HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Gem Lake (Lumpy Ridge)

3.4 midistance
1,000 ftelevation gain
1h 40mmoving time
294 ft/miaverage climb

Gem Lake (Lumpy Ridge) is a 3.4 mi trail with 1,000 ft of climbing — about 1h 40m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 8. About 30% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 8 👶 No stroller 🚻 No restrooms 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 30% shaded

Underfoot & overhead granite domes, town views

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Gem Lake (Lumpy Ridge) charges in hours, not miles.

3.4 mi and 1,000 ft of climbing work out to 1h 40m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

1h 40mmoving time, no breaks
0.8–1.6 Lwater, cool day → hot
50–100 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

294 ft per mile 1st steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Rocky Mountain National Park
30% shaded Patchy cover — the sun finds you in stretches

In July, Rocky Mountain National Park runs around 78°F at the main visitor elevation. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Tonight

51°F · Chance Rain Showers · wind 6 to 13 mph

NOAA forecast for Rocky Mountain National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ A Fire Ban (Stage 2 Fire Restrictions) Are In Effect

Due to very high fire danger, the extended weather forecast, and current fire activity in the State of Colorado, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are now in effect within Rocky Mountain National Park. When Stage 2 Fire...

Live NPS alert for Rocky Mountain National Park · source
⚠️ Update on Transponders

Due to some unexpected technical issues that are impacting recent transponder sales and renewals, Rocky Mountain National Park is temporarily pausing the sale and renewal of transponder devices. Updates will be...

Live NPS alert for Rocky Mountain National Park · source
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Rocky Mountain National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Gem Lake (Lumpy Ridge) take?

About 1h 40m of moving time for 3.4 mi and 1,000 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Gem Lake (Lumpy Ridge)?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.8–1.6 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Gem Lake (Lumpy Ridge)?

No — Gem Lake (Lumpy Ridge) is closed to dogs. Our Rocky Mountain National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is Gem Lake (Lumpy Ridge) good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 8. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Gem Lake (Lumpy Ridge)?

About 30% of the route is shaded, and Rocky Mountain National Park peaks around 78°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.