| About San Isabel National Forest |
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| Lily Lake Trail |
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Elevation Gain:
1,760 Feet
USGS Map:
Mosca Pass, Blanca Peak
Usage:
Heavy
Trail Number:
1,308
Length, One-way:
3.5 Miles
Beginning Elevation:
10,600 Feet
Ending Elevation:
12,360 Feet
Difficulty:
Moderate to Difficult
High Point:
12,360
Reservation:
No
Season:
Memorial Day Weekend - Mid-October
From Highway 69, Take Highway 69 just northwest of Gardner and turn left on County Road 550 toward Redwing. This becomes County Road 580. It is about twenty miles to the trailhead from Highway 69 and the roads are signed. 4WD vehicles are highly recommended, but some high clearance 2 WD will do. There is parking for about 10 at the trailhead. Park before or after the sign.
Location Information
Lily Lake sports pleasant high mountain scenery and fishing enthusiasts may use flies and lures to tempt the cutthroat trout. Camping possibilities exists at the base of the switchbacks, but not at the lake. Bighorn sheep have been seen here and the wildflowers are usually at their peak in July. The road to the trailhead is nice for viewing the aspen colors in the fall.This trail is used by those seeking to climb Ellingwood and Lindsay. Mount Lindsay is on private property, so you need to gain permission before venturing up. The trail leading from Lily Lake to Ellingwood Point is not a trail maintained by the Forest Service. The trail follows the Huerfano river Valley Drainage. It starts at a moderate pace through open meadows. There are a couple of creek crossings that can be marshy, rocky and wet. After about 1 1/4 miles the trail splits. If you want to fish or attempt Lindsay, then take the lower trail to the river bottom. Lily Lake is accessed on the upper trail, normally there is a sign here. In the last quarter of the trail there are some switchbacks through the timber that take you to the lake.
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