Rocky Mountain National Park's Gem Lake Trail

Gem Lake Trail

Description:
The Gem Lake Trail begins at an elevation of 7,741 feet from the trailhead on Devil's Gulch Road. It climbs to an elevation of 8883 feet before descending to the Cow Creek Trail at 8,083 feet. It intersects the Balanced Rock Trail at about three miles of its 4.65 mile length. Most people turn around at Gem Lake, about two miles from the Gem Lake Trailhead. You can shave about a quarter mile and 150 feet of climb from the hike by beginning from the Twin Owls Trailhead. This trailhead, however, fills up early with rock climbers practicing their skills on the variety of rock formations on Lumpy Ridge.

From the Gem Lake Trailhead, the trail travels between two fence lines across private land. Here the trail surface is smooth and level making for a pleasant walk. The scenery is quite striking as you hike toward the unusual rock formations of Lumpy Ridge. The trail turns north and begins a steady climb up a rocky gulch. You'll travel through mostly ponderosa pine, juniper, and Douglas fir. As you approach the higher parts of the gulch you will find a few spots with magnificent views of Estes Park, Lake Estes, Longs Peak, and Twin Sisters Peak. Turn right after intersecting the trail from Twin Owls and begin a steady, moderate climb toward Gem Lake. It is about a 30 to 40 minute hike to the best viewing spots. The trail passes through an area of large boulders, offering ample opportunity to test your climbing skills.

Next the trail passes through a dense stand of aspens that provide a cool respite on a hot day. After climbing some short switchbacks you'll reach the most difficult part of the trail. Here you must climb some steep rock steps to reach Gem Lake. There is a solar powered backcountry toilet available just below the lake. Gem Lake is a small, shallow lake situated on the crest of the ridge, surrounded on two sides by steep rock walls. The trail passes through a beach-like area to the west of the lake. There is a horse hitch rack beyond the north end of the lake.

The trail begins a descent toward the Cow Creek Valley just beyond the hitch rack. Here you will leave most of the crowd behind. The trail winds its way through ponderosa pines making long, sweeping switchbacks. It soon levels off and makes a gentle climb to its intersection with the Balanced Rock Trail. It's about a two mile round trip to Balanced Rock. The Gem Lake Trail continues north on a level plane for a while before making a steady descent into Cow Creek Valley. It ends at its junction with the Cow Creek Trail after crossing a small stream. It's a little less than two miles to Bridal Veil Falls from here. The overall difficulty rating for the Gem Lake Trail is moderate.

Features:

Length:	4.65 miles (7.5 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	7,742' - 8,883'
Elevation change:	2,572 feet
Season:	May 1 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	High
USGS maps:	Estes Park
Trailheads:	Gem Lake, Cow Creek
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Gem Lake Trailhead is located on Devils Gulch Road about 1.6 miles north of Highway 34. Travel west on Highway 34 toward the Fall River Entrance. Turn right on Devils Gulch Road and go about 1.6 miles to the trailhead. The parking area is on the north side of the road. There is room for 15 to 20 vehicles and a small horse trailer. As this trail is popular, the parking area often fills up.

This trail can also be reached from the Cow Creek Trailhead. Travel west on Highway 34 toward the Fall River Entrance. Turn right on Devils Gulch Road and go about four miles to a dirt road signed “ McGraw Ranch”. Turn left and travel about two miles to the end of the road and the McGraw Ranch at the bottom of hill. Parking is permitted on the west side of the road only. There is a turnaround at the end of the road. Take the Cow Creek Trail past the buildings to the west. Continue west for about 1.2 miles to the Gem Lake Trail intersection.

Order Rocky Mountain Trails CD

Return to Rocky Mountain National Park Trails