Lilypad Lake: Summit County’s Short & Golden Fall Classic
- Stephen Warner
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
Breckenridge may be famous for its slopes, but come autumn, the area transforms into a foliage-filled paradise. And one of the best short hikes to soak it all in is Lilypad Lake — a mellow trail that checks all the boxes: vibrant aspens, alpine views, a peaceful lake, and if you're lucky… a moose encounter or two.
Whether you're chasing peak color or just looking for a quick nature fix near town, this one’s a Summit County gem.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Meadow Creek Trail |
Distance | 3.2 miles / 5.1 km (out and back) |
Estimated time | 1-2 hours |
Elevation gain | 770 ft / 235 m |
Highest point | 9,900 ft / 3,018 m (Lilypad Lake) |
Permits / fees | None |
Parking | Dirt lot |
Toilets? | No |
Dog friendly? | Yes |
Know before you go
There are two approaches to Lilypad Lake — this post covers the Meadow Creek route, which offers better foliage, bigger views, and more parking.
During peak foliage season, parking can get chaotic. You may need to park further down the dirt road and tack on a bit of extra walking — but it’s rarely fully full.
Alternate routes / modifications
Distance: 3.0 miles (4.8 km) out and back
Elevation gain: 350 ft (105 m) gain
Details: Easier, flatter approach from the west side. Slightly less scenic but a great option if you're coming from Silverthorne or looking for a more mellow grade.
Gore Range Trail Loop
Distance: 14 miles (22.5 km) loop
Elevation gain: 3,500 ft (1,065 m) gain
Details: A full-on alpine adventure that loops around Buffalo Mountain. This trail features big elevation gain, multiple lakes, and above-treeline views — great for a full day hiking adventure or trail runners.
The Trail
The hike starts off immediately with a climb. The steepest stretch comes right out of the gate.
But if you’re here in late September or early October, the vibrant aspen tunnel you’ll ascend through makes it feel more like a golden dream than a workout.
There’s one main junction on this trail . Stay right to continue to Lilypad Lake. The left fork leads toward the Gore Range Loop.
Keep your eyes peeled for moose. On one visit, I came across a full moose family just off the trail. Apparently, this area is a known moose hangout. I’ve seen moose on both occasions I've been on this trail.
Now for the... let’s call it "National Geographic moment."
The bull was particularly amorous and made several attempts to mount the female. I’ll spare you the full photo documentation — we’re trying to keep this blog PG — but let’s just say there was a red flag waving, and not the emotional kind.
All jokes aside, moose can be territorial, and a pair mid-courtship is no exception. Everyone (smartly) gave them a wide berth by detouring off-trail through the trees.
Post-moose madness, the trail continues gently through the forest, with occasional views of Breckenridge’s famous peaks.
Later on, you’ll catch a wide vista of Dillon Reservoir with Grays and Torreys Peaks rising behind — a picture-perfect Colorado moment.
And before you know it, you’ll reach Lilypad Lake — a peaceful little basin that feels tucked away despite being so close to town. The trail continues partway around the eastern side of the lake, offering plenty of flat rocks and shoreline spots to hang out.
Despite the name, lilypads aren’t always abundant, but if you wander a bit along the shore, you’ll find pockets of them clustered in quieter corners. They're a bit more elusive than you'd think — like the wildflowers of the pond world.
And maybe — just maybe — you’ll spot another moose. On my second visit, one was lying down across the lake, content and still. It was one of those rare quiet wildlife moments that felt like a bonus gift.
Once you’ve soaked it all in, retrace your steps back through the aspens
It’s one of those hikes where the way back feels just as good as the way up.
SS Reflections
After two years living in the Northeast, I had a high bar for foliage. I’d been lucky enough to witness autumn magic in places like Wright’s Mountain, Bog Mountain, and Mount Osceola, where every turn seemed to light up in crimson and gold.
But my first fall in Colorado didn’t disappoint. Sure, the color palette here is narrower — it’s mostly shades of gold — but when those aspens light up against a backdrop of jagged peaks, it’s hard not to fall in love.
Throw in a peaceful lake, sweeping mountain views, and a few unplanned moose encounters, and you’ve got yourself a little trail that checks way more boxes than its short distance would suggest.
