About Gem Lake
Gem Lake is the only lake in this collection located in the Lumpy Ridge and East Estes area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Sitting at 8,826 feet, it is reached by a moderate 1.8-mile one-way hike from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. The trail begins with a gentle climb before finishing with a series of short but steep switchbacks. Fortunately, they don't last long, and Gem Lake is a rewarding destination at the top.
Unlike many of the park's glacier-carved alpine lakes, Gem Lake has a character all its own. Surrounded by the unique granite formations of Lumpy Ridge, the lake offers sweeping views of Estes Park and the Estes Valley. The dramatic rock outcroppings along the trail make this hike just as memorable as the destination itself, and if you're lucky, you may even spot rock climbers scaling the cliffs.
Gem Lake is one of my personal favorites, although the secret is definitely out. During the peak summer months, the trail can become quite busy. The relatively small parking lot helps limit the crowds somewhat, but arriving early is still a good idea. If you can't secure a timed-entry reservation for other areas of the park, this is an excellent short-to-moderate hike that's close to town and offers outstanding scenery.
The trailhead has restroom facilities, and one unexpected feature of the hike is a backcountry vault toilet just before the lake. It even has a window with a surprisingly scenic view—certainly one of the more memorable restrooms you'll encounter on a trail.
The National Park Service classifies Gem Lake as part of the Lumpy Ridge trail system, separate from the Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge trail networks that provide access to many of the park's other popular lakes.
🚻 Restroom available at the Lumpy Ridge TH trailhead. Vault toilet at the Gem Lake / Twin Owls trailhead parking area.