Lily Mountain Trail
Lily Mountain Trail
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
87 reviews
Excellent
57
Very good
24
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
0
stijntailly
Waregem, Belgium297 contributions
Oct 2019
Not technically in Rocky Mountain National Park - this trail is located in Roosevelt National Forest and allows dogs, which is not the case in the National Park - the vista at the end of this trail, however, is that of the park's peaks. Pay good attention to finding the trailhead and its very small parking area. You'll miss it if you blink as it is not clearly marked. We didn't meet many people on this trail, maybe a half dozen or so. It's 1.8 miles uphill to the trail's end and the final climb requires some moderate rock scrambling. Just pick yourself a rock to sit on and enjoy the view.
Written 20 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken A
Saint Louis, MO5 contributions
Sept 2020
Close to town and not very long. Parking can be a little tricky as there is no lot. You just park along the road, which is curvy and has blind spots. But if you can find parking the hike is worth it. Very good views of Estes Park and Rocky Mtn. National Park.
Written 22 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JM Cirlin
Overland Park, Ks250 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
I did some homework prior to this climb and it appeared to be a straightforward hike on a natural path. There were some nice views between trees and notches in the rocks as you climb. I had read that there is some "easy rock scrambling" required to reach the peak. That term is relative. If you are an experienced climber from Colorado, I'm sure that's true. But, if you have a fear of heights or you have short legs, you may find the lengthy scramble scary. Some found it more scary to come down. I'm not trying to discourage you. I loved it and I'm delighted I had the opportunity. I just want people --who aren't 25 years old-- to know it's not necessarily easy! It is beautiful and offers a spectacular pay off, but only if you scramble to the top for the 180-degree view. BTW, there is no parking lot for this trail. Expect to spend four hours or more if you're not acclimated.
Written 20 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob
Wellfleet, MA105 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
The Lily Mountain trail is about four miles long there and back to the summit, with an overall elevation change of about 1,000 feet. The trail isn't rough except near the summit, which is a bit of a scramble to reach, with due caution for footing. The view from the top affords a magnificent panorama of Rocky Mountain National Park to the north. Parking is available on the shoulder of Highway 7 at the trailhead.
The trail makes a switchback about halfway out, with another great view to the north from this point, and a convenient spot for a picnic. The lower part of the trail parallels Highway 7, and the traffic noise is noticeable. The lower part of the trail also traverses a large avalanche scar worth a few minutes observation and contemplation of this particular geologic hazard. The avalanche bottomed at Highway 7, and is visible from the road and on satellite imagery (Google Earth, etc.).
This hike is through an evergreen forest with many large outcrops also used for rock climbing. There were many birds in the forest, so bring binoculars if you're interested. Our walk was in mid-October with our dog, who thoroughly enjoyed himself. There is no water source at the trailhead, and no stream water on the trail, so come prepared with a water supply for yourself and canine companion. Also, there are no trash containers on the trail or at the trailhead, so plan to pack out your trash plus any dog waste if you're in the habit of bagging the poop.
The Lily Mountain trail has been reviewed by many on other websites, and a common complaint is the traffic noise. Yes, it's there, but not enough of a distraction to avoid the hike. We made the hike on a Thursday, and there were only a few others on the trail.
The trail makes a switchback about halfway out, with another great view to the north from this point, and a convenient spot for a picnic. The lower part of the trail parallels Highway 7, and the traffic noise is noticeable. The lower part of the trail also traverses a large avalanche scar worth a few minutes observation and contemplation of this particular geologic hazard. The avalanche bottomed at Highway 7, and is visible from the road and on satellite imagery (Google Earth, etc.).
This hike is through an evergreen forest with many large outcrops also used for rock climbing. There were many birds in the forest, so bring binoculars if you're interested. Our walk was in mid-October with our dog, who thoroughly enjoyed himself. There is no water source at the trailhead, and no stream water on the trail, so come prepared with a water supply for yourself and canine companion. Also, there are no trash containers on the trail or at the trailhead, so plan to pack out your trash plus any dog waste if you're in the habit of bagging the poop.
The Lily Mountain trail has been reviewed by many on other websites, and a common complaint is the traffic noise. Yes, it's there, but not enough of a distraction to avoid the hike. We made the hike on a Thursday, and there were only a few others on the trail.
Written 14 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate c
sarasota57 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
I'm pretty sure this is the one we did yesterday - there appears to be some confusion on the "Lily" aspect of it.
It's a nice hike on a well-maintained trail. Sure footedness is required - lots of rocks to avoid. I'm an avid hiker and like 'sticks', so if you use them, bring them. It's a 4 mile round trip hike - yes, pretty much in the shade. The views are spectacular. well worth the climb.
It's a nice hike on a well-maintained trail. Sure footedness is required - lots of rocks to avoid. I'm an avid hiker and like 'sticks', so if you use them, bring them. It's a 4 mile round trip hike - yes, pretty much in the shade. The views are spectacular. well worth the climb.
Written 7 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BradleyRoss
Longmont, CO44 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
Go early, park along the road (spots can be limited), beat the crowds and the weather. Take time to take in the vistas on the way up. The short (2 mile) climb is challenging, a good bit of vertical in a relatively short distance; but not too steep, and there are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way. At the top, the scramble up the rocky summit can be intimidating, but it is manageable. A nice alternative just outside the park and a little off the beaten path. Can be warm, take water. Dog friendly.
Written 30 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SRHannah
Pasco, WA14 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
After being away from Colorado for a couple of years this trail seemed like a good idea to break back into hiking at elevation. However, I discovered that two years away from the high altitude does take its toll. Since it is a relatively short hike (2 miles each way) we made it - with several stops to see the scenery (and catch our breath). The view from the top was well worth the effort and I would definitely do it again.
Written 2 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacquline A
United States54 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
The Lily Mountain trail is free since it is located in the Roosevelt National Park. Yes, you can take a dog with you. I would not deem it rational to drag along any animal other than one that is at least medium size and fit. This particular hike is considered moderate, but it is definitely challenging. I believe it took my husband and I about 4 hours to complete. Lily Mountain was strenuous and exciting. I am glad my husband decided to force me to climb the large rocks to the left (the right is higher up). It made the finale of the hike worth it.
Written 25 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KathBri
Davenport, IA6 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
I hiked the Lilly Mountain trail and the views at the summit were simply awesome! There is a little climb to the top, but I'm not a mountain climber and if I can do it anyone can.
Written 28 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NathFamily5
Mason City, IA76 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
Being a flatlander(iowa) i wanted to try a trail that was a little less daring than the bigger mountains and see how my lungs and legs held up with our visit to the estes park area. My 16 yr old and i decided to try this out. As others stated, there is a pull off area across from the trailhead, just north of lily lake that is easy to miss. The beginning has the customary trailhead sign and the 1st mile parallels the highway and then the ascent begins with a turn towards the southwest. I had to stop a couple times going up, have a drink of water, and slow the heart rate down a bit and continue on. It wasnt much of a problem other than just getting my vacation lungs used to higher altitudes. The last section of the trail turns into mostly rocks and it is a scramble on all fours at times to get to the top. There is a small gap in the rocks you aim for and once you climb up through it, you've arrived on top. A gorgeous view in all directions awaits you. Longs peak down and the chain of mountains to the north. Estes park and its lake sitting way down in the valley to the north. Also a nice view of the twin sisters peaks just to the east. A fun hike but dont do what we did. Ha... When departing the summit retrace your steps on the rocks along the edge to find the trail. We went down a little too far right away and accidentally missed the begiining of it. So we did something silly and just headed right down the side of the mountain. It wasnt too bad, but definitely some tricky areas, i wouldnt advise it. LOL. We made it to the first stretch of trail a long way down and lived to hike another day. :)
Written 23 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fv1989
Windsor, Colorado
18,155 contributions
Lily Mountain received snow yesterday and more snow is predicted for today (Thursday) and tomorrow. You may be able to hike the first part of the trail with boots with good tread but you will need traction devices like microspikes or maybe even snowshoes for the second half of the trail on the north side of the mountain. With snow and blowing snow, the second half of the trail can be difficult to find. The Lily Mountain Trail is not in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are some wonderful winter hikes in RMNP. Trails inside RMNP from the Bear Lake Trailhead or the Deer Mountain trail are very popular in winter. Again, depending on trail conditions, you will need traction devices or snowshoes to "hike" the trails. You can rent needed equipment from Estes Park Mountain Shop, Warming House and Kirk's Mountain Adventures in Estes Park. Employees there and rangers at the RMNP Beaver Meadows Visitor Center can give you trail condition updates.
Written 11 January 2018
I am Robert Howard. This review was posted by me in error. Whereas the category is supposed to be Lily Mountain trail, what I actually reviewed is Lily Lake. This review needs to be entirely removed entirely since there is no actual place on Trip Advisor to review Lily Lake.
Written 13 October 2017
fv1989
Windsor, Colorado
18,155 contributions
Lily Lake can be reviewed here on TripAdvisor. Look under things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park and not under things to do in Estes Park. Lily Lake is located inside Rocky Mountain National Park.
Written 13 October 2017
fv1989
Windsor, Colorado
18,155 contributions
Lily Mountain is a 4 mile round trip summit hike in Roosevelt National Forest. The trail gains almost 1200 feet in total elevation. There is something of a rock scramble to reach the summit. This trail is not located at Lily Lake which is part of Rocky Mountain National Park. If you want to hike to the summit of Lily Mountain and back, allow at least 3 hours. For details on this hike, do a search for Lily Mountain hike. Either the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers site or the Rocky Mountain Hiking Trails site are your best resources. TripAdvisor does not permit links in these answers or I would give them to you.
Ignore any reviews and photos here that mention Lily Lake or easy and handicapped accessible trails. Those reviews are for Lily Lake which can include Lily Ridge (again not Lily Mountain). Those reviews should have been posted under Lily Lake which is listed under things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park and not Estes Park.
Written 19 April 2017
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