Gem Lake
by Jesse Speer
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by Jesse Speer
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"The shallow waters of Gem Lake are cradled high among the rounded granite domes of Lumpy Ridge. Untouched by glaciation, this outcrop of 1.8 billion-year-old granite has been sculpted by wind and chemical erosion into a backbone-like ridge. Signs of these erosional forces--pillars, potholes, and balanced rocks--appear midway along the trail to Gem Lake. Other highpoints include spectacular views of the Estes Valley and Continental Divide, and a curious balanced rock called Paul Bunyan's Boot. Gem Lake's elevation is 8,800 feet." [ www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/winter_hike.htm]
Drive north from downtown Estes Park on MacGregor Avenue. Cross Hwy. 34 bypass and continue on MacGregor Avenue past MacGregor Ranch to the trailhead parking lot. on the left.
| Difficulty |
easy |
| Distance |
1.8 miles
one-way
|
| Starting Elevation |
7920 feet |
| Ending Elevation |
8830 feet |
| Elevation Change |
910 feet
|
Campsites
none
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