Explore the Gem Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park

The Gem Lake Trail is a rewarding moderate hike in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), conveniently located near the charming town of Estes Park, Colorado.

While it is an uphill trek all the way to Gem Lake, the journey is relatively short and not overly strenuous. Hikers are generously rewarded with a serene lake nestled among granite boulders and breathtaking panoramic views of Estes Park in the distance.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essentials for the Gem Lake hike, including obtaining permits and parking information, locating the trailhead near Estes Park, and everything else you need to prepare for this adventure!

Where To Stay In Estes Park

Quick Facts

• Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet (305 m)
• Start Elevation: 7,860 feet (2,395 m)
• End Elevation: 8,830 feet (2,690 m)
• Duration: 2 – 3 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate

Gem Lake Trail: What To Expect

The Gem Lake Trail, although short, is quite strenuous with a continuous uphill trek that starts immediately and persists almost all the way to the lake.

This trail remains family-friendly and is perfect for acclimatizing to the Colorado elevation since the difficulty level is not as intense as some other popular trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.

As you hike, pine trees and randomly scattered granite boulders provide picturesque scenery, but note that shade from the sun is scarce. Therefore, you might want to bring along a hat or sunscreen for protection.

Granite rocks and morning reflections

A preview of how the main hiking path looks

As you approach Gem Lake, the trees may part occasionally, offering stunning panoramic views of Estes Park and the majestic ridges of Rocky Mountain National Park in the distance.

One particularly scenic viewpoint approximately halfway to the lake is especially memorable.

Panoramic views of Estes Park, Colorado, on the way up to Gem Lake.

Once you near the 1.3 mile mark, you will encounter a unique rock formation resembling a giant hiking boot, aptly nicknamed ‘Paul Bunyan’s Boot’ due to the hole worn in the sole.

When you reach this distinctive landmark, you’re close to Gem Lake. The final stretch requires climbing a staircase of enormous rock steps, which is the most challenging segment of the hike and can be quite exhausting.

Prior to reaching Gem Lake, there is a basic vault toilet on a side trail to the left. Despite its simplicity, the breathtaking backdrop makes it a suitable spot for a quick stop.

A rock formation called ‘Paul Bunyan’s Boot’

Paul Bunyan’s Boot

Gem Lake Colorado

Congratulations, you’ve finally arrived at Gem Lake Colorado!

While the lake may be modest in size (more akin to a pond) and not as visually striking as other lakes within Rocky Mountain National Park, it still offers a visual treat.

Visiting early in the morning, as we did, allows you to capture stunning reflections on the water, contributing to its photogenic appeal.

The Gem Lake photographs displayed here were taken around 9 AM during the summer months.

Our first view of Gem Lake Colorado from the south

Perfect reflections

The main view of the lake

A picture taken from the east side of the lake

Balanced Rock (optional)

Upon arriving at Gem Lake, there exists an optional trail leading to Balanced Rock, which bears a resemblance to iconic rock formations found in Utah or Arizona.

If you choose to hike to Balanced Rock, it adds an additional 2 miles (one way) from Gem Lake; however, the trail is relatively mild. There is some descent from Gem Lake to Balanced Rock, necessitating a gain in elevation on your return.

While approaching Balanced Rock, you will likely find the trail less crowded than at Gem Lake, providing a more tranquil hiking experience. Though the path is shaded, it is not particularly scenic as it is largely surrounded by trees.

The total hiking distance from the Gem Lake trailhead all the way to Balanced Rock (and then back to the trailhead) is approximately 7 miles round trip.

Entrance Fee

For most months throughout the year, a national park pass along with a timed entry permit is required to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. This requirement also pertains to the Gem Lake trail, as it is part of RMNP.

The national park pass is easily obtainable, and you can purchase it online or in person. Many visitors opt for the annual pass, as it allows access to several U.S. parks within a year, but daily passes are also available. More details and current fees can be accessed on the RMNP website.

A timed entry permit is also necessary to hike the Gem Lake Trail. While this feature may be somewhat inconvenient, it aims to manage visitor crowds within RMNP. Fortunately, Gem Lake is not located within the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which allows for easier permit acquisition.

Exceptions to this rule exist for those who arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. For further information about the timed entry permit and how to secure one, refer to the RMNP website.

Gem Lake Trailhead: How To Get There

The Gem Lake trailhead is conveniently situated just outside of Estes Park, Colorado. This trailhead is part of Rocky Mountain National Park, which features numerous other excellent hiking opportunities.

Here are the GPS coordinates: 40.3975803105196, -105.51325913032832

Additionally, you can utilize the Google map embedded below to navigate directly to the parking area, which is within a 5-minute drive from Estes Park, or approximately 1.5 hours from Denver, Colorado.

The trailhead is often referred to as the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead as it serves as the starting point for various other hikes.

Trailhead Conditions

The road leading to the Gem Lake trailhead is paved and well-maintained, so there is no need for a vehicle with high clearance to access it.

Upon arrival at the trailhead, you will find vault toilets, trash bins, information signs, and a trail map. While there is no park ranger booth or fee collection system in place at this location, it is essential to possess both a permit and a pass for the hike (details on this are provided earlier).

The trailhead provides ample parking space; however, it can fill up quickly on busy days. For instance, we arrived around 8 AM on a weekday in late August and had no trouble finding a spot. Your experience may vary based on the time of your visit.

Gem Lake Trailhead

Granite boulder views from the Gem Lake Trailhead

U.S. National Park Regulations

The Gem Lake trail is situated within Rocky Mountain National Park, thus the standard U.S. national park regulations apply.

Please be sure to maintain the cleanliness of the trail, respect fellow hikers, and adhere to the principles of leave no trace. Thank you, and happy trails!

Gem Lake Trail — Estes Park RMNP

Best Time To Visit

Gem Lake Colorado is beautiful at any time of the day, yet I personally believe it’s best visited early in the morning.

Early visits help you dodge some crowds and avoid heat, as well as enhance photography opportunities thanks to the lake’s reflective qualities.

The Gem Lake hike is accessible year-round, but the optimal months for visitation are from May to October, when snow or ice is unlikely to hinder the trail. To check current trail conditions, visit the RMNP website before your trip.

Gratitude for your interest! I hope you found this guide to the Gem Lake Trail in Estes Park, Colorado (Rocky Mountain National Park) informative and useful.