Hike to Balanced Rock - RMNP

A full (14) bus again of High Country Hikers made its way to the Lumpy Ridge TH (7,882') just off Devils Gulch Road, north of Estes Park, Colorado.  After arriving at the parking lot about 9:40 a.m., many hikers donned a light fleece, while others slipped on a wind shell.  A few slipped on a pair of gloves to insulate their hands from the chilly morning air.

Like most RMNP trails, Gem Lake Trail can be an interstate highway in terms of the number of hikers one might find on a given day.  Today was one of those days.

Robert cruises over a stretch of log steps.

For the first half mile, we had trail all to ourselves.  Soon we would start gaining elevation, slowing the pace.  That's when a train of school kids caught up to us.  Not all 50 at one time, but in groups of 4, then 6, then 10, then 10 more.  Seemed like we were stepping off trail at every bend and switchback.

A high number of hikers on trail can be bothersome, plus the noise from far down and up trail, tosses any chance of solitude in the hopper.   I gotta give these kids credit.  They may not be on trail each week like many HCH members, but they do have a degree stamina and lots of energy to burn.

HCH's on a rest break.

Between the TH and Gem Lake, hikers must negotiate no less than 604 (they were counted on the descent) steps.  Some are natural rock, some were built by trail crews.  There are also many sections of log steps. 

Trail (1.65 mi.) to Gem Lake is littered with sections of solid and loose rock along the numerous short to moderate size switchbacks leading to the lake.  Primary features along this section of trail consist of either natural rock, or medium to tall rock steps, installed with days of hard labor.  In fact, on the way to the lake, we passed a crew on break beside trail.  They were perched on a solid rock outcropping overlooking the town of Estes Park and Lake Estes.

One of many terrific views of RMNP

On approach to Gem Lake, there are a number of spots hikers can stop, turn around, and take time to enjoy the sights of what may be some of the best views of the park.

Standing at a number of spots on trail, the landscape may includes Estes Cone (11,011'), Taylor Peak (13,163'), Powell Peak (13,208'), and McHenry's Peak (13,321'), decked out in their formal winter white attire.

The Privy with an awesome view.

A structure not to be missed, just before reaching the lake, is not often seen at this elevation.  It's a privy built on the side of the slope overlooking some of the same peaks mentioned.  At least one hiker today can say they visited the highest privy in the Park.

The busiest image to date of HCH members weaving back and forth on switchbacks to Gem Lake.

The approach to Gem Lake is loaded with massive granite rock formations, 1.8 billions years old.  The area is full of boulders, tight switchbacks, and a few spots where hikers must slow down to negotiate a tight turn or slip between giant boulders before moving on.

The lake is located at 8,800' el., and has no true inlet or outlet stream.  So how does the water get there?  The surrounding rocks trap, collect, and steer water into the small basin.  One side of the lake is a sandy beach.  While the north and east shores are encased with vertical granite walls.

Today, kids could be found on virtually every level of the surrounding wall having lunch and enjoying the atmosphere.  Hopefully they will remember this day and bring their kids to Gem Lake some day.

A quiet Gem Lake...taken earlier on a scouting hike.

Trail beyond the lake follows the landscape of Lumpy Ridge to a junction with Balanced Rock Trail.  From here, it's one mile to Balanced Rock.  Trail descends into a valley then up the other side.  After leveling off, it continues through a saddle, then descends the west side of the ridge to Balanced Rock.

Balanced Rock.

Balanced Rock with star burst.

Some sections of trail were muddy and at times hikers had to do a quick side step to skirt flowing water coming at them from higher elevations. 

Pasque flowers.

Single and double stemmed Pasque Flowers dominated trailside color today. The Pasque is a member of the buttercup family.  Pasque is French for "Easter."  Native Americans of the prairies called it Red-Calf-Flower.

The descent of Lumpy Ridge brought hikers front and center with a number of awesome views of the snow-caped mountains of RMNP.  On the bus after leaving the TH, a member of the group summed it up saying, "We are so lucky to live in Colorado."


Once on the road, a number of herds of Elk were sighted in the fields bordering Lumpy Ridge.  Later on Rt. 36 more Elk.  Ed had to slow down when a handful of Elk bolted across the road in front of the bus.

A must stop was made at Colorado Cherry Company, on Rt. 36, south of Estes Park.  You can bet $ on the fact it is THE PLACE  every time we come to RMNP.  Why this place...it may have something to do with the fact that some members actually have a coffee account there...and the pies are outstanding.   

On trail, looking into RMNP from below the privy.

High Country Hiker core members: Front row (L - R) Judy Shaw, hike leader and driver, Ed Blum, Nancy Tedrick, John Tedrick (with Cherry Pie), Luisa Sandoval, and Linda Saiz (with Cherry Pie).  Back row (L - R) Gary Merical (G1); Penny Geise, Melva Sorm, Don Storm, Robert Saiz, and Jonelle Bidwell.  Not shown: Raheal Kneebone. Photos by Gary Alleman (G2), Happy Trails Photography, Aurora, Colorado 

Total miles = 7.6

Total elevation gain = 1,260'