Gem Lake

Gem Lake is one of the Rocky Mountains' most distinctive lakes. The granite domes that support this lake's location near the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead are red and orange, and it has neither an inlet nor an outlet stream. It is a little lake that gets naturally filled by snowmelt and rain. Near Gem Lake, rare wildflowers like Telesonix jamesii sprout from numerous huge boulders. The views on the way to Gem Lake are also breathtaking and extraordinary.

The lake has the fairly unique distinction of having neither an inlet or outlet stream. Instead, a basin cut out of the base of the granite cliff walls that encircle the lake catches snowmelt and rainwater that has been trapped.

The Lumpy Ridge Trailhead leads to the Gem Lake route. The Gem Lake Trail is a fantastic hike all year round due to its low elevation and southern exposure. As the trail ascends you'll pass various locations that give spectacular views of Estes Park, Longs Peak, and the surrounding mountains. You'll also travel past several locations with large boulders and fascinating rock formations. Paul Bunyan's Boot, possibly the most intriguing rock structure of all, is located about 1.4 miles away.

Location: north of Estes Park, Colorado