Short Hike: The lake is roughly two miles from the trailhead and is accessed by the Gem Lake Trail. The Gem Lake trail can be accessed from outside of the National Park. Gem Lake Trail, one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most popular hikes, is a 3.5-mile, out-and-back hike that begins north of Estes Park. There are numerous waterfalls, pika habitats, and once you get past Snow Lake, the crowd dwindles dramatically. If you’re looking to explore without paying the $20/car (possibly increasing soon) for a day pass, you can hike Gem Lake and Lumpy Ridge for free. Family Friendly: Kids love climbing on rocks. In just 1.65 miles this trail ascends almost 1,000 feet in elevation, aided sometimes by 1-foot-tall stone steps along the way, earning the intrepid hiker spectacular views of Estes Park and the sheer granite cliffs that Rock-filled Hike to a Gem of a Lake – While the destination is a beautiful alpine lake, it’s the journey that makes this hike memorable. Gem Type: Lake The trail to Gem Lake is a rocky paradise lined by boulders that are perfectly arranged for climbing. As cute as the little chipmunks around Gem Lake are, please refrain from feeding them! The Gem Lakes were formed during the last ice age where they were carved about by glaciers. The Gem Lake trail is very popular with hikers. The trail to Gem Lake lies along the same trail that passes by the incredibly popular Snow Lake. Download an official Rocky Mountain National Park map for basic road and attraction locations. You will find the trail … From panoramic views to rocky climbing you can enjoy everything at Gem Lake Trail. Snow Lake is a moderate, 6 mile round trip hike with 1,300 feet of elevation gain. There are, of course, the usual hazards that any parent should be watchful of, but is a favorite path among families. The location of Gem Lake Trail is a beautiful and easily accessible spot in Glen Haven, Colorado. The trail goes up above the South Fork Snoqualmie River through forests and over a pass to a beautiful alpine lake. Trail is in great condition, as would be expected for such a popular trail. Not only the locals but also people around the world come to enjoy an amazing hiking trip. 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. While the masses typically stop the first place they can along the shores of Snow Lake, fewer make the short trek from there up to Gem Lake. Water in the lakes only arrives from rainfall from the surrounding hills. The lake is frozen solid and snow was falling. Magical! Gem Lake is small, shallow, and in the shape of an ampitheater, with tons of rocky outlooks and opportunites for bouldering surrounding it. The well-marked trail begins on Devils Gulch Road (outside the park boundary) and steeply climbs across a mountainside to Gem Lake. Each lake is cut off from the other and no rivers run into them. If you’re hiking with kids, this rocky paradise is lined by boulders that are perfectly arranged for young climbing. This 5.5 kilometre trail that interwines itself with the Gem Lakes is a must visit for any hiker in the province. Gem Lake is a popular trail that originates at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. Although the round-trip mileage from Lumpy Ridge Trailhead to Gem Lake and back might not shock your weekend warrior friends, the elevation gain might. The Gem Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail, but it does meet up with another trail between Gem Lake and Balanced Rock if you want to do a much longer loop hike. Both Snow Lake and Gem Lake are gorgeous, clear as can be with the coolest deep blues and turquoise near the edges. The hike up to Gem took us a little under 3 hours, and a bit quicker on the way back. A hike of the Gem Lake trail in Rocky Mountain National Park on Saturday, Dec. 12, revealed a winter wonderland. 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