Venture Into New Territory: Gem Lake

The area known as Lumpy Ridge has remained unexplored by the Highlander clan until July 2009 when Emily and Alex ventured out into the unknown for a hike to Gem Lake. Lumpy Ridge is a unique area of RMNP made up of massive granite rock, home to several raptor species, and renowned for its world class climbing.


The trail to Gem Lake leads up through sharply cut granite which showcases unusual rock formations.

One of the popular balanced rock formations is Paul Bunyan's Boot.

Gem Lake is a small body of water nestled in a shallow bowl near the top of Lumpy Ridge. It's surrounded half way by granite walls and has a nice sandy beach on one side - perfect for a picnic! Rain, and very little snow, is its source of water.