Lily Pond

Lily Pond is a serene beaver-pond destination in Lake County near Twin Lakes and Leadville, accessed via a section of the Colorado Trail that delivers sweeping mountain views, aspen groves, and a quiet alpine wetland ecosystem. With a perfect 5-star rating from visitors, this spot earns its reputation as one of the most peaceful and photogenic short hikes in the upper Arkansas Valley.

The trail to Lily Pond begins at the South Elbert Trailhead and follows the Colorado Trail northward for a roughly 5.8-mile round trip with about 1,072 feet of elevation gain. The route passes through stands of aspen that blaze gold in September, open meadows with wildflowers in summer, and eventually reaches the pond area where beaver activity has transformed the landscape into a chain of small lakes and wetlands.

Beavers are the headline attraction here. Multiple dams and lodges are visible from the trail, and patient visitors who sit quietly, particularly during early morning or late afternoon, stand a good chance of watching beavers at work. The resulting ponds create still-water reflections of the surrounding peaks that make this area a favorite among photographers.

The views along the trail are outstanding even before you reach Lily Pond. Twin Lakes stretches out below, backed by the Sawatch Range, and the high peaks of the Collegiate Range frame the horizon. The trail is well-maintained and moderate in difficulty, suitable for hikers of varying experience levels as long as they are comfortable with the elevation.

Lily Pond is best visited from late spring through early fall, with July and August offering peak wildflower displays and the most reliable beaver viewing. September brings fall colors that transform the aspen groves into corridors of gold. There are no facilities at the pond itself, so pack water and snacks. The trailhead is easily accessed from Leadville or Twin Lakes, making Lily Pond an ideal half-day hike that pairs well with other activities in the area.