Hiking – Lumpy Ridge "Hot Rocks" Loop

"The Gemstones" are a trio of granite domes on the eastern end of the long Lumpy Ridge.  Two of the Gemstones flank the popular Gem Lake (8,820').  The highest one is the West Gemstone (9,120') which is not visible from Gem Lake nor is it easily accessible.  Our main objective for today is to summit the West Gemstone which we will do by crossing (and summitting) the Middle Gemstone.  Along the way, we will crawl (really) through "The Cave", visit "The Boot", explore "The Verandah", and rest on the sandy beach of Gem Lake.  From Gem Lake, there is a safe route up the slabby Middle Gemstone.  Dropping our poles and packs for reasons that will become obvious, we'll take a hidden ramp to the very top with outstanding views.  Our return route from this top is unique - to say the least!

The West Gemstone will be visible across a huge gap that will look impossible to descend into but there is a safe route.  Likewise, climbing the West Gemstone looks daunting but, again, there is a route.  There will be a lot of Class 3 scrambling on both of these Gemstones.  The rock, however, is solid, grippy, Lumpy Ridge granite.

Leaving the West Gemstone, we will bushwhack down a steep gully and pick up a faint use trail that locals know as a shortcut to Balanced Rock, our next destination.  Balanced Rock is just that, a gigantic boulder balanced on a narrow rock stem.  It's big!  From here, we'll pick up another use trail that will take us past the "Old Man's Profile" on its way to the crest of Lumpy Ridge.

We'll descend the southern side of Lumpy Ridge on an overgrown use trail passing Rock One and coming into the back side of the Twin Owls rock formation - the "Bowels of the Owls".  From there, we'll pick up a steep climber's trail and drop down to the Black Canyon Trail taking that back to the parking lot.

This hike is short on distance, high on adventure, and has an off-the-charts "giggle quotient".  It's fun!

Meet Location:  Gem Lake/Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, Gem Lake/Lumpy Ridge Entrance, Rocky Mountain National Park.  No reservations are needed.  Ample parking.  There is a toilet at the trailhead.

MEET AT TRAILHEAD:  7:30 am

Denver area participants can meet at Coors Tek Lot across from CMC offices for a 6:00 am start.

Northern area participants can meet in Lyons at Sandstone Park on Railroad Ave for a 6:55 am start.

**It is your responsibility to let the leader know where you will be meeting.

**All trip participants must be fully vaccinated. If you are starting to feel sick, cancel yourself from the trip.

**PLEASE read the trip description (see Leader's Notes below) carefully and only sign up if you have the qualifications expected.

**If you are on a waitlist, check it frequently.  The system may or may not notify you if you have been moved to the main roster.

**As a courtesy to others, please do not sign up for this trip unless you fully intend to go.

**I will send out an email a day or two before the trip with pertinent details.