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gem icon Gem Lake [Suggest Edits]

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Description

With a name like that, how could this not be a gem?? Gem Lake is an easily accessible mountain lake situated amongst cool boulders and rock formations. This is a great place to picnic with the family but be warned, you'll more than likely be joined by some furry little friends. As cute as the little chipmunks around Gem Lake are, please refrain from feeding them!

Short Hike: The lake is roughly two miles from the trailhead and is accessed by the Gem Lake Trail.

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.

Gem Type: Lake

Shared by:
Brian Smith

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Check-Ins

Oct 4, 2025
Nate Rubalcava
Sep 1, 2025
Tilman Giese
Aug 31, 2025
Shawn Hickman
Great hike!
May 17, 2025
Jamie Love
Nov 14, 2024
Anonymous
Sep 2, 2024
Tom Herr
Small, picturesque alpine lake just outside Estes Park. Saw Paul Bunyan's Boot while hiking the steady trail up. Loved it!
Aug 24, 2024
Ashley Didion
Beautiful hike with great views and neat rock formations. Good exercise with steep steps. However, Gem Lake was a small dirty pond.
Sep 26, 2023
Glacel Anne
A little underwhelming. Make sure to go early, it gets quite hot in the afternoon. Not as crowded as the other hikes by Bear Lake.

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Shared by Brian Smith on Aug 18, 2015. All Page Views: 6,717. Last Month: 10.
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