Gem Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
Big views and fun rock hopping found in Rocky Mountain National Park!
By Harley McAllister
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If you are looking to get some stunning views on a moderate day trip, this trail is a great choice for those within striking distance of Estes Park. The distance is a moderate 3.3 miles roundtrip, but it should be mentioned that there is about 950 feet of elevation gain over that stretch, so it is still a moderate hike. However the payoff is huge, as you get stunning views of 14,259' Longs Peak and three of its 13k' neighbors almost every time you stop to take a water or snack break - always key to improving the fun factor for your kids.
But the big payoff is at the destination, where a delightful little lake sets nestled in a shallow basin below the towering granite cliffs of Lumpy Ridge. The scene is sublime, as is the sensation of dipping your hot feet in the cool water on the sandy beach along the western shore. Kids love water, and the lake provides good opportunity for skipping stones, launching stick boats, etc. For more adventurous kids and a willing parent as a guide, the fun doesn't have to stop there. On our trip we left mom and grandpa relaxing at the lake while the boys and I hiked a short ways further down the trail to where we could access the lowest part of the granite ridge that forms the cliffs on the far side of the lake. There was no defined trail here, but it is a pretty simple matter to wind your way through the rocks and boulders that form this ridge and to continue to gain elevation. The boys loved the bouldering and felt exhilarated shouting down a few hundred feet to mom when we had reached the tops of the cliffs on the far side of the lake.
As we continued higher and the ridge grew narrower we neared the top. Often the journey is the reward, but in this case the view from the top was simply unmatched. Look at the smiling faces in the top photo to get a feel for the sense of accomplishment the boys felt at scaling such heights to win such a commanding view. Now it's your turn! |
Be sure to ask another hiker to snap a family photo.
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When you go: Good news, accessing this part of the National Park is Free. Bad news, no dogs allowed. Also, this is a fairly popular trail, so you will want to arrive early to avoid the crowds and the sun. Some of the steeper stretches are a bit exposed, but overall there is pretty good shade on this trail.
Driving: From downtown Estes Park, turn north on MacGregor Ave. out of town which then turns into Devils Gulch Rd. once you cross Hwy 34. Continue on this road past the MacGregor Ranch and you are getting close - less than a mile ahead and you will see the NPS sign for the Lumpy Ridge trailhead. Turn left (north) and go a few hundred yards down the access road to the parking area, which includes pit toilets.
Driving: From downtown Estes Park, turn north on MacGregor Ave. out of town which then turns into Devils Gulch Rd. once you cross Hwy 34. Continue on this road past the MacGregor Ranch and you are getting close - less than a mile ahead and you will see the NPS sign for the Lumpy Ridge trailhead. Turn left (north) and go a few hundred yards down the access road to the parking area, which includes pit toilets.
