Hiking Project Logo

Gem Lake Trail

Intermediate/Difficult
 4.3 (44)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. Estes Park
Plan with onX Backcountry
Previous Next

“A steep trail that climbs to Gem Lake before descending to Cow Creek Trail. ”

Brian Smith
Your Rating:      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

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 44 votes

#1

in Estes Park

#76

Overall
  4.3 from 44 votes
5 Star
39%
4 Star
48%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Estes Park

#19

in Colorado

#76

Overall
23 Views Last Month
16,507 Since Jan 8, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
61%
11%
29%
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

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 15 hours ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 25, 2022
Rosie Betenbaugh
4.6mi — 9h 57m
Aug 24, 2022
James Covey
Aug 1, 2022
Anna Hacker
3.6mi — 1h 57m
Mar 19, 2022
Em Gem
Dec 25, 2021
Jody Rae
Oct 7, 2021
Allison Klein
Sep 17, 2021
paul schilling
Aug 15, 2021
George Koch
checking in at the Kump

Nearby Recommended Routes