Trail Description

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Gem Lake sits in a shallow bowl near the top of Lumpy Ridge, a massive granite rock complex home to numerous raptor species and renowned for its world class climbing. Located in a far-east central section of the Park and facing south, the Gem Lake Trail sees less snow and faster melt rates than other comparable trails, making it one of Rocky Mountain's best 4 season short-hike options.

Numerous turnoffs and openings in the forest yield panoramic views of the Continental Divide and town of Estes Park. A good map will help you identify many prominent peaks such as Longs Peak (14,259'), Estes Cone (11,011'), Taylor Peak (13,163'), Powell Peak (13,208') and McHenrys Peak (13,327').

In May 2007 the Twin Owls Trailhead was relocated approximately .5 miles to the east and re-named
Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. The new trailhead - which accesses Gem Lake, the Twin Owls Loop and all Lumpy Ridge climbing destinations - features more parking spaces and updated park and vicinity information.

Most maps - even new ones - do not illustrate the recent move. Signs at Lumpy Ridge Trailhead clearly depict new routing and distances affected by the relocation.

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The trail climbs above the parking lot in earnest, passing under mature ponderosa and dense aspen stands that blaze with color in mid-fall. Late fall visitors will enjoy traveling over a ‘golden carpet' when the leaves drop. Large, finely sculpted granite boulders line the trail and lend to the area's unique aesthetic.

The moderately-strenuous grade levels out only upon reaching Gem Lake. The lake's west shore is beach-like, while the north and east shores are encased by a towering granite wall that can be circumnavigated at its flatter base just above waterline.

Gem Lake is quite small and unusual in that there's no true inlet or outlet stream. Lumpy Ridge's boulders trap, collect and steer water into a shallow depression in the rock.

Ambitious hikers may wish to continue towards Bridal Veil Falls or complete the entire Twin Owls Loop.

Camping and Backpacking Information

Rabbit Ears Backcountry Campsite

• The Rabbit Ears campsite is located at 8,100’, 1.4 miles from the Cow Creek Trailhead and 5.5 miles from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. There is 1 site and a bear box available. Water is available from Cow Creek. The site is located south of the Cow Creek Trail in an open area surrounded by trees. It sits below the ridge where two upright rocks simulate rabbit ears. A rock bench behind the site makes a natural seating area.


Peregrine Backcountry Campsite

• The Peregrine campsite is located at 8,480’, 2.0 miles from the Cow Creek Trailhead and 5.2 miles from the Lump Ridge Trailhead. There is 1 site and a bear box available. Water is available from Cow Creek. The site is located off the Cow Creek Trail, approx. 100 yards past the Dark Mountain Trail junction.


McGregor Mountain Backcountry Campsite

• The McGregor campsite is located at 9,040’, 4.1 miles from the Cow Creek Trailhead and 5.1 miles from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. There are 2 sites available; no bear boxes are provided. Water is available from Black Canyon Creek. The site is located in a thick pine forest south of Black Canyon Creek off the Black Canyon Trail.



• Wood signs mark campsite spurs, which may also be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Pitch tents as close to the indicated site as possible, safely away from standing dead trees. Boil or adequately treat all water. Stoves only. Fires are prohibited, unless staying in a wood fire site with visible metal fire ring.

Directions to Trailhead

To reach the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead: From US 36 in downtown Estes Park, drive north on MacGregor Avenue. Shortly after crossing US Highway 34, MacGregor Avenue will turn into Devils Gulch Road. Continue on Devils Gulch Road bypassing the gateway to the MacGregor Ranch area. Less than a mile ahead, the turn off to the trailhead is marked by an NPS sign. Turn left (north) onto the trailhead access road which dead ends several hundred yards from Devils Gulch Road. The trailhead and parking area have pit toilets.

Contact Information

Rocky Mountain National Park
1000 Highway 36
Estes Park, CO 80517-8397

General Visitor Information:
970-586-1206

Backcountry Permit Info:
970-586-1242

Campground Reservations:
800-365-2267