The Spirit of the Rockies www.thespiritoftherockies.net

Hike Profiles for Rocky Mountain National Park and Surrounding Areas

Gem Lake

The hike to Gem Lake is a unique Rocky Mountain National Park experience. The trail winds through the Lumpy Ridge area, which is charterized by rock formations and cliffs rather than lofty peaks and high alpine valleys. The lake itself, although just a small pond, has a charm of its own.

Distance: 1.8 miles one-way Lake elevation: 8,830 feet Trailhead elevation: 7,920 feet Net elevation gain: 910 feet Lumpy Ridge Trailhead Rocky Mountain National Park

Gem Lake

Major Trail Landmarks There are no major named trail landmarks along the trail to Gem Lake.

Principal Destinations Near Gem Lake Balanced Rock (3.8 miles one-way from trailhead)

Backcountry Campsites Near Gem Lake There are no designated backcountry campsites close to Gem Lake

The Lumpy Ridge Trailhead is in the northeast portion of Rocky Mountain National Park. It opened in 2007 and replaces the Twin Owls and Gem Lake Trailheads, both of which are now permanently closed. To reach the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, drive north of Estes Park on MacGregor Avenue, which can be accessed from Highway 34 just west of the Stanley Hotel. After heading north for 0.7 miles, MacGregor Avenue veers east and becomes Devils Gulch Road; continue east at this point on Devils Gulch and bypass the gateway to the MacGregor Ranch area. Less than a mile ahead, the trailhead road is located along the left (north) side of Devils Gulch Road, marked with a brown NPS sign. Follow this side road 500 yards to the parking area at the trailhead. Follow the trail as it heads north toward Lumpy Ridge, then climbs through a steep section of trail to the lake.

Sample photographs of the hike to Gem Lake

The Twin Owls

"Paul Bunyan's Boot" near Gem Lake

Gem Lake

Gem Lake in winter

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All photographs are property of Mike Amfahr and are protected by copyright laws. Topographic map is property of and copyrighted by Maps a la carte, Inc., and is used on this site with permission.