gem lake

As you get toward the top, the steps in the rocks get taller, so it seems like it's more difficult than it is. You'll particularly notice it on the way down. But the view is great and you can't beat the view of Estes Park. Gem Lake itself is nothing much, but a nice place to rest and catch a snack before you start back down. Be sure to check out the open air privy!

Many people miss this hike because it is not in what most consider "the park, but it is well worth the effort. Parking is limited, so get there early.

This is a great hike to get away from the crowds. You can't get a better view of Estes Park and the lake at the top is very cool.

This is a great hike for those of you who decide to make a short trip to Rocky Mountain Nat. Park and don't want to pay the fee. If you do the hike from this trailhead near the Stanley Hotel -- you don't have to pay an entrance fee. I hiked for about 3-4 hours to Gem Lake and had a great time checking out the mountains and the water.

Large rock steps made walking harder for those with old knees. Take plenty of water and a snack for picnic at the top. Great views of Estes and valley.

A good workout for flat landers but well worth it. At 68 we were the oldest on the trail but thoroughly enjoyed it.

Steeper than what they lead you to believe, but definitely not strenuous. Worth it for the views over Estes Park. The actual lake was a let down compared to Emerald Lake.

It is a nice trail. Views of the Estes Valley are great as well as the views of Longs Peak. Crowded on the weekend, so get to the parking lot early if you want to get a space.

This was a great hike and our entire family from 10 to 69 years enjoyed it! Not too difficult and very enjoyable.

The stair actually help. It is a steep ascent, but I have seen young, old, fat, skinny, and many other sorts make the trip. Just bring a bottle of water person on the hike. The lake is a great reward for making it to the top. And you great views of Estes on the way up.Also a good way to see part of the RMNP without paying an entrance fee.

Views up and down were nice, lake not so much. 2/3 rds way up has bathrooms. Step climbing at end 3 ft steps, good bum work out

This is a great hike, steep in parts but there are steps and switchbacks vs. the very steep paths on some hikes. At the end, the steps are tall as some of the bottom has washed away. Gem lake is very high in the mountain so you are rewarded with untouched beauty. Along the way, you see the views of Estes Park and the Stanley from different elevations.

We had to abort our first hike to Gem Lake last year due to an arriving storm, but we were able to complete the hike this year. Very nice hike with great views of Estes Valley, and very pleasant woods throughout. The hike is not very long, but there are plenty of switchbacks and enough elevation gain to challenge hikers who are acclimating. Gem Lake itself is a small mountain lake and is extremely peaceful. There are several rocks at the edge of the lake where you can mellow before starting down.You can connect to the Lumpy Ridge trail from the Gem Lake trail. This is a great hike as well, with scenic views of the McGregor Ranch. There are great views of steep cliffs. Lumpy Ridge leads to some serious rock climbing areas so you will see hikers lugging all kinds of rope and gear. It is very close to town so it is a great hike if you are pressed for time or just getting started.

Gem Lake trail is one of my favorites. It is about a 3-4 hour round trip through a well marked, partially forested mountain area culminating at Gem Lake. It takes a little effort to reach the top, but the reward is well worth the work. I like trails that go up in the beginning rather than the reverse because returning is so much easier. The hike is near some waterfalls and the sound of rushing water combined with the spectacular views is wonderful. Bring water and come early so the lake area is less crowded. Hiking sticks are advisable. Bring a camera too.

My nephews are not hikers and I'll be honest, they were not happy about coming along, but the promise of "bouldering" got them in the car. Upon immediately seeing that there were large rocks on which to play, their mood quickly changed. This hike was so beautiful: mountain wildflowers, twinkling aspens, big boulders, a gentle stream, stunning views. It had everything you would want from a Colorado hike. The 1.7 miles to gem lake was the perfect distance both for my inexperienced nephews and the fit adults. We had a blast climbing the sticky rocks and admiring the gorgeous environment. We had a lovely picnic lunch at the lake and spent some time climbing there as well. I recommend this for adults and children alike. Despite the relatively short mileage, it is still a great workout.