Gem Lake [Trip Report]
This wasn’t the first time I had hiked to Gem Lake. The first time I hiked to Gem Lake was July 13, 1998, a little over 19 years ago.
Gem Lake is a great hike in the eastern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. And a great way to end the hiking season for 2017. This wasn’t the first time I had hiked to Gem Lake. The first time I hiked to Gem Lake was July 13, 1998, a little over 19 years ago. But it has always been one of my favorite hikes in the park, so I wanted to do it again. And I also wanted to see how much slower I was compared to then. In 1998 I started from the Gem Lake trailhead at 10:48 AM and arrived at the lake at 11:31 Am, about 43 minutes to hike the 2 miles. This year, I started at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, and it took me about one hour and 4 minutes to go the 1.7 miles. So I wasn’t too far off my time from 19 years ago and it was just as beautiful.
Details:
- 8,820 Feet
- Round Trip Distance: 3.4 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 970 feet
- Difficulty: Class 1
- Route: via Twin Owls
- Time: 1-2 Hours
- Date Hiked: Oct 13, 2017 (Third Time)
All Trails Map Link
Beautiful fall colors in Rocky Mountain National Park.
On the trail to Gem Lake
Great views of Mount Meeker and Longs Peak in the background.
Small wooden bridge to cross a stream.
Rocks like sentinels guard the lake.
Sign when you arrive at Gem Lake.
Gem Lake
Still water of Gem Lake