Gem Lake

Gem Lake – 3.4mi / 5.5km

Fantastic rock formations lead to a surprising lake tucked up in Lumpy Ridge. At the trailhead, take a right and begin climbing up through the forest.

The combination of the “lumpy” rock formations and the forest make for a great climb up to the lake. You’ll get stunning views looking across Estes Park and up to the mountains along the way. The trail eventually turns up a cool canyon, passing a formation called Paul Bunyan’s Boot before popping out at this beautiful lake.

One side is a sandy shore while the other is a terraced cliff. Return or consider continuing on to Balanced Rock (see Balanced Rock for description).

Trailhead: From Hwy 34 in Estes Park, head north on MacGregor Ave, then Devils Gulch Road. After 1.3mi/2.1km turn on Lumpy Ridge Dr to the parking lot at the end of the road.

Elevation Gain: 1,000ft / 300m – Elevation Loss: 1,000ft / 300m

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