Gem Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is truly a hidden gem. I loved this hike and loved Gem Lake. Some hikers may think the lake is too small or too insignificant, but the rising rock walls behind the lake make for a different kind of lake view.
The trailhead isn't actually inside the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance, so it's perfect if you want to hike but don't want to pay the entrance fee. From downtown Estes Park follow MacGregor Ave. north and follow signs to the Gem Lake Trailhead. It's very well marked. As always, my advice is get there early. The parking lot fills up quickly.
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| Paul Bunyon's Boot |
The first thing I noticed about this hike is how different the scenery is. Instead of meadows or tall trees surrounding you there are huge boulders and spectacular views over looking Estes Park.
This interesting rock formation is known as Paul Bunyon's Boot. It looked pretty neat!
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| View of Estes Park from the Gem Lake Trail |
The hike to Gem Lake is 3.6 miles round trip and the elevation gain is just under 1,000 feet. That doesn't sound hard, but you gain all the elevation in about .5 miles. There are stair like rocks you climb up for the last half of the climb. It's not easy, especially on the knees, but push through it, you'll be glad you did! I sure was!
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| First View of Gem Lake |
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| View from Opposite Side of Gem Lake |
My dad and I decided we weren't quite done exploring when we reached Gem Lake. We decided to climb the rock wall behind the lake, betting there would be a beautiful view from the top... Wow, were we right!
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| A Chipmunk, Probably Wondering Where I Came From |
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| View from the Top of the Rock Wall Behind Gem Lake |
So, if you're feeling up to it (and you have very good hiking boots on), check out the view from the top of the wall. I have never seen anything so beautiful! But be careful! Getting up there was easy... getting down I was questioning how I managed to get up there. But we made it down, safe and sound, and with beautiful pictures!
Like I said, I loved everything about this hike, once you get past the stair climbing parts. I wasn't expecting this tiny lake to be so beautiful. And to think, the only reason I wanted to do this hike was simply to cross it off my list. What a pleasant surprise!
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