Lily Ridge

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Lily Ridge Trail is a popular trail that offers an amazing view of the Diamond on Longs Peak (4,346 m) while overlooking Lily Lake. Lily Ridge Trail is popular with young families.

Route Description for Lily Ridge

Anyone on a snowshoe trip should have Avalanche training, we recommend AIARE 2 for all backcountry travellers, and AIARE 1 is the minimum. It is important to note that when travelling through avalanche terrain it is extremely valuable to always have a companion.

Lily Ridge Trail is a popular trail just outside of Estes Park and is a section of RMNP that can be accessed without having to pay to enter the main park entrance. It is also often suitable for hiking and doesn’t require snowshoes.

The Lily Ridge trail is particularly popular with families and is suitable for people of all ages; it is also stroller-friendly, provided there isn’t snow on the ground!

This trail circles the perimeter of Lily Lake and offers the opportunity to spot some wonderful wildlife including deer, elk, and moose if you get lucky.

The loop trail starts from the parking lot. After briefly climbing a part of Lily Mountain (itself, 2,983 m tall), the trail levels out as it traverses the side of Lily Mountain, overlooking Lily Lake and Longs Peak (4,346 m) in the distance. This trail gives you phenomenal views with very little effort required. Gradually, the trail will descend back down and come level with Lily Lake. Follow the wide gravel trail around the south shore of Lily Lake to make your way back to the parking lot.

Insider Hints for Lily Ridge

Parking and Hiking here is FREE!
If you fancy dinner afterwards, why not head to Mama Rose’s for some fine Italian mainstays.
Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park takes you into remote terrain. Make sure you are prepared for an emergency with warm clothes, extra food, matches and potentially a satellite transceiver, like a Garmin InReach. Cell phones may not work on all trails.
Always check the avalanche forecast for the Front Ranges before heading out.

Getting to the Lily Ridge Trailhead

From Estes Park, take Highway 7 south for about 11.3 km arriving at Lily Lake. Parking will be on the west side of Highway 7. Alternatively, if this area is full, you can park at the Lily Lake parking lot – it is roughly a 0.4 km to the south of the trailhead. Simply walk back along the highway to reach it. You can also park across the street at the Twin Sisters Peak Trail.