One Trail at a Time: Gem Lake Trail at Rocky Mountain National Park
The Gem Lake Trail at Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular out-and-back trail located in the Lumpy Ridge region of the park which takes you up the granite boulders of Lumpy Ridge to the secluded Gem Lake.
Gem Lake Trail at Rocky Mountain National Park
Trailhead and Parking
The Gem Lake Trail begins at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead located at the end of Lumpy Ridge Rd. The Lumpy Ridge Trailhead has a medium size parking lot, but as Rocky Mountain National Park has seen a dramatic increase in annual visitation, this lot can fill up quite quickly, so be sure to arrive early! Additionally, be sure to secure an Entrance Permit from Recreation.gov as Rocky Mountain National Park requires entry permits to access the park. From the Trailhead, the Gem Lake Trail is found on the right. The trail to the left will take you along the Lumpy Ridge Trail.
The granite boulders of Lumpy Ridge along the Gem Lake Trail at Rocky Mountain National Park
Trail Information
The Gem Lake Trail is a 3.4 mile out-and-back trail that climbs just under 1000 feet from the trailhead to the namesake lake. The entire trail is unpaved and maintains approximately a 16% grade, and dogs are not permitted along this trail. There are pit toilets found near the lake at the top of the trail. While most consider the Gem Lake to end at the lake itself, the trail can be continued past the lake to the Balanced Rock Spur Trail and the Cow Creek Trail.
Table Rock along the Gem Lake Trail at Rocky Mountain National Park
The Hike
Beginning at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, the Gem Lake Trail immediately begins its steady climb up Lumpy Ridge. At approximately 0.25 miles up the trail you will find Table Rock. Continuing up another 0.25 miles will take you to the Black Canyon Junction Trailhead on your left. Taking this spur trail will lead you along the lower elevations of Lumpy Ridge through a variety of boulder fields and unique rock formations.
The granite boulders strewn about along the Gem Lake Trail at Rocky Mountain National Park
Continue to wind your way up Lumpy Ridge past the Black Canyon Junction Trail to stay on course for Gem Lake. At just under 1 mile up the trail, you will encounter the incredible Lookout Point along the Gem Lake Trail. The Lookout provides expansive views of Rocky Mountain National Park and the town of Estes Park below!
The Lookout Point along the Gem Lake Trail at Rocky Mountain National Park
From the Lookout Point, continue climbing up the trail to the next waypoint, the Hole in the Rock. This “boot-shaped” rock is nearly impossible to miss, and signals that you are within 0.5 miles of Gem Lake.
The Hole in the Rock along the Gem Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
From the Hole in the Rock, the grade of the trail increases sharply as you climb a series of rocky switchbacks up to Gem Lake. Just prior to reaching the lake, a pit toilet can be found off to the left, if needed. After the pit toilet, Gem Lake can be found only a few steps away up the trail. In summer months, Gem Lake is an excellent location to stop and relax for bit prior to beginning the steep descent back down to the trailhead.
Gem Lake at Rocky Mountain National Park
At this point, you can continue along the trail running to the left of Gem Lake which leads to the Balanced Rock Trail and the Cow Creek Trail, otherwise retrace your steps back down the trail to return to the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead.
