bus to the top of Wildernest. Walk west 100 yards to the other trailhead. This is the "easy" hike.
Either way you go, take plenty of water with you. At an altitude of 10,000 ft, you will quickly get dehydrated!!
This is the route to take on snowshoes in the winter.

This is termed an easy hike by quidebooks, but I think it's easy only for Coloradoans! Flatlanders will breathe hard in several places. The terrain is rock strewn and there are lots of tree roots, you won't be able to walk this in flip-flops, delicate sandals or with strollers or wheelchairs. We saw plenty of people on the trail, most had children (walking or carrying them on their backs) and or dogs. Our little guy (10 lb Yorkie Mix) was with us, I think he most enjoyed the ducks in the lake and a very curious chipmunk that stopped by to check him out while we eat our lunch. It's been years since I've been hiking in the woods and mountains, I forgot how much I love it. We'll be back.

This is a great, fairly moderate hike to a beautiful lake view. It's got enough elevation and rocks to climb around to let you know you're hiking, but it's very do-able.

I did this hike alone on a late afternoon. The first 20 minutes or so was more strenuous than the next 20 minutes until i got to the lake. It's a beautiful path through the forest and along meadows. By the lake was a very friendly little chipmonk greeting everyone reaching the lake :-)

Very popular hike in Summit County. Can be reached from the Frisco side or the Silverthorne side however the Frisco side has lots of beetle kill trees that are down. The two lakes are very close to each other and you can catch the lily pads blooming if you are there at the right time. Like I said, it is a very popular hike so can be very busy.

Explore Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. Lily Pad Lake Trail only takes about forty-five minutes to hike on an elevation gain of only two hundred feet.

http://coppersnowboarder.tripod.com/

Pretty easy set of ups and downs. Lots of woods. Saw a moose going into the first set of trees after the initial hill and open space. Did not make it to the lake at the end because the trail was not marked well. My map had said was 1.5 miles in, but at that point there is a split with the Salt Lick trail. We went right and my GPS said we went another 0.3 miles before we gave up(it was raining too). Still and all, a fun time.

A short, but moderate hike. Trail starts at end of dirt road off of round-about with Elk statue at I-10 exit for Frisco. Have seen a moose, and a herd of elk on the trail or at the lake. Can also see reminants of mining in area. Highly recommended hike. An alternate trail starts at the water tank at top of road behind Wildernest subdivision our of Siverthorne.

A fairly easy hike thru lodgepoles forests to two alpine lakes that in the spring have yellow water lilies blooming. Good for kids, but this is in a designated Wilderness Area and all dogs mut be leashed, and no bikes or strollers are allowed.

Very nice place. From here you have a lot of outdoor Things to do. Very nice is also the Farmers Market on Fridays. The buses from frisco run in all directions and are free.

If you like slot of people joining you for an outdoor experience go on this hike. You won't have to worry about seeing wildlife because there are so many people they are driven away by he day. THe is inadequate parking at the trailhead and you might get a ticket parked on the street. It is a fairly easy hike however with a trail wider than The average sidewalk.

Make sure you have snowshoes to hike in the winter, the snow was very deep. Beautiful trail through the trees. Lake was frozen and covered in snow. The views along the walk were prettier than the destination.

Excellent hike for families of all ages with beautiful vistas. Bring water and a snack so you can enjoy the lake before the return trip.
We walked around the lake and kept our dog on the leash as required. There is a $125.00 fine of dogs are off leash.

This is a fairly easy hike that we love to take out of state visitors to. Flatlanders will need to stop and catch their breath a few time, but the payoff is worth it. The lake is very pretty. It’s nice in the fall when the aspen are changing, and the views across the valley are gorgeous at any time of the year. I think some folks snowshoe up there in the winter. We have not tried it, but it sounds fun. May have to add it to the Bucket List. Parking can be an issue- wait for a spot to open if you can.

A moderate hike for a below sea level dweller. Took some beautiful photographs. Scenery was pretty, but not as spectacular as other hikes. Saw a fox and some chipmunks. Bring water and snacks.

Pretty hike from the Frisco side. Fairly steep uphill climb but still fine for families. Hiking sticks helpful. Great views of creek, pond and lake.

Easy to get to, generally flat terrain, and a pretty reward when you get there. Remember to pack it in and pack it out and keep your dog on a leash!

A nice hike from the top of Wildernest through the woods. I prefer mountain views but there aren't any from here. Just the woods and then a pretty lake.

Loves this hike! A couple of small meadows, a beaver pond and great views of mountains and Lake Dillon. A couple of rocky areas and tree roots across the trail but you are rewarded at the end with a pond covered with Lilly Pads. Don't stop there! Go over the next small hill and the lake is so pretty.

Scroll to the conclusion to get to the point--or-- read the whole story
My Family and I wanted to go on an easy nature trail. We looked online for a very easy trail because the whole family aren't big hikers. We found this trail, and read the reviews online. The reviews said that it was a small incline and then it was flat. We went to where it took us on google maps. When we got there, it was very rocky and very steep. I knew this couldn't be the place that was described online. We kept walking and finally pulled over, we got on the phone and saw that this had about 6 1/2 miles left. There were some other people up ahead and they said that they were going to the lake. We kinda told them that they could but -- it would a long way up. We went back down the trail and decided to go find the easy way to the lake. We thought we had found it this time. It fit the description perfectly (as the review said) well, this was the wrong one too. I was mad and annoyed. We kept walking up and saw an older couple and asked them if this was the way. They said-- yeah but it's 2 more miles. We thanked them and walked back down. It was a big bust. A few days later we knew we had found the trail, I chose not to go because it could've been wrong again. They went up and walked it. It was still not what they descried but it was a way to get there. It was very pretty but the second trail we went on was the easiest even though it wasn't very easy. So, in conclusion I would suggest going on a different trail if you are looking for something easy.

I am not a frequent hiker and have trouble adjusting to altitude every time I visit the mountains. But I go through it because I love it. Two of the four of us who went have that issue with altitude. The information on the hike we had from other sources said the change in elevation was about 200 feet so that seemed doable on our second day in the mountains. That information seems wrong now that we have completed the hike but we are glad we did it.

You will need good hiking shoes. The hike is an in and out on the same path so what you see going up is the same you will see going down. It has some steep sections on the way up that coming down can be a little tricky without shoes that grip. You definitely see the ravages of the pine beetles and some aspen cutting that has gone on. But the views of Dillon Lake are great. There are several sections that are completely in the sun so wear sunscreen and a hat. The lake itself was down and seems to have almost no wildlife other than two ducks. Around the lake are also some very aggressive ground squirrels who will even get on top of your shoes to beg for food.

Round trip it took us about 3 hours including a break on the top. Our pace was leisurely. Because of the sunny spots I would do it in the morning.

A not so rigorous delight with rewarding destination. Can become crowded at popular times. Consider an early evening hike, and return by flashlight.

I'm not in top shape, so we hiked this trail. It's very doable espeacially for families with small kids. The lake is beautiful.

Easy hike with beautiful scenery. Great first hike for visitors from sea level. Trail is easy to follow.

We have been hiking around Breckenridge for over 20 years. We always selected more challenging hikes: 14ers, 13ers, and more difficult, but physical conditioning dictated a less demanding hike this year. This is a Classic hike! Wild flowers, log crossing over creeks, beautiful views and mountain lake as the end prize. It is long enough to feel like a hike, but short enough to leave time for other adventures. Wear good shoes as there are exposed roots and rocks. Bring water for safety. It is a great introductory hike for a novice while enjoyable for the experienced.

This is a good hike for someone just getting used to the altitude. It ends at the lake and if timing is right the yellow lilies are in bloom. It can be reached from two directions.

My friends and I are in moderate health but are from Missouri, and not hikers. Although most reviewers call this an easy hike, we did not think it was. For us, this was a difficult hike. So, if you are a beginner, consider another activity!

if you're into hiking and want to see some amazing views, then check this place out. if you don't like the outdoors and adventure... well... shouldn't you be somewhere else like NYC where there's no grass?

You can park your car at the top of Wildernest by the Buffalo Mountain trailhead. Or you can take the Summit Stage and get off at the stop right next to the Lily Pad Trailhead. Both trailheads are close to each other at the top of Ryan Gulch Road. Lily Pad is a relatively easy hike (taken as a hike and back route or connect it with the Meadow Creek trail or the Salt Lick trail to add more mileage). This hike is good for families with older kids (small kids will get worn out). Dog's must be leashed. It can be heavily traveled since it's a popular one for families. The trail starts out on a steep grade but then flattens out. Not much elevation gain here...relative flat for Summit County. Great views of Lake Dillon from where they clearcut the tree near the beginning of the trail. Overall, a good trail for families and beginner/novice hikers.

Much better hikes around. This one was recemmended to us by locals but was not really worth our time.

I don’t consider myself a hiker. I do maybe 3 or 4 hiking trails a year when I have the opportunity. That said, to me this was an easy to moderate trail. The worst part was right at the start with a fairly steep incline. But you are rewarded with some great views of Lake Dillon once you make it to the top. From there the hike is fairly easy; just has a lot of bumpiness. The lily pad pond and the lake at the end are nice but I wouldn’t do the trail just to see them. It’s a good little hike and you see some of nature’s beauty at the end.

Its a great hike to enjoy with visitors, or we often stop by wild ernest sportsmen the way up the hill to rent snowshoes for our winter guest. We always take our 7 year old, its challenging enough to make you feel like your hiking.

Nice walking trail for family with teens. The first hill from Ryan Gulch Rd is a little steep, but the rest of the trail is good for walking after you get up the hill. The lake was pretty.

For #1 rated hike not super impressed but maybe it was because it was cloudy, rainy. Lily pad lake was cool. For me it wasn't as "easy" as it said but I did ok. I'm sure there are moose up there!!!

The hike was challenging for 2 flatlanders from Minnesota on our 2nd day but was fulfilling to complete. I enjoy hiking to mountain lakes and the scenery around them. Lilly Pad Pond was not up to my expectations but the journey was great exercise.

Easy hike from the top of Wildernest. Get there early to avoid the crowds and get a parking space. Be quiet if you hope to see wildlife and do not let your dog swim in either lake. It is bad for the environment. Keep your dog on a leash or get a fine from the Forest Service.

Nice simple hike to test being acclimated to altitude. A bit uphill and nice scenery around pair of lakes.

This is an easy hike and appropriate for children. A pleasant walk through the woods and beautiful lake to stop and have lunch or snack.

We parked at the Wildernest trailhead and hiked the almost 3 mile trek. Be sure to take a water, as we had no idea how long it was and were thirsty. Beautiful hike through forest with lovely wild flowers. Two lakes at the end, one covered with lilies and a larger one with just a few pad groupings. Great view of Dillon lake and area.

A fun hike near Frisco. The trail was busy and lively with other hikers of all ability levels and ages. Some gorgeous views and fall leaves along the path. Once you reach the lake, find a rock and relax to take it all in. This is a great way to spend part of your day!

Lovely walk in beautiful heavily forested area. We would love to go here again. The lake itself isn't much, but our 2 children loved the hike!

The hike path has minimal markings but easy to navigate. Sadly, there are an incredible number of dead trees scattered throughout the area.

The trail start at Meadow Creek Trailhead and has easy rate but with high altitude. Trail is nice with several points to make photos. But lake was not very impressive. It is small with several bunches of lily pad that don't covered 1/20 of lake space.

Not a hard hike and worth the time it takes, parking on road sometimes crowed but you can take a bus up the mountain

This is a wonderful hike and easy for all fitness levels. We did not realize that this connects to the Meadow Creek trail that you can take from just outside Frisco. Highly recommend you connect and hike the entire trail. Easy, scenic and wonderful family activity.

Being from Florida, my lungs were a bit stressed on this hike, but Lily Pad trail was a wonderful find. Saw Mamma Moose and her baby. They crossed hike trail path only 10 feet from me. Best to leave wildlife alone, so I stood still. What extrodinary animals to look at. Rest of hike, saw no animals. The two lakes were pretty to look at, but there were way too many loose dogs not on their leashes.

I would not recommend this hike. The lake was pretty, but the scenery on the way leaves much to be desired and the lake isn’t worth the trek. There is very little green and tons of dead, fallen trees, and more trees ready to fall. Not sure what created the scene, and I assume it was in a different condition when this hike was originally suggested as the number one attraction in Silverthorn. I wouldn’t go again.

The first part of this trail was a bit rigorous but all in all not a hard trail at all. Saw many families with all ages.
No Lily pads yet but still a beautiful hike and scenery.

My family of seven did this hike on a late Monday afternoon in early August. There were a few parking spaces available of the 12 or so there....but we didn't use one because we were staying at a condo nearby and walked over. The hike has a long uphill gravel path to start, with the reward of a gorgeous view of Lake Dillon and the mountains at the top. Then there's a fairly easy hike through the woods, some ups and downs but nothing too difficult. Lots of rocks and roots in the path, so proper footwear is a must. We were fortunate enough to see a mother moose and calf just 15 yards off the path eating and generally ignoring the interested hikers. Very exciting!
Lily Pad lake is beautiful and very unique....but don't miss the other lake just a few yards further! Gorgeous views.
It was a great first-day-in-Colorado hike for our flatlander family still adapting to the altitude.

Lily Pad Lake hike is a beautiful hike that is great for young children, and long enough to feel like you have taken a good walk. Flowers, water, pine trees, meadows--and tons of lily pads--it was a perfect family hike.

One of the most beautiful hikes I've ever done is to Lily Pad Lake. We accessed the trail head taking Ryan Gulch Road to the end before it loops around. There is parking that usually fills up early in the morning. The hike starts with a steep incline, but once you've managed that climb, the rest of the way has easy going gentle hills with amazing scenery all the way to Lily Pad Lake. I've done this hike numerous times in the spring, summer and fall, but for the first time, I hiked in the majestic splendor of a winter wonderland a couple of months ago and it was as beautiful if not even more amazing with the snow covered trees and foliage and glistening snow in the sunlight. Absolutely awesome!

I hiked this with my friend as an "easier" walk on a Sunday morning. It starts out with some incline that left me breathless (I'm a lowlander - not used to the altitude), but once you're on the Lily Pad Lake trail it is not so steep. The trail goes though varied ecosystems including an area recovering from a forest fire. There are some very nice views of mountains and wildflowers. Just before getting to the lake, we saw 3 deer! The area by the lake is gorgeous. take your time, enjoy and be rewarded by this relatively easy journey.

not too hard. Best during the week-less people. Easiest access is from Wildernest.

First the sad part: I brought the ashes of my best friend here. That's what he asked for. I know why. This is a magical place in the summer and the nature, peace and quiet (and the Lily on the lake of course) will touch you too. When I hikes there last summer, we were surprised to be assaulted by mosquitos - did not expect that, but Colorado had lots of rain - so brings mosquito spray! Don't miss this easy, 1hour hike from the street.

This is a moderate hike that takes about 2 hours round trip. The water lilies were just starting to bloom with gorgeous yellow flowers in mid June this year. It was a bit rough this time as the trail had not yet been maintained and there were several fallen pine beetle kill trees that had been blown down over the winter that crossed the path. I'm sure that they probably have been cleared by now. They got an unusually heavy snow storm in late May making trail maintenance in the area difficult.

Beautiful leg and a good hiking trail to it. The trail goes up and down through the woods, so I would not call it an easy Trail.

This is our favorite hike. Don't let that initial climb scare ou if ou are starting out from Wildernest. It is an easy hike to the Lake and a great one for kids and dogs. We usually picnic once we get there. If you have two cars, leave one iat the Frisco trailhead and ou can walk all the wa there. Wildernest to Frisco is the easier way. You can also pick up Salt Lick Trail on the way back and hike all the wa down the mountain.

I enjoyed this hike even though some reviews were not very good. First of all, we left for this trail first thing in the morning (maybe 8 am) and found the parking and hiking to not be crowded at all. By the time we left though there were plenty of people coming in so my advice is to go early. Well maintained trail with beautiful views. I agree with the first part of trail being a road with a steep incline but after that it was a good wooded walk that was easy. Make sure you go past the Lily Pad lake to view the lake right beyond. Insects were pretty bad if you stayed still. So bring bug spray if you want to sit around for a while to enjoy the view.

Take the round trip by leaving one car at one end and driving to the other. It is a great hike and no bicycles allowed!!

My wife, sister, and I recently traveled to the Silverthorne area from the low elevations of Wisconsin. Lily Pad Lake was a great first hike in Colorado to help us get acclimated to the elevation and get in better hiking shape for later hikes on the trip. Being able to prepare yourself for longer hikes while also taking in the fresh mountain air and beautiful lake views made for a perfect hike for us. There is still plenty to see to make it worthwhile even for the more experienced hiker. We made this hike on a chilly but beautiful Labor Day and it still was not crowded.

I have hiked/walked this trail more times than I can count, yet I keep coming back to it. It is a fantastic trail that highlights the cool tranquil forests of the Gore Range. Though many of the lodge pole pines along the trail have been killed off by Bark Beetle, it is still beautiful.

Due to the moderate intensity it might be a little much for really young kids, but still a good hike for families.

This was the first time we had hiked this trail. A bit steep right at the beginning, but the rest of the hike is fairly easy. A lot of nature to walk thru and the lakes are scenic. There are more spectacular trails, but they are more difficult to hike.

While the lake is gorgeous and the landscape magnificent, the same can be said for just about any lake in Colorado. So, to summarize... I don't think Lily Pad Lake was worth the hike. BUT... we did go in the heat of summer, after 4 days of hiking, and none of us were acclimated to the climate. However, I know there were definitely some other hikes in CO that I enjoyed more (Alberta Falls, Grizzly Creek, Eldorado Canyon, Fish Creek Falls). That's just this Texans opinion, though.

In leaving Estes Park, we left town and discovered Lily Pad Lake. Beautiful,peaceful setting, though I would imagine during the busy summer season it might get crowded and parking is limited.

After a daunting start uphill a gravel road you start the actual hike. Hang in there at the beginning as the rest is a pleasant hike. Loved the view of the Dillon reservoir. Lovely lake just past the lily pad pond.

Easy hike to two ponds (one with lots of lily pads) accessible from top of ryan gulch road in silverthorne. Limited parking so get there early or take the local silverthorne bus - there is a stop right next to the trail head. Dogs must be on leash at all times.

We hiked this trail twice and it was great each time! My children ages 6,4, and 2 were able to walk and explore with ease. They loved climbing on a pile of boulders and we watched a family of ducks playing in the lily pads. For our first trip, we hiked it on the verge of inclement weather, and we were the only people on the trail. The second hike was a bit crowded, but my children did not mind at all. Again, great hike for a family with young kids!

Easy hike, great with dogs, peaceful and roundtrip in an hour or less. You can't swim in the lake - but they can! Lily pads all over and the sound of frogs. A neat little get away!

This was the first hike we attempted with our 6 and 9 year old kids. It was raining most of our hike, but the trail was still very manageable. The worse part of the hike was the gravel road hill at the beginning. There were a handful of fun bridges and some wonderful creeks along the path. The lakes, flowers, and lily pads were beautiful. The kids really enjoyed the chipmunks at the lakes as they came right up to join us for a snack. A very good hike for a family!

There are two ways to get into the lake and both are a great hike. We've been there many times and it's always super.

This a fairly easy hike, even though rough at times due to roots and rocks on the trail. But that makes it more interesting. The reward is the sight of beaver ponds, wildlife, lodgepole pine and aspen forest, lots of wild flowers, two alpine lakes, and obviously lily pads on one of them. After reaching the lake, instead of returning the same way we decided to continue hiking south, now on the Meadow Creek trail, for a total hike of 3.5 mi. The issue then was going back! The trail info paper we got at our hotel indicated that we would be able to ride the Summit County bus back from the Meadow Creek Trail head to the Lili Pad Trail head, however when we got there there was no sign of bus stop anywhere. Luckily a really good local Samaritan gave us a ride back to our car, which was not a short drive!

Even in the winter, the moderate (not too far or too steep) Lily Pad Lake is a great Hike thru the woods to two small mountain lakes. Maybe three or four miles round trip from the Wildernest side, it would be appropriate for maybe five year olds on up. In June one of the lakes is covered in blooming lily pads. Be prepared to cross some boggy or muddy areas. Take appropriate care for hikes like water, proper foot ware, sunscreen and bug spray. It's in a Wilderness Area so no bikes or strollers allowed. Just people,😊

Nice hike once you ascend the hill at the start of the hike. Pretty barren up the hill and across a meadow, but once you get in the trees it's pretty level and lovely to the ponds. Great hike with kids.

We loved the hike as it was short and moderate with some challenging spots. It had reasonable parking and a good amount of people on the trail. Make sure you see both lakes as we almost stopped at the first one.

Great hike (challenging), sceneic, will get a good workout on dirt and rocky path, takes about an hour

Nice view of Lake Dillon during the hike. Got to time it to see the lilies in bloom. Lots of dragon flies, birds, chipmunks.

First hike in CO on a 3 month excursion & fortunate to have found it. I met a couple also going on trail & we discovered sharing our maps there are several ways to this trail. Suggest trail going toward buffalo bill trail Rugged terrain & river flowing small waterfalls all made for a great trail.

Great medium sized hike from Ryan Gulch Road.
Don't be fooled: when you first arrive, you'll see a small pond with lily pads, but keep going and you'll find the true lake.
Since this is a popular destination, I was a little surprised to find not even one picnic table or porta potty. Plan on sitting on boulders if you are going to rest or have a snack.

went up with family 4th of July weekend. very pretty lakes, but insanely busy. Luckily got an early start so had quiet time at lakes, but return was like hiking in a national park.

I have taken my children on this hike many times. My children started hiking this on there own when they were as young as two years old. It’s a nice mid level hike that the whole family can do together. Pretty views as always in “Colorado’s Playground .”

Don’t let the big hill at the beginning deter you from this great hike. Great trail for kids with a beautiful set of lakes at the end! We had a picnic and enjoyed the sunshine when we got the lake and saw some awesome views. Definitely do this hike!

This trail is now out of control. So overused that the county is beginning to ticket cars parked illegally. You cannot park in the road and obstruct traffic including the Summit Stage. Park at the transfer station in Silverthorne and ride up.

This hike starts off fairly steep at first but then is a wonderful hike through Aspen forests and woods. The view of Lake Dillon and the mountains from some areas are just beautiful. Lily is a quiet, peaceful lake with beautiful surroundings

My son and I tried this hike after we we're turned back from doing buffalo mtn due to weather. It's nice. Try it

This is an easy hike but often gets crowded with families and pets. Its a steady hike easy grade. The ponds are a nice place to visit. with some great photo opportunities. I have seen Moose on this trail and would like to remind folks to stay away from the wild animals, pictures are nice but don't crowd them. Also, strollers are not something you should attempt to take on this trail. The parking area also fills up quickly but there is parking on the side of the rode below. Enjoy