Lily Lake is a small, scenic alpine lake in Larimer County, Colorado, located along Highway 7 just south of Estes Park and within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park. At roughly 8,930 feet elevation, the lake sits beneath dramatic views of Longs Peak and Twin Sisters, making it one of the most accessible mountain lake experiences in the entire national park. Because it lacks a formal entrance gate, visitors can often reach Lily Lake without passing through RMNP entry stations, though a timed entry reservation may still be required during peak summer hours between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Hiking around Lily Lake is the main draw. The flat, paved loop trail circles the lake in roughly 0.8 to 0.9 miles, and reviewers consistently describe it as stroller-friendly and wheelchair-accessible. Families with toddlers, elderly visitors, and anyone seeking a low-effort alpine walk will find this trail welcoming. Several benches placed along the loop offer rest stops with mountain views. For hikers wanting more elevation gain, a ridge trail branches off the main loop and adds approximately one mile with modest climbing and panoramic vistas. The Twin Sisters trailhead sits directly across the road and provides a more strenuous option with outstanding views of Longs Peak.
Wildlife sightings are a consistent highlight at Lily Lake. Moose are spotted frequently, sometimes wading in the shallows or interacting with ducks. Elk families graze near the shore. Tiger salamanders populate the water in large numbers, and visitors also report chipmunks, muskrats, beavers, snakes, and a wide variety of birds around the lake. Feeding wildlife is illegal and actively discouraged by rangers.
Bird watching and picnicking round out the main activities. Four to five picnic tables overlook the water near the trailhead, and reviewers describe the setting as ideal for a packed lunch or quiet reading. Ranger-led educational walks take place around the lake during summer months. The lake freezes in winter, and visitors report walking on the frozen surface and snowshoeing in the surrounding area.
Parking fills quickly during summer and afternoon hours. The main lot is small, but overflow parking is available across the road and along the shoulder. Restroom facilities at the trailhead are noted as clean and available. The lake sits along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, making it an easy stop when driving between Estes Park and other mountain destinations.
Swimming has been reported by a few visitors, but the lake contains leeches, so wading and swimming come with that caveat. Water clarity is generally high and the shoreline is accessible in most areas, though some sandy sections may challenge true wheelchair use. The drive up from the Front Range along Highway 7 is scenic, and sunset visits produce particularly striking reflections and golden-hour photography conditions.