Lily Pad Lakes Hike, out and back, 3.2 miles total, elevation gain 200 feet. High Point: 9,920 feet
Directions: From the Silverthorne 1-70 Exit, talke 205 North to Colorado 9 to Wildernest Road. Wildernest road eventually turns into Ryan Gulch road which is the road that will take you to the trailhead. The trailhead is next to the Buffalo Mountain cabin trailhead. Parking is on the left side of the road.

There are two trailheads to this hike, one from Silverthorne and one from Frisco. My experience today was from Silverthorne.

The Good: This is a wonderful family winter hike. The elevation gain is limited and the trail is very safe (no ledges or drop-offs). The trail is clearly marked. After the initial road that you follow to the trailhead, the trail veers off when the road curves into a satellite tower. I wish I would of have had a map so that I could have planned out a thru-hike into Frisco. I think this thru hike would be a perfect first backpacking trip for a parent-child duo or a new hiker.

The Bad: There are so many hikes to choose from around this area that I would only do this one in the winter because it is so short and easy. The snow makes it more difficult (three miles seems like five miles.)

The Beautiful: One of my favorite parts of the hike is at the start when you see an open view of Dillon Reservoir and all of the surrounding mountains. The hike climbs up into a beautiful pine forest and today I was just struck by how beautiful the snow sparkled in the sun as it fell off the trees. I had several moments of tears in my eyes out of the sheer beauty of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness. #eaglesnest #silverthorne#familyhike #summitcounty #solohike #lilypadlakes #easy