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 Reporter |
Summary: This spectacular hike starts out on Gem Lake Trail traversing across some sparsely wooded areas heading towards Lumpy ridge. After about a half mile, the trail begins to gain elevation and the views of Estes Park and the surrounding mountains behind you get progressively more breathtaking. At the three quarter mile mark you need to bear right at a trail junction. The woods become more dense and the rock formations more amazing. Gem Lake is actually a bowl carved out of the granite and filled with rain water. The setting, with vast views and shear cliffs, make this lake truly a gem. Those with a more adverursome spirit can scramble carefully up to rocks on the back side of the lake, to gain access to the top of the cliffs. The views can't be beat. I enjoyed this hike immensely. Trailhead: From highway 34 in Estes Park, follow MacGregor Avenue North for about a mile, then turn right onto Devils Gulch Road at the entrance to Mac Gregor Ranch. Follow Devils Gulch Road for about another mile, keeping an eye out for the Gem Lake trailhead parking on the left side of the road. (Lat:40.39429 Lon:-105.507) Trail Guides for Gem Lake: RMNP - Best Easy Day Hikes by Kent Dannen and Donna Dannen (Globe Pequot Press) RMNP - Panoramic Hiking Map by Unknown (Trail Tracks) Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall User Groups: Hikers, Horses Ranger Contact: RMNP Information (970) 586-1206 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 105 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Gina on 10/28/2007 I loved this hike. The climb gets a bit steep at points, but the view is unbelievable. Whatever you do, do not turn back half way through...
Reviewed by Matt on 10/12/2007 A great time to visit this hike is when the Aspens are in full Autumn Fire, as we did recently. Great views of Estes Park on the way up; good for family and kids. Take lots of snack and water to keep 'em happy.
Reviewed by BLC on 10/4/2007 This is a wonderful family hike. My wife and I took our three and four year old with us and they loved it. This trail offers alot of neat rocks to crawl over on the way up with a well maintained trail. Two hours up with lots of photo stops and one hour down. The two little ones got tired only 100 yards away from the car. October 3, 2007
Reviewed by Trevor & Sarah on 5/13/2007 We did this hike on Mother's Day, May 15, 2007 and found it to be one of our favorites within RMNP. The hike itself was a good challenge for early in our hiking season, but not too hard. But, the vistas were well worth the trip--even in the rain! Take a picnic lunch as Gem Lake also has a great "beach" to accompany its beautiful views.
Reviewed by Charlie on 4/6/2007 (April 06, 2007)Very nice hike....good workout, but trail is well done. They are in the process of making one trailhead for both the Twin Oaks and Gem Lake Trails. It should be accomplished by Jun 07. Almost no snow or ice on our hike and we ha a very low cloud layer that was leaving a frosty, crust on the trees making for a beautiful hike. I would like to hike this trail again to experoence the vistas blocked by the clouds. 
Reviewed by Nick on 12/26/2006 Wonderful! loved every part of it. amazing views the whole way up! Perfect Hike for anyone
Reviewed by Brad on 6/26/2006 Gorgeous day on Friday, June 23, 2006 to take a hike. I sort of stumbled across this trail by looking at a map of Estes Park, finding a dotted line leading off the road, Devils Gulch Rd. This was my first "solo" hike and I wish my wife had been able to make this one with me. Wonderful scenery with multiple views of the valley below and Longs Peak towering just miles away. The trail is very well kept and gently rolls along until you near the end, at which point the trail starts several switch-backs that lead you up rocky stairs to the lake. Pristine and quiet at the top; if you go early you might just be alone. I will definitely do this hike again and again.
Reviewed by Lori on 9/19/2005 This was my very first hike here in Colorado and I loved it. It was a good introduction to the hiking experience with the reward of the lake and beautiful mountain views. I will go again for sure. First, I must try some more. Thank you for this site and all the information! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, Larimer County Hiking, Larimer County Trails, Larimer County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
