Lily Pad Lake - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Whether you're looking to relax or have some fun. With plenty of activities to choose from, there's something for everyone. If you're feeling lazy, take a swim in the lake or lounge on the sandy beach. For a more active experience, go for a hike around the lake or rent a canoe and explore the surrounding area. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views. No matter what you do, you're sure to enjoy your time at Lily Pad Lake.

Lily Pad Lake is a serene mountain lake located in Summit County, Colorado. The lake gets its name from the lily pads that float on its surface, providing a refuge for wildlife. The history of Lily Pad Lake goes back to the times of early settlers in the area. One legend tells of a young woman who fell in love with a Native American chief. In order to be with him, she paddled out to the middle of the lake on a raft made of lily pads. When the chief died, her broken heart caused her to sink beneath the waves and she was never seen again. Today, visitors to Lily Pad Lake can still see her spirit floating on the water amid the lily pads. The lake is also said to be home to a troll who lives under a bridge near the shore. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of him peeking out from beneath the bridge! Whether you're looking for history or paranormal activity, Lily Pad Lake is sure to interest and intrigue you.

The best time to visit Lily Pad Lake is mid-July to late August. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, and the wildflowers are in bloom. Lily Pad Lake is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

1. pack your camera! Lily Pad Lake is known for its stunning scenery, so make sure you have a camera (or phone) with a good camera to capture all the beautiful views.
2.  hike around the lake - there are several trails that circumnavigate Lily Pad Lake, so get out and explore! The views from the trail are just as stunning as from the shoreline.
3. picnic by the lake - there's nothing better than enjoying a picnic lunch while surrounded by natural beauty. Lily Pad Lake is the perfect spot for a leisurely picnic lunch.
4. stargaze at night - if you're lucky enough to overnight at Lily Pad Lake, be sure to spend some time stargazing. The clear night sky offers incredible views of the stars and planets overhead.
5. Dogs are welcome in the park, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
6. Please be respectful of other visitors and do not trample the lily pads or fish in the lake.
7. Do not feed the ducks or geese, as they may become aggressive.

1. The lake is named for the abundance of lily pads that cover its surface. The lake is surrounded by mountains and forested areas, making it a beautiful place to visit.
2. There are no motorized boats allowed on Lily Pad Lake, making it a peaceful place to enjoy the outdoors.
3. Lily Pad Lake is located within the Arapaho National Forest, which offers endless opportunities for exploration and recreation.
4. In the summer months, wildflowers bloom along the trail and provide a colorful display. 
5. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including cutthroat trout and rainbow trout. 
    

A day hike to Lily Pad Lake in Summit County, Colorado is a moderate to strenuous hike that will take anywhere from four to six hours to complete. 

To reach the lake, take Highway 9 north from Silverthorne. After about 9 miles, you'll see a sign for Lily Pad Lake Road on your right. Follow this winding road for another 2 miles until you reach the parking area. From there, it's an easy half-mile hike to the lake. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of the mountains and wildflowers in bloom. 

There is no entrance fee to explore Lily Pad Lake, summit county, colorado. However, there is a parking fee if you plan on leaving your car at the lake. 

The lake is open from sunrise to sunset. It may vary depending on the seasons.