Lily Pond Lake is actually a collection of small mountain pools at the eastern base of Mount Elbert. Beavers are constantly changing the way water flows around the area and you can easily observe beavers, fish, birds, and frogs at these ponds. Some of the pools are directly beside the Colorado Trail, and some of the larger ponds are further down a spur trail.

Matthew

July 12, 2023

Running

Lily Pond Lake is actually a collection of small mountain pools at the eastern base of Mount Elbert. Beavers are constantly changing the way water flows around the area, and you can easily observe beavers, fish, birds, and frogs at these ponds. Some of the pools are directly beside the Colorado Trail, and some of the larger ponds are further down a spur trail.

This is an easy detour to add on to other runs when you are passing by the area.

Astrid

August 25, 2025

Hiking

That was the starting point for our trail up to Mount Elbert.

Routes here

Best routes to Lily Pond Lake

hikers

1. Lily Pond Lake and Cozart Reservoir loop — San Isabel National Forest

9.12km

02:46

300m

290m

Colorado Trail section through aspen groves to beaver-engineered ponds and mountain pools.

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Moderate

2. Lily Pond Lake via the Colorado Trail — San Isabel National Forest

2.52km

00:45

50m

Colorado Trail hike through aspen groves to beaver ponds beneath Mount Elbert's towering peak.

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Moderate

hikers

3. Lily Pond Lake – Cozart Dam and Reservoir loop from Mount Elbert Forebay

7.54km

02:39

280m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 3,170 m

Weather

Tuesday 17 February

-2°C

-11°C

43 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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Location: Lake County, Colorado, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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Mount Massive Wilderness

View of Mount Elbert from the Colorado Trail

South Elbert Summit

Treeline on Mount Elbert

Beaver Pond

Beautiful Aspen Forest

Junction to Mount Elbert

Lily Pond Lake

1. Lily Pond Lake and Cozart Reservoir loop — San Isabel National Forest

2. Lily Pond Lake via the Colorado Trail — San Isabel National Forest

3. Lily Pond Lake – Cozart Dam and Reservoir loop from Mount Elbert Forebay

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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