Other great features of this hike include the beautiful lake, gorgeous rock formations and erosional patterns of the beautiful phaneritic granite. Description: Gem Lake is a very small and shallow lake (more of a pond really) located in a high, rocky saddle of Lumpy Ridge.Its dramatic beauty, paired with terrific views and the unusual granite landscape of Lumpy Ridge, make this a must-do hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Easy access from Sacramento and the Bay Area… Hike in 8 miles to a base camp at Gem Lake while horses carry your gear. Aptly named, the Gem Lake and Balanced Rock hike is a great hike close to Estes Park. The Gem Lake trail can be accessed from outside of the National Park. The location of Gem Lake Trail is a beautiful and easily accessible spot in Glen Haven, Colorado. Rock-filled Hike to a Gem of a Lake – While the destination is a beautiful alpine lake, it’s the journey that makes this hike memorable. Gem Lake is a super classic hike which wonders through rock canyons and formations on wonderful trails along the East End of Lumpy Ridge in RMNP to a beautiful pond. Walk close to the creek at the beginning, then ascend up some rock steps (~150 feet) and once you get to the top of the incline, go to your left (east) and look down on Mack Lake. If you’re hiking with kids, this rocky paradise is lined by boulders that are perfectly arranged for young climbing. We wanted to share another fun hike from our Labor Day weekend. The rewards of this hike are pristine views of multiple lakes, stunning foliage, and a falling creek. Gem Lake Trail is heavily lined with Aspen Groves. Easy, beautiful hike to Gem Lakes. In just 1.65 miles this trail ascends almost 1,000 feet in elevation, aided sometimes by 1-foot-tall stone steps along the way, earning the intrepid hiker spectacular views of Estes Park and the sheer granite cliffs that encircle Gem Lake. Not only does it eliminate much of the monotony of Class 1 hiking up a seemingly never-ending and much-used trail by substituting three lakes and some interesting Class 3 climbing, it also cuts about a quarter mile off the trip. Vista’s, views, and rock formations of Lumpy Ridge make this a beautiful and fun hike. Abbot, and Mt. Gem Lake Hike. Hike to Gem Lake. After Gem lake, we made our way back down the trail and took a right at the post up to Morgan Pass. The Route. Gem Lake - 3.3 Miles Round-Trip Gem Lake is located 1.65 miles from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead on the northeast side of Rocky Mountain National Park. jennifernoonan64 1 year, 2 months ago Track (9/6/19, 10:09:50AM) Gem Lake. Posted on November 17, 2020 December 9, 2020 by jim. The Gem Lake trail is very popular with hikers. Blavatnet, or Blaisvatnet as it’s sometimes referred to, means ‘blue lake’ and is a perfect description! Gem Lake is small, shallow, and in the shape of an ampitheater, with tons of rocky outlooks and opportunites for bouldering surrounding it. Hike is moderate with a 1033 foot elevation gain. A hike of Little Lakes Valley via Mosquito Flat makes for a quintessential Eastern Sierra outdoor experience. This hike offers a close up view of Carson Peak, access to Agnew and Gem Lake, and give you a sneak peek of the high Sierras. From panoramic views to rocky climbing you can enjoy everything at Gem Lake Trail. Packages include a 1-night discounted stay at The Stanley in your choice of room accommodation type. The hikers who have the extra curiosity (and stamina) to venture a few miles past the gorgeous shores of Snow Lake will be rewarded with much smaller crowds and a beautiful, crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by jagged peaks. The well-marked trail begins on Devils Gulch Road (outside the park boundary) and steeply climbs across a mountainside to Gem Lake. Gem Lake: A Nice Hike - See 123 traveler reviews, 179 candid photos, and great deals for Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, at Tripadvisor. The lake itself, although just a small pond, has a charm of its own. Dec 6, 2019 - Gem Lake Trail, Gem Lake is a 3.5 mile in and out hike. After a short, easy hike thru Strubskardelva valley, you’ll arrive to a blue mirror reflecting rocky mountains of … Photo trail of the trail here is a May hike, though you can only imagine what a late September hike would be like. Rated 4.667 /5 based on 3 customer reviews 10 miles 1800 ft gain - Out-and-Back Trail Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. Gem Lake – 3.4mi / 5.5km Fantastic rock formations lead to a surprising lake tucked up in Lumpy Ridge. Slowly as bits of the Park have reopened, we’ve been able to get out and explore. Once you are on the 158 (June Lake loop), make your way to the Rush Creek Parking on the northeast side of Silver Lake. Gem Lake: Beautiful Hike! Trail Map | Photo Gallery. Although the round-trip mileage from Lumpy Ridge Trailhead to Gem Lake and back might not shock your weekend warrior friends, the elevation gain might. At the trailhead, take a right and begin climbing up through the forest. This short hike can certainly take the breath out of you, but you will be rewarded with stunning views of Gem Lake once you arrive at the top of the trail. This route, which climbs from Gem Lake to join the Standard Route a bit southeast of East Trapper, is the nicest ascent I’ve found (so far) and I rate it 10/10. The weather was perfect so the views of Estes Park were fantastic. mike_skaug 4 years, 8 months ago run to Gem Lake. There is a large sandy side of the lake that allows for easy access to the lake. The trail winds through the Lumpy Ridge area, which is charterized by rock formations and cliffs rather than lofty peaks and high alpine valleys. Lake Blavatnet is a true gem of Lyngen Alps in Northern Norway! run. Amazing views of Estes Park and RMNP abound. Not only the locals but also people around the world come to enjoy an amazing hiking trip. Gem Lake Early fall and overcast/drizzly skies, we left Seattle around 7:30 and were able to hit the trailhead around 8:30, so it wasn't too busy for most of the hike up. Even if you can't finish the entire trail, go as far as you can and you can still enjoy a great panoramic view of the June Lake … The stacked rocks reminded me a little of Joshua Tree National Park. We made our way in from Fort Collins and knew we were in for a treat when we saw the wide open views of the park's majestic peaks! jessestevens 1 month, 3 weeks ago Gem Lake SSSL 35!! Gem Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park: Address, Gem Lake Reviews: 4.5/5 Gem Lake Trail, one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most popular hikes, is a 3.5-mile, out-and-back hike that begins north of Estes Park. This hike begins at the Snow Lake Trailhead in Snoqualmie Pass, which is justifiably the busiest trailhead in the area. The very nice thing about Rocky Mountain National Park being mostly closed – fewer tourists! A short but fun hike. A hike of the Gem Lake trail in Rocky Mountain National Park on Saturday, Dec. 12, revealed a winter wonderland. This unique trail has you hiking through lumps of rocks, beautiful aspen trees and has great views into Estes Park. Mills. Spend several days or a week “day hiking” to endless lakes, mountain peaks and waterfalls… returning each night to the same comfortable camp. Training hike to Gem Lake with team for India. But don't let that scare you away! - See 122 traveler reviews, 179 candid photos, and great deals for Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, at Tripadvisor. The lake is frozen solid and snow was falling. It fills a shallow depression near the top of Lumpy Ridge, a massive granite rock complex home to numerous raptor species and world class climbing.. … Continue down the trail and you can close to the shoreline of Mack Lake. We went to Gem Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, arguably one of the highest rated hikes the park has to offer. Added by Shelby Pothier. This hike was made popular by a 9News article that described Gem Lake as a “beach at 8,500 ft.” Rightly-so! This 8.5-mile out-and-back hike passes by six alpine lakes and provides side trail options to quite a few more. Good morning, everyone! The way up to Gem is long (we ended up clocking 10.3 miles round-trip) but not arduous. Magical! This is a short, occasionally steep, hike past wonderful rock formations with names like "Twin Owls" and "Paul Bunyon's Boot" to a crystalline lake on Lumpy Ridge. Dade, Mt. Notes: Bring 1 to 2 liter of water, bring-your-own picnic dinner, rain gear, an extra layer of clothes, hat … After relaxing at the lake we decided to climb to the highest rocks that surround the lake. From there, take the Gem Lake trailhead and begin your ascent. For an even steeper (and more difficult) climb, the best camp sites in the immediate area are at Gem Lake. A well maintained and popular day hike in the June Lake area. This is an insanely beautiful hike through alpine meadows to a secluded lake that feels very far away, while still being very close to Seattle. Great all season hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA. Book your tickets online for Gem Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park: See 121 reviews, articles, and 179 photos of Gem Lake, ranked No.18 on Tripadvisor among 95 attractions in … This hike is located in the Northern Side of RMNP, in the Lumpy Ridge Area. Gem Lake: The hike to Gem Lake is a unique Rocky Mountain National Park experience. Gem Lake: A hike with a beach at 8,500 feet and a priceless view

For those looking for a day trip to Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park … This was the steepest of the climbs at 600 feet, but because we were at elevation it was more like 1 million feet. We really enjoyed the rugged trail, the rock formations and of course Gem Lake. If you’re looking to explore without paying the $20/car (possibly increasing soon) for a day pass, you can hike Gem Lake and Lumpy Ridge for free. Hikers will pass under the 13,000+ ft mountain peaks of Bear Creek Spire, Mt. This route to the summit of Point 8992 is an almost-strenuous two mile Class 2 hike which gains about 1,000' per mile during the ascent. There are, of course, the usual hazards that any parent should be watchful of, but is a favorite path among families.

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