Introduction
Gem Lake is a secluded lake nestled in the Rocky Mountains near Estes Park, Colorado. The lake is accessible by a short, easy hike from the Bear Lake trailhead.
The Gem Lake hike is a popular summertime activity in Estes Park. The trail is well-maintained and scenic, with views of the mountains and forests along the way. The lake itself is beautiful, with clear waters and a sandy beach.
The hike to Gem Lake is short and easy, making it a great option for families or those looking for a relaxing hike. The trailhead is located just a short drive from downtown Estes Park.
Where To Stay In Estes Park
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Estes Park, there are plenty of great options. You can find hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, and more.
Some of the popular hotels in Estes Park include The Stanley Hotel, The Historic Crags Lodge, The Rams Horn Village Resort, and The Estes Park Resort. There are also plenty of great bed and breakfasts in Estes Park, such as Aspen Wind Bed and Breakfast, Snowy Peak Lodge Bed and Breakfast, Covered Wagon Ranch Bed and Breakfast, and more.
For those looking for a more rustic experience, there are also several cabins and vacation rentals available. Some of the popular cabin rentals include Big Thompson Cabin Rentals, Riverview Cabins, Glacier Basin Campground Cabins, and more.
Quick Facts
-Gem Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, about 7 miles from the town of Estes Park, Colorado.
-The lake is reached by a moderate 3.8 mile hike (round trip) with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet.
-The trailhead for Gem Lake begins at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, which is also the trailhead for several other popular hikes in the area including Twin Sisters Peak and Balanced Rock.
-Gem Lake is a small, but scenic lake that sits nestled in a cirque below McAuley Point. The views from the lake are incredible, especially of Hallett Peak, which towers above at 12,713 feet.
Gem Lake Trail: What To Expect
If you’re looking for a breathtaking hike with stunning views, look no further than the Gem Lake Trail in Estes Park, Colorado. This moderate trail is approximately 4 miles round trip and takes hikers through forests and meadows before reaching the alpine lake. The trailhead begins at the Lumpy Ridge trailhead parking area, and from there it is an uphill climb for about 1.5 miles before leveling out. The last half-mile to the lake is the most challenging, with a steady incline until you reach Gem Lake at over 10,000 feet elevation.
Once you arrive at the lake, you are rewarded with incredible views of Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains. Take some time to enjoy the scenery, have a snack, and take plenty of photos before heading back down the trail. Remember to pack sunscreen, water, and snacks for the hike, as well as appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions. With a little preparation, you’ll have an amazing experience on this beautiful trail.
Gem Lake Colorado
Gem Lake is a serene body of water located in Estes Park, Colorado. This idyllic location is perfect for a peaceful hike with stunning views. The trail to Gem Lake is well-marked and easy to follow, making it a great choice for those looking for a relatively easy hike with beautiful payoff.
Once you reach Gem Lake, you’ll rewarded with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Take some time to relax and take in the scenery before heading back down the trail.
Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is a popular destination for hikers in Gem Lake Colorado. The trail is short, but strenuous, and provides amazing views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Although Balanced Rock is not the highest peak in the area, it is one of the most popular trails due to its unique geology. The rock formation was created by erosion from wind and rain over millions of years.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for the Gem Lake Colorado Hike is $5 per person. This fee includes access to the trail, parking, and amenities.
Gem Lake Trailhead: How To Get There
The Gem Lake Trailhead is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, just outside of Estes Park, Colorado. To get there, take Highway 36 west from Estes Park for about 8 miles. Then take the turnoff for the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead (it will be on your left). Follow this road for about 1 mile until you reach the trailhead parking area.
Trailhead Conditions
The Gem Lake Colorado Hike trailhead is located in the town of Estes Park. The trailhead is located at the intersection of Highway 36 and Highway 34. The trailhead is located on the north side of Highway 36, just west of the intersection of Highway 36 and Highway 34. There is a large parking area at the trailhead. The trailhead is located at an elevation of 8,200 feet.
The Gem Lake Colorado Hike trail is a moderate to strenuous hike with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. The hike is 4 miles round trip with a duration of 3-4 hours. The hike starts out on a paved path that leads to the Fern Lake Trailhead. After 0.8 miles, the paved path ends and the hiker will be on a dirt path for the remainder of the hike. The first 1.5 miles of the hike are relatively flat with only a few small hills. After 1.5 miles, the hiker will start to ascend Gem Lake Hill. This section of the hike is strenuous with a continuous uphill climb for 0.6 miles.
At 2.1 miles, the hiker will reach the summit of Gem Lake Hill where they will reward with views of Rocky Mountain National Park and Longs Peak. From here, it is a short 0.3 mile downhill walk to Gem Lake where hikers can take a break before heading back down the mountain
Estes Park Hotels
There are many lodging options in Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin or a luxurious hotel, you’ll find it here.
If you want to be close to all the action, stay downtown. Many of the town’s hotels are within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The Stanley Hotel is a historic property that has featured in movies and TV shows; it’s said to haunt! If you’re looking for something more modern, try The Ridgeline Hotel. This upscale hotel has an outdoor pool and views of Rocky Mountain National Park.
For a quieter option, stay on the outskirts of town. There are several lodges and cabins nestled in the woods that offer a secluded getaway. Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Resort is a great option if you’re traveling with an RV or need access to amenities like laundry facilities and a swimming pool.
No matter where you stay in Estes Park, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty. Be sure to take some time to explore all this stunning area has to offer!
