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Gem Lake and Balanced Rock

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.2 (23)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. Estes Park
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“A tour of some of the best scenery and terrain on offer in the Lumpy Ridge Area. ”

Brian Smith
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Map Key

7.5

Miles

12.0

KM

Out and Back

8,827' 2,691 m

High

7,841' 2,390 m

Low

1,563' 476 m

Up

1,562' 476 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs No Dogs

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

Overview

This hike makes for a reasonably quick outing and highlights some of the biggest draws of the Lumpy Ridge area. Views of Estes Park and surrounding mountains lead to a serene pond and, eventually, a precariously balanced rock formation.

Description

From the parking lot at the Lumpy Ridge TH, follow the Gem Lake Trail as it ascends through rugged rock outcroppings and take in the sweeping views of Estes Park and the surrounding mountains. The trail is well traveled, but has some steeper stepped switchbacks making it a relatively difficult hike to navigate.

After just under two miles, you'll emerge at Gem Lake. Gem Lake is a small pool that is nestled into a serene rock outcropping. If you're doing this hike in the summertime, be prepared for a greeting from some rather cute residents of the lake - chipmunks! Although it may be tempting and undoubtedly others will be doing so, please do not feed these furry little guys. This is a great place to take a breather before continuing on to Balanced Rock Trail.

Descending from Gem Lake, you'll encounter the Balanced Rock Trail at mile three, which branches off to the left. Follow Balanced Rock Trail for a quick mile until you reach its namesake - a giant boulder that appears to be precariously balanced. This rather large boulder is the turnaround point for the hike. Once you've had a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of your surroundings, turn around and hike back the way you came.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

Shared By:

Brian Smith
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 23 votes

#3

in Estes Park

#922

Overall
  4.2 from 23 votes
5 Star
39%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Estes Park

#191

in Colorado

#922

Overall
35 Views Last Month
8,220 Since Jan 30, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Balanced Rock with permission from Ed Ogle
Jan 8, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
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

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 62 days ago
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Check-Ins

Aug 3, 2023
Christine Harre
Nov 5, 2022
Daniel h
Jun 30, 2022
Su Jin Kim
Gem lake
Oct 7, 2021
Allison Klein
Jul 7, 2021
Shauna Owens
Not worth it. This sucked! 7.5mi — 5h 00m
Mar 20, 2021
Karthik Thiagarajan
About two hours and totally worth It. A lot of fun 4mi
Sep 25, 2020
Brian Barnett
Sep 5, 2020
jen kammerer
Beautiful hike and scenery! The "lake" was an anticlimactic pond. 3.4mi

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