Gem Lake Trail

Frommer's Review

This is a relatively low elevation trail, meandering across an open south-facing slope dotted with ponderosa pine. It can be quite warm on a sunny day, so take plenty of water. There are great views of Estes Park and Longs Peak to the south, particularly in early-morning and late-afternoon light. Lumpy Ridge bounds the trail on the north, with interesting and sometimes funny rock formations. The only limit to what you'll see is your imagination -- many people discern Gila monsters and chickens, and in one odd heap, two turtles piled atop a whale! Eventually the trail brings you to tiny Gem Lake, covering only 2/10 acres and just 1 to 5 feet deep. It may seem unimpressive at first, but rest here a bit and you might catch a glimpse of white-throated swifts, rarely seen elsewhere in the park, soaring above the lake. Limber pines and Douglas fir dot the shoreline, and at the water's far end, you can get a picture-perfect view of the lake, framed by evergreens and topped with majestic mountains. The starting elevation at Gem Lake Trailhead is 7,740 feet, and there is an elevation increase of 1,090 feet as you hike to the lake; Twin Owls Trailhead is at 7,920 feet elevation, so the elevation gain is only 910 feet.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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