North Gem Lake/Cow Creek
Rocky Mountain National Park, Larimer County, CO
Out-and-back trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, Larimer County, CO. Hiking & Horseback riding.
- Distance
- 5.5 mi (8.8 km)
- Elevation Gain
- 1,109 ft (338 m)
- Est. Time
- 2 hr 20 min
- High point
- 8,852 ft (2,698 m)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- Out & back
Features
Along the way
- Peak: Middle Gemstone 5.4 mi (8.7 km) from start
- Peak: East Gemstone 5.5 mi (8.8 km) from start
From OpenStreetMap. Check before you rely on water or toilets.
Questions about North Gem Lake/Cow Creek
How long is North Gem Lake/Cow Creek?
North Gem Lake/Cow Creek is 5.5 mi (8.8 km) long. Most people take about 2 hr 20 min. It climbs 1,109 ft (338 m) in total, up to a high point of 8,852 ft (2,698 m).
How hard is North Gem Lake/Cow Creek?
GoTrails rates it Hard, from its length and how much it climbs.
Where do you park for North Gem Lake/Cow Creek?
No parking mapped: check before you drive.
Are there water and toilets on North Gem Lake/Cow Creek?
No water mapped: bring all you need. Toilets: Trailhead.
Is North Gem Lake/Cow Creek shaded?
Mostly shaded (78% under trees).
Can you bring a dog on North Gem Lake/Cow Creek?
No, dogs are not allowed, according to OpenStreetMap.
What can you do on North Gem Lake/Cow Creek?
Best for Hiking. Also: Horseback riding. Shared with horses. Surface: dirt.
Is this a good week for North Gem Lake/Cow Creek?
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 North Gem Lake/Cow Creek
- Black Canyon / Cow Creek Connector Trail Rocky Mountain National Park · Moderate · 3.3 mi (5.3 km)
- Bridel Veil Falls Trail Rocky Mountain National Park · Easy · 2.2 mi (3.5 km)
- Balanced Rock Trail Rocky Mountain National Park · Easy · 1.9 mi (3.1 km)
- North Boundary, Upper Rocky Mountain National Park · Expert · 11.4 mi (18.3 km)
- Lower Cow Creek Trail Rocky Mountain National Park · Moderate · 3.9 mi (6.2 km)
- West Creek Falls Comanche Peak Wilderness · Easy · 1.4 mi (2.2 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)
More hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
GoTrails · Route data: © OpenStreetMap