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.

2009: Year of Many Hikes to Moraine Park, Part 2

So, the Whole Family

(minus one fisherman)

Hikes to Moraine Park!

The river is an instant magnet, especially for our champion rock thrower!

Aunts, Uncles, Cousins all join in, throwing rocks and looking for fish.

Snack Time! A Hike is not a Hike without a Snack! Notice Everyone looking Down? Remember Why? The Sun is Bright!!!

Time to Rest .....

and enjoy the Beauty .....

2009: Year of Many Hikes to Moraine Park, Part 1

What fun it is to be able to hike from the Y into Rocky Mountain National Park!

We sent our Scouts to blaze the trail.

They went well prepared, taking CamelBaks to insure hydration

and discovered a winding river, deep green grass, and majestic mountains.

Our Scouts then summoned the Entire Family for Multiple Journeys back to Moraine Park.

2nd Annual Hayride & Marshmallow Roast

A little help from Dad!

Cousins get in on the fun too!

Tastes Good but Looks Wierd!

Baby J thought the Hayride was Fun . . .
Even Without the Marshmallows!

We All had a good time!

2009 The Summer of ........

Can You Guess? It didn't always occur in the cabin!

2009 The Summer of ........

Can You Guess? It took Lots of Preparation.

And created Lots of Trash!

2009 The Summer of ........

Can You Guess? Our Beautiful Babes were in on it too.