Gem Lake Trail

Nestled about 100 ft below a mountain top (at an elevation of 8,830 feet) is Gem Lake.

This hike was special for several reasons. The payoff was great, but that wasn't my favorite part. The best thing about this hike is the many payoffs along the way. A consistent delight.

You get just about everything in one hike (3.4 miles & 1000' of elecation gain) that you would or could expect out of a Colorado / RMNP hike - fabulous overlooks, greenery, the lake view, wildflowers and rock formations etc, but these joyful pleasures are dotted all along the trail.

The trail begins on a ranch, and you just have to be envious as you trek through. As you moderately ascend, you views of the ranch, the backdrop of the mountain ranges in the background.

This particular morning, there was rain in the forecast, and while we did not get wet, My Lovely truly enjoyed the rainbow beaming out of the mountain in the distance.

When we got near the top, we got off the trail by accident. We were climbing a rockface (using all fours) that was tilted about 35 degrees. We were 150 feet from the top of the mountain, we were taking a safety break. I was thinking how much the boys would love this part. My Lovely was thinking that this couldn't be right. And of course, she was correct. We worked our way back down a bit, and just around the corner was Gem Lake -- the payoff.

We enjoyed an apple, a breather, and the wonder of a piece of what Hod made for us.Read more