This guide provides essential information about the Gem Lake Trail, a moderate hike located in the Rocky Mountain National Park near the town of Estes Park, Colorado. The hike is an uphill climb that leads to Gem Lake, which is surrounded by granite boulders and provides stunning panoramic views of Estes Park.
The guide covers details such as how to obtain permits and parking, as well as where to find the trailhead in Estes Park. It offers comprehensive information that hikers need to know before embarking on this scenic adventure.
Best Places to Stay in Estes Park, Colorado for Gem Lake Trail Hike
Here are some quick facts about the Gem Lake Trail:
- The trail is 3.5 miles (5.6 km) round trip.
- You will gain an elevation of 1,000 feet (305 m).
- The starting elevation is 7,860 feet (2,395 m) and the ending elevation is 8,830 feet (2,690 m).
- The hike takes around 2-3 hours to complete round trip.
- It is rated as a moderate difficulty hike.
Hiking the Gem Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park: What to Expect
The Gem Lake Trail is a relatively short but strenuous hike, with a continuous uphill climb that starts right away and lasts almost until you reach the lake. However, this trail is still suitable for families and a great option for acclimatizing to the elevation in Colorado, as it is not as difficult as some of the other popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the way, you will see pine trees and granite boulders that add to the scenic beauty of the hike, but note that there isn’t much shade from the sun, so bringing a hat or sunscreen is recommended.
As you make your way towards Gem Lake, you’ll be treated to occasional panoramic views of Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park ridges in the distance. One of the viewpoints, located around the halfway point of the hike, offers a particularly stunning perspective. At about 1.3 miles in, you’ll spot a distinctive rock formation with a hole in the middle, which has been nicknamed ‘Paul Bunyan’s Boot’ because it resembles a giant hiking boot with a worn-out sole.
When you come across this rock formation, you’re already close to Gem Lake. The only remaining challenge is ascending a staircase of huge rock steps, which can be quite tiring. Just before reaching the lake, there’s a small toilet on a side trail to the left. Though it’s just a plain old vault toilet, the scenic background makes it an ideal spot to take care of any business before arriving at the lake.
Gem Lake Colorado
Balanced Rock
After reaching Gem Lake, there is an optional path that leads to Balanced Rock, which resembles rock formations found in Utah or Arizona. The path to Balanced Rock is comparatively mild, covering an additional distance of 2 miles one way from Gem Lake. However, there is a descent on the way to the Balanced Rock, which means you have to gain some elevation on the way back.
Although the trail to Balanced Rock is not very scenic as it passes through a shaded path surrounded by trees, it is much less crowded than the path to Gem Lake. This means you can enjoy the hike in solitude, with the trail mostly to yourself.
In total, the roundtrip hiking distance from the Gem Lake trailhead to Balanced Rock and back is approximately 7 miles.
Entrance fee
To visit Rocky Mountain National Park, including the Gem Lake trail, a national park pass and a timed entry permit are required for most months of the year. The national park pass can be easily obtained either online or in person, and visitors can choose to buy an annual pass or a daily pass depending on their needs. The fees for these passes can be found on the RMNP website.
In addition to the national park pass, a timed entry permit is also necessary to hike the Gem Lake trail. Although this requirement may be a bit inconvenient, it is designed to help manage the crowds at RMNP. Fortunately, Gem Lake is not part of the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which means that permits for this trail are usually easier to obtain.
Getting to Gem Lake Trailhead: Directions and Transportation Options
The Gem Lake trailhead is situated just outside the town of Estes Park, Colorado, within the Rocky Mountain National Park. There are several other great hikes in the park that visitors can explore as well.
To reach the trailhead, visitors can either use the Google Maps navigation tool, which will take them directly to the parking area in just a five-minute drive from the town of Estes Park, or it is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Denver, Colorado.
The trailhead is sometimes referred to as the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead on maps since other hikes also begin from the same location.
Current Trailhead Conditions for Gem Lake Trail: Tips for Hikers
The road leading to the Gem Lake trailhead from Estes Park is a well-maintained paved road, so visitors do not need a vehicle with high clearance or any special equipment to reach the trailhead.
Upon arrival at the trailhead, visitors will find vault toilets, trash bins, information signs, and a trail map. It is worth noting that there is no park ranger booth or fee collection at the trailhead. However, hikers are still required to have a permit and pass for this hike, which will be discussed later.
The trailhead provides ample parking space, although it may fill up quickly on busy days. During our visit on a weekday in late August at 8 AM, there was still plenty of parking available. However, it is possible that the experience may vary depending on the time of year and the day of the week.
Since the Gem Lake trail is located within the Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors should be aware that standard U.S. national park regulations are in effect.
It is essential for hikers to keep the trail clean, be respectful of other hikers, and follow the “Leave No Trace” principles. Let’s all do our part to preserve the natural beauty of the park. Enjoy your journey!
