Rocky Mountain National Park's Lily Mountain Trail

Lily Mountain Trail

Description:
Although not in the park, this trail offers some of the best views of the Park in the area. The Lily Mountain Trail begins from the west side of Highway 7 just north of Lily Lake (about 5.7 miles from Estes Park). There is a small amount of parking on both sides of the road, room enough for about twenty vehicles. The trail makes a steady climb from 8,773 feet to the summit of Lily Mountain at 9,785 feet over a distance of 1.9 miles. The first part of the trail is an easy climb for about .6 miles along the east-facing slope above the Estes Valley. You get some great views of the valley. It then descends for about .2 miles before beginning a moderate climb to the summit. The trail travels mostly through lodgepole pine. Elk and deer are often seen near or on the trail in the early morning hours.

The trail gets steeper after making an abrupt turn to the southwest. It makes a number of switchbacks along this stretch. Keep a sharp eye out for blue grouse in this area. As you get close to the top, you must climb up through boulders. The trail is marked by small rock cairns. It is a fairly easy climb up the east face to the summit. Once on top you get an unobstructed 360 degree view of the whole area. It is absolutely spectacular. It is probably one of the best views of the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park in the area. The overall difficulty of this trail is moderate.

Features:

Length:	1.91 miles (3.07 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,773' - 9,785'
Elevation change:	1,211 feet
Season:	Jun 1 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	Moderate to high
USGS maps:	Longs Peak
Trailheads:	Lily Mountain
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Lily Mountain Trail begins from the Lily Mountain Trailhead on Highway 7. Take Highway 7 south from Estes Park for about 5.7 miles to the Lily Mountain Trailhead. The parking area is on the west side of the road. There is only enough room for a few vehicles. Go early to get a spot.

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