Lily Mountain (WINTER)
1.
Date: May 11, 2022 (Wed)Trip Report #: none (I did not originally create a trip report for this ascent because this ascent was merely a short hike on a trail)Partner: solo2.
Date: February 18, 2024 (Sun)Trip Report #: 675 (I created a trip report for this snowy hike since its nice to have these sorts of snowy hikes for winter exercise)Partner: soloRoute: Lily Mountain trail (~4.0 miles round trip, ~1350 ft gain/loss)
A short hike to a popular summit above Estes Park, just oustide the boundary of RMNP.
Lily Mountain lies just north of Lily Lake and just outside the boundary of RMNP. A well-maintained trail leads to just below the summit, which is accessed via a Class 2 scramble. The summit provides views of Estes Park below and RMNP to the west.
Photos from May 2022
(first time hiking to the top of Lily Mountain)
It was a beautiful spring day. Nate and I had gone to Crescent Wall at Lumpy Ridge, but ended up hiking out. Wanting to burn some calories and frustration at things not going to plan, I hiked up to the top of Lily Mountain. Short and easy with a nice view. Lots of dogs and people out enjoying a walk.
Photos from February 2024
(second time hiking to the top of Lily Mountain)
Nate and I had planned to go climbing, but the clouds, wind, and highs in the mid-40's left us kind of uninspired. Trying to salvage the day, I decided to go on a snowshoe up to Sky Pond. But the Bear Lake parking was full. This is why I don't like late starts to the day. So I decided go climb Horsetooth Peak (on the flanks of Mt. Meeker). But I couldn't find the trailhead. So I decided to hike to Ouzel Falls or Finch Lake in the nearby Wild Basin. But the only spot left at the trailhead was the handicapped spot. So I decided to just go home and settle for treadmill and treadwall. On the drive home I passed by the Lily Mountain trailhead. There was one parking spot vacant. So I pulled in.
My round trip was 1.5 hours at a moseying pace. The trail was snow-covered and most people we wearing spikes, but I didn't feel like putting them on and was fine without them.
Below are some photos from my hike. It was a bit more enojyable than a treadmill workout at least.
