Property: Lily Lake Water and Recreation Rights
Priority Area: Estes Valley (map)

Description

Lily Lake was one of the last privately owned parcels left in the area. It is surrounded by publicly owned and protected land, consequently it was important to continue safeguarding the character of the area as well as minimizing the development around the lake. Water rights were already being sold off, creating an urgency to protect the lake by preserving the water rights. Likewise the tranquility of the area was ensured when the recreational rights were also purchased and controlled.

Take Hwy 34 into Estes Park and then take Hwy 7 South to the end of the valley and up the switchback. Follow this all the way to Lily Lake which is located in Rocky Mountain National Park right across from the Twin Sisters Trailhead.

Management Summary

Management Plan

Larimer County Parks & Open Lands teamed with the Estes Valley Land Trust and other partners to purchase the water and recreation rights to Lily Lake. The rights were purchased to further protect this scenic eastern gateway to RMNP, allow for continued recreation, protect wildlife and provide enjoyment for all those who visit. The National Park Service manages Lily Lake and will use the water rights to maintain water levels.

Property Information

* Rocky Mountain National Park Associates
** Great Outdoors Colorado