Lily Pad Lake is located within the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area and Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest. This short, family-friendly hike leads through a rich montane forest to adjacent lily-covered lakes in the shadow of Buffalo Mountain (12,777'). Visitors will enjoy 3-4 season accessibility, mild grades, prolific wildflowers and several beaver ponds en route to Lily Pad Lake.

Wildflowers peak in mid July, brightening the forest floor near Lily Pad Lake

A thick aspen forest lines the trail south of Lily Pad Lake

Mushrooms appear in late summer, an important food source for bears during their winter preparation

Aptly named Lily Pad Lake

Wildflowers on the Lily Pad Lake Trail

Asters and Aspen near the Meadow Creek Trail junction