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Rocky Mountain National Park: Lumpy Ridge Loop
Go counterclockwise on this 10.2-mile loop touring the rocky cliffs and odd-shaped boulders of Lumpy Ridge to an alpine lake and several campsites in Rocky Mountain National Park.
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| Author: | Backpacker Magazine |
| Activity: | Hiking |
| State: | Colorado (CO) |
| Distance: | 10.24 mi |
| Difficulty: | 7 / 10 |
| USGS Topo Map: | Estes Park |
| Rating: |
 1 rating(s)
|
Lumpy Ridge rises above Estes Park, CO, concealing climbing routes, elk and deer herds, campsites, and an alpine lake. Get a full tour on this 10.2-mile dayhike or spend a night or two at one of the trailside campsites.
From the trailhead, head up the Gem Lake Trail, winding through conifers. At mile 1.5 is Gem Lake, an alpine pool with no outlet stream, tucked under the rocky cliffs. In about a mile, turn right onto Balanced Rock Trail. Ahead, the trail turns west and follows Cow Creek (and its namesake trail). Over the next few miles this loop passes three established campsites: Rabbit Ears (milepoint 4.2), Peregrine (milepoint 5), and Sundance (milepoint 7.8). Backcountry permits required. Turn left (south) after 6 miles and begin the loop back to the trailhead, passing through a short stretch of private property, under impressive cliffs, and long views to Longs Peak, the highest and the only 14,000-foot peak in Rocky Mountain National Park.
-Mapped by Jeff Chow
TO TRAILHEAD: From Elkhorn Ave. and MacGregor Ave. in Estes Park, head north on MacGregor Ave. In 1 mile, turn left onto MacGregor Ln. In 0.2 mile, turn right onto Clara Dr. Go 0.5 mile to trailhead parking.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
Lumpy Ridge Loop
| Distance: 10.24 mi | Points: 983 |
Lumpy Ridge Loop
Points of Interest
WPT001
Location: 40.396721, -105.512741Hike southwest from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. In 200 feet, turn right onto Gem Lake Trail to start loop.
WPT002
Location: 40.402000, -105.512550Turn right @ T-intersection. From here, begin the climb to Gem Lake on a sandy trail flanked by conifers.
WPT003
Location: 40.403801, -105.510117Look to the south for 180-degree views across the park. Longs Peak's distinct diamond face rises in the distance.
WPT004
Location: 40.409882, -105.503998Pass a privy with a view, then continue north toward Gem Lake.
WPT005
Location: 40.410416, -105.503716Gem Lake: This small mountain pool (no outlet stream) is tucked at the foot of vertical rock cliffs. Watch out for the brave and hungry chipmunks that live here.
WPT006
Location: 40.418865, -105.508369Turn right @ T-junction onto Balanced Rock Trail. Hike northeast.
WPT007
Location: 40.426998, -105.517899Cross a narrow bridge over Cow Creek. Ahead, the trail enters a deep, open valley and gradually climbs along Cow Creek.
WPT008
Location: 40.427651, -105.520950Turn left @ T-junction with Cow Creek Trail. Hike west.
WPT009
Location: 40.427166, -105.523918Trail passes Rabbit Ears Campsite.
WPT010
Location: 40.427250, -105.534866Stay left on Black Canyon Trail @ Y-junction to continue on the loop. Optional: Veer right @ Y-intersection for a 2-mile (round-trip) side trip to Bridal Falls.
WPT011
Location: 40.427517, -105.535881Cross bridge over Cow Creek (separate trail for horses).
WPT012
Location: 40.427433, -105.537933Pass the Peregrine Campsite.
WPT013
Location: 40.422482, -105.560799Crest a saddle with a small clearing and head west.
WPT014
Location: 40.422268, -105.562485Turn left @ 3-way junction, heading south. The trail that continues straight leads to Lawn Lake and Mummy Mountain.
WPT015
Location: 40.408382, -105.550697Pass Sundance Campsite.
WPT016
Location: 40.405117, -105.543701Walk through a gate and follow the trail across open fields with views of the valley. Note: This section travels through private property. Stay on the trail.
WPT017
Location: 40.403969, -105.540001Continue straight @ 3-way junction with the Pear Trail.
WPT018
Location: 40.401585, -105.535286Pass through a gate and continue hiking southeast.
WPT019
Location: 40.401531, -105.535217Pass trail to the Book Area, a climber access.
WPT020
Location: 40.401482, -105.525032Cross bridge and pass through gate, leaving private property.
WPT021
Location: 40.401501, -105.521034Cross the gravel road that leads to NPS staff housing.
WPT022
Location: 40.401718, -105.520386Turn right (southeast) @ T-junction to return to the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. Ahead, pass a couple of gates and bridges.
Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary
Location: 40.400200, -105.511520Trailside Views
Location: 40.402515, -105.510048Boulders
Location: 40.407635, -105.506180Rock Walls
Location: 40.408733, -105.505882Privy Sign
Location: 40.409382, -105.504051Gem Lake
Location: 40.410751, -105.503677Beach at Gem Lake
Location: 40.410751, -105.503677Gem Lake
Location: 40.410751, -105.503685Wildflowers
Location: 40.426518, -105.514000Towering Trees
Location: 40.427601, -105.521301Rabbit Ears Campsite
Location: 40.427383, -105.522415Towering Cliff
Location: 40.426968, -105.528770Peregrine Campsite
Location: 40.427399, -105.535683Aspen Grove
Location: 40.427567, -105.538918Longs Peak
Location: 40.416065, -105.561699Conifer Forest
Location: 40.409168, -105.552651Sundance Campsite
Location: 40.409100, -105.552467Cliffs
Location: 40.408615, -105.551285Deer
Location: 40.408184, -105.550034Flower
Location: 40.405800, -105.545647Private Property
Location: 40.405766, -105.545448Grassy Meadow
Location: 40.405434, -105.544350Meadow
Location: 40.405033, -105.543282The Pear
Location: 40.404732, -105.541786Trail Sign
Location: 40.402416, -105.536484Rocky Cliffs
Location: 40.401901, -105.535751Mountain Views
Location: 40.400566, -105.526184Memorial
Location: 40.401482, -105.522270Prohibited
Location: 40.397202, -105.515183Cluster of Signs
Location: 40.401600, -105.521713Related Trips
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