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Gem Lake Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.3 (47)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. Estes Park
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“A steep trail that climbs to Gem Lake before descending to Cow Creek Trail. ”

Brian Smith
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4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

Point to Point

8,839' 2,694 m

High

7,768' 2,368 m

Low

1,239' 378 m

Up

933' 284 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

81%

Max Grade (39°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Kids love climbing on rocks. The trail to Gem Lake is a rocky paradise lined by boulders that are perfectly arranged for climbing.

Description

Gem Lake is a popular trail that originates at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. From the parking lot, follow the trail as it ascends through rugged rock outcroppings and take in the sweeping views of Estes Park and the surrounding mountains. After just under two miles, you'll emerge at Gem Lake. This is a great place to take a breather before turning around or continuing to Balanced Rock Trail and/or Cow Creek Trail.

Descending from Gem Lake, you'll encounter the Balanced Rock Trail at mile three which branches off to the left. Follow it for views of a unique rock formation and to tack on a couple extra miles to your hike if you like.

Continuing on Gem Lake Trail, you'll descend for the next mile or so into the Cow Creek drainage before crossing the river and climbing up to Cow Creek Trail.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

Shared By:

Brian Smith
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 47 votes

#1

in Estes Park

#60

Overall
  4.3 from 47 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
47%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Estes Park

#17

in Colorado

#60

Overall
23 Views Last Month
16,507 Since Jan 8, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
60%
13%
28%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Looking south across Gem Lake on a calm spring morning
Jul 9, 2018 near Estes Park, CO
On the trail to Gem Lake with permission from dreamer 200
Jan 8, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
The view hiking down from gem lake
Sep 12, 2018 near Estes Park, CO
Gem Lake
Dec 8, 2017 near Estes Park, CO
Yet Another RMNP Panorama
Dec 7, 2017 near Estes Park, CO
Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park
Dec 8, 2017 near Estes Park, CO

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Weather

Today
55°F · 37°F 13°C · 3°C
Fri
60°F · 38°F 16°C · 3°C
Sat
66°F · 43°F 19°C · 6°C
Sun
71°F · 46°F 22°C · 8°C
Mon
72°F · 46°F 22°C · 8°C
Tue
70°F · 39°F 21°C · 4°C

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 51 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 4, 2025
Andelina Tolmich
10h 43m
Dec 31, 2024
Stephen Pack
Sep 16, 2024
Danielle Maize
Sep 26, 2023
Glacel Anne
Sep 24, 2023
udo schmeling
Jul 27, 2023
Rachael Robinson
Feet hurtttt so bad and it started raining as soon as we got to the top also need to bring snacks and more water 4.6mi
Aug 25, 2022
Rosie Betenbaugh
4.6mi — 9h 57m
Aug 25, 2022
Rosie Betenbaugh
4.6mi — 9h 57m

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