Gem Lake Trail
Rocky Mountain National Park, Larimer County, CO
Out-and-back trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, Larimer County, CO. Hiking & Horseback riding.
- Distance
- 8.5 mi (13.6 km)
- Elevation Gain
- 2,093 ft (638 m)
- Est. Time
- 3 hr 45 min
- High point
- 8,852 ft (2,698 m)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- Out & back
Features
Along the way
- Viewpoint 0.6 mi (1 km) from start
- Viewpoint 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from start
- Peak: East Gemstone 3 mi (4.9 km) from start
- Viewpoint: Almost East Gemstone Peak 3 mi (4.9 km) from start
- Peak: Middle Gemstone 3.2 mi (5.1 km) from start
From OpenStreetMap. Check before you rely on water or toilets.
Questions about Gem Lake Trail
How long is Gem Lake Trail?
Gem Lake Trail is 8.5 mi (13.6 km) long. Most people take about 3 hr 45 min. It climbs 2,093 ft (638 m) in total, up to a high point of 8,852 ft (2,698 m).
How hard is Gem Lake Trail?
GoTrails rates it Hard, from its length and how much it climbs.
Where do you park for Gem Lake Trail?
Parking at the start.
Are there water and toilets on Gem Lake Trail?
No water mapped: bring all you need. Toilets: Trailhead, 2.9 mi (4.7 km).
Is Gem Lake Trail shaded?
Mostly shaded (72% under trees).
Can you bring a dog on Gem Lake Trail?
No, dogs are not allowed, according to OpenStreetMap.
What can you do on Gem Lake Trail?
Best for Hiking. Also: Horseback riding. Shared with horses. Surface: dirt.
Where can you eat near Gem Lake Trail?
The Post Chicken & Beer, 1 mi (1.5 km) from the start. 2 more places to eat. Shop: Safeway, 1.1 mi (1.8 km).
Is this a good week for Gem Lake Trail?
GoTrails turns the 7-day forecast at the start and at the high point into a clear go / no-go: temperature, rain, storms, wind, heat, air quality and daylight, with a suggested start time. This week’s call is at the top of this page.
Trails near Gem Lake Trail
- Lower Gem Lake Trail Rocky Mountain National Park · Easy · 1.6 mi (2.5 km)
- Upper Gem Lake Trail Rocky Mountain National Park · Moderate · 2.4 mi (3.9 km)
- Lumpy Ridge Climber Access Trails Rocky Mountain National Park · Easy · 0.5 mi (0.9 km)
- Lumpy Ridge Trail Rocky Mountain National Park · Easy · 1.4 mi (2.2 km)
- Black Canyon Trail Rocky Mountain National Park · Expert · 15.7 mi (25.3 km)
- Batman/Checkerboard Rock Climbing Access Rocky Mountain National Park · Easy · 1.2 mi (1.9 km)
- Lumpy Ridge Climber Access Rocky Mountain National Park · Easy · 0.8 mi (1.4 km)
- Gem Lake, West Access Trail Rocky Mountain National Park · Easy · 1.2 mi (2 km)
More hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
GoTrails · Route data: © OpenStreetMap