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Gem Lake Trail - 3 members in 5 triplogs have rated this an average 4.3 ( 1 to 5 best )
5 triplogs
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Jul 29 2023
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 Guides 17
 Routes 297
 Photos 1,808
 Triplogs 276

female
 Joined Mar 11 2002
 Gilbert, AZ
Gem Lake TrailNortheast, CO
Northeast, CO
Hiking avatar Jul 29 2023
VashtiTriplogs 276
Hiking3.86 Miles 1,068 AEG
Hiking3.86 Miles   2 Hrs   20 Mns   1.95 mph
1,068 ft AEG      21 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
This hike starts up immediately through trees and stays there until half way when you come to a flat rock area that opens up to magnificent views. From there it is back to up and up until you reach gem lake. It's a nice small lake, but a bit underwhelming compared to the many other lakes near this region. Plus, lots of people. There are some neat rock formations about 75% of the way up.

There are quite a few nice places to rest and have a snack by the lake. There were a bunch of people, but luckily while we were there a light rain started and many people left, woo hoo! ☔😊

The parking lot for this trail head is not super huge, but you can also park on the road leading up to the lot. There are rest rooms at the trail head. And there were rangers there when we went.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Gem Lake 51-75% full 51-75% full
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:D
 
Jul 31 2022
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 Photos 5
 Triplogs 1,041

36 female
 Joined Oct 04 2012
 Phoenix, AZ
Gem Lake TrailNortheast, CO
Northeast, CO
Hiking avatar Jul 31 2022
WaitingForRainTriplogs 1,041
Hiking3.70 Miles 1,396 AEG
Hiking3.70 Miles
1,396 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
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Jul 29 2022
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 Routes 386
 Photos 49
 Triplogs 792

43 female
 Joined Jun 23 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Gem Lake TrailNortheast, CO
Northeast, CO
Hiking avatar Jul 29 2022
emilystardustTriplogs 792
Hiking4.21 Miles 1,259 AEG
Hiking4.21 Miles   2 Hrs   39 Mns   1.72 mph
1,259 ft AEG      12 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
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Apr 02 2021
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 Guides 24
 Routes 175
 Photos 556
 Triplogs 107

32 male
 Joined Jun 24 2015
 Broomfield, CO
Gem Lake TrailNortheast, CO
Northeast, CO
Hiking avatar Apr 02 2021
lojones5Triplogs 107
Hiking4.30 Miles 1,397 AEG
Hiking4.30 Miles   2 Hrs   34 Mns   2.03 mph
1,397 ft AEG      27 Mns Break5 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Friday was a work holiday so I visited Estes Park which is a little over an hour from Broomfield. I settled on one of the park's lower elevation hikes, but brought micro spikes which came in handy for some icy spots near the end. It was the first time I've used micro spikes and they worked wonderfully--light, quick and easy to put on, and the traction was excellent in what would otherwise have been quite slippery. The views from this hike were excellent and there are tons of rocks to explore and find even better viewpoints. Gem Lake is a small pond, currently partially frozen, with cliffs on two sides. This is an excellent "easy" hike which makes it popular, but the bouldering off-trail allowed me to find a secluded spot for my lunch with a view. Every hike around here seems to have climbing opportunities, so I'm beginning to understand why so many people in this area are into climbing. Maybe I will overcome my fear of getting trapped on a rock with no easy way back down...
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  2 archives
Jun 08 2013
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 Photos 832
 Triplogs 173

47 female
 Joined Oct 13 2007
 Loveland, CO
Gem Lake TrailNortheast, CO
Northeast, CO
Hiking avatar Jun 08 2013
hhwolf14Triplogs 173
Hiking12.00 Miles 2,730 AEG
Hiking12.00 Miles
2,730 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Took Cow Creek to Bridal Veil Falls, then side trek to Gem Lake. Hike is nice. Views from rock scrambles above Gem Lake are amazing
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average hiking speed 1.9 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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