Lily Lake lies on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park just off Colorado Highway 7, that runs parallel with the Roosevelt National Forest.

The beautiful 17-acre lake, was originally only small but it was dammed and enlarged in 1915. It is a very popular stop as there is no fee to visit it!

There are two trails to follow. The first, Lily Lake trail, is a level, gravel trail that circles the lake and is suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities or just to sit, have a picnic and enjoy the views.

The second short loop trail, Lily Ridge, which is the one I chose, climbs above the lake and offers great views of the water below and the spectacular scenic landscape of the Rocky Mountain National park which stretches in all directions.

Fishermen also cast their lines into the lake in search of Cutthroat trout, although the shallow lake is sometimes weedy. Fishing is strictly allowed on a catch-and-release basis.

My view of the lake from the Lily Ridge hiking trail.

Before starting the descent back down to ground level, this was the breathtaking view of Rocky Mountain National Park stretching to the horizon. On a really clear day I can only imagine how photographic the view would be!

The view of my hike – the Lily Ridge trail.