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Gem Lake - 1.7 miles


Trail Type: Moderate Hike
Trailhead: Gem Lake
Location: Northern Park
Trailhead Elevation: 7,840'
Destination Elevation: 8,840'

​Total Elevation Gain: 1,000'
​
Total Roundtrip Miles: 3.4

Gem Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park
Gem Lake
Trail Description
Although the trail to Gem Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is not particularly long, it does have a fair amount of elevation gain. But, no matter how far you go, the hike can be enjoyed with excellent views of the Estes Valley and the Front Range mountains. It's a unique landscape along Lumpy Ridge, with house-sized boulders piled about. The lake is a large pond walled in by tall rock formations.
How to Get There
​From downtown Estes Park, travel north on MacGregor Ave for 1.5 miles to the Gem Lake Trailhead sign. 
​
Trail Profile
Gem Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, Profile
See an Index of Trail Profiles here
​Weather Information
NWS Weather Link
Trail Map
Gem Lake Trail Photo Gallery

Picture
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  • Home
  • Hike Rocky Magazine
    • Hike Rocky magazine
    • RMNP Updates
    • Trail Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Science & Ecology
    • History & Current Issues
    • Stories & Adventure
    • Culture and Arts in the Park
    • The Continental Divide Story, 1977 by Kip Rusk
  • Trail Guide to RMNP
    • Trails by Location
    • Trails by Distance
    • Trails by Destination
    • Index of Trails
  • Wildflowers of RMNP
    • April/May Flowers
    • June/July Flowers
    • August/September Flowers
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Supporting Partners
    • Media Kit
    • 2025 Hike Rocky Print Edition
    • 2024 Hike Rocky Print Magazine