If you’re looking for a relatively short hike with easy access from Silverthorne, Lily Pad Lake Trail is a terrific choice. The route has views of Dillon Reservoir, summer wildflowers, small stream crossings, boardwalks and shady forest before reaching two lakes.

I’ve hiked this trail multiple times, and it always reminds me how much scenery can be packed into a few miles.

Lily Pad Lake Trail Stats

• Distance: About 2.8–3.2 miles round trip
• Route: Out and back
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Starting elevation: Approximately 9,825 feet
• Highest elevation: Approximately 9,952 feet
• Trail use: Heavy
• Dogs: Allowed but must remain leashed
• Trailhead: Ryan Gulch Road in Silverthorne
• Fee: None for day hiking

The trail is not particularly difficult, but its elevation near 10,000 feet may make it feel harder for visitors arriving from lower elevations.

Getting to the Lily Pad Lake Trailhead

Lily Pad Lake can be reached from Silverthorne or Frisco. The shorter and more popular approach begins from the Lily Pad Lake Trailhead #50 at the top of Ryan Gulch Road in Silverthorne.

The parking area is shared with hikers heading toward Buffalo Mountain and fills quickly. Overnight parking is prohibited.

Instead of circling for a space or parking illegally, take the free Summit Stage Wildernest Loop bus from the Silverthorne Transit Center. The Forest Service strongly recommends public transportation because parking is extremely limited.

Make sure you start at the Lily Pad Lake trail marker. Another trail leaving from the same area heads toward Buffalo Mountain.

Hiking Into Eagles Nest Wilderness

This is a hike I’ve done multiple times, and each time I’m reminded how wonderful it is. Beginning with a short but steep climb along a wide road, it looks more intimidating from the bottom than it really is. After roughly a tenth of a mile, the trail becomes much gentler.

As the route enters Eagles Nest Wilderness and crosses an open meadow, turn around for a wonderful view of Dillon Reservoir and the Blue River Valley.

The trail then enters thick stands of lodgepole pine and aspen. Most of the remaining hike is shaded, making it a good option on a warm summer morning.

Wildflowers, Boardwalks and Water Crossings

Several small streams and beaver ponds add variety to the trail. Two boardwalks sit fairly close together in the forest, and the surrounding areas can be muddy during snowmelt or after heavy rain.

Wildflowers were abundant during my summer hike. Because the route stays near water for much of the way, insect repellent is a smart addition to your pack.

When you reach the Salt Lick Trail junction, you’re almost to the lakes.

Reaching Lily Pad Lake

There are two lakes at the end of the hike. The smaller one is often covered in lily pads, while the larger lake has fewer lily pads and more room to sit near the water.

It’s a peaceful spot for a snack before returning along the same trail. Don’t feed chipmunks or other wildlife, even when they turn on the charm.

Know Before You Go

Summer afternoons frequently bring thunderstorms to Summit County. Hike early, carry rain gear and don’t rely on blue skies staying blue. In winter, the route is also popular for snowshoeing, but expect snow-covered trail markers and changing conditions.

Lily Pad Lake is an easy-to-moderate hike packed with quintessential Colorado scenery. It’s short enough to combine with another Silverthorne adventure, but pretty enough to be the main event.

Check out the Explore Colorado section for more ideas like Cool Colorado Lakes and for easy and family friendly hikes, check out Waterton Canyon and Paradise Cove.