The Lake of Many Rocks is a short but spectacular hike in the busy Bear Lake area of RMNP. It's a little more strenuous than the more popular lakes, so you may be the only person there if it's "off season." There are incredible views along the way and the multitude of large rocks leading up to the lake provides for an excellent foreground in photos. It's one of John Fielder's favorite in RMNP. There's some slight avalanche danger as you climb the last hill to the lake

This is a fairly strenuous hike up the Long's Peak trail to the junction of Chasm Lake. It begins in the beautiful alpine forest and has spectacular views the entire way.

This is a strenuous hike up the historic Flat Top Mountain Trail. Is trail was used by Arapaho Indians before Europeans arrived. It was also the site of a major battle between Arapaho and Apache, with the Arapaho pushing the Apache up over the Continental Divide. This trail continues to the top of the divide, but it was too windy above tree line to continue this day. This trail starts at Bear Lake but I forgot to track it from the beginning, so it starts where I stopped.

If you want to get away from the crowd at Gem Lake consider continuing your journey out to Balanced Rock. This entire area of RMNP is known for its climbing routes and interesting rock formations. The trail is well maintained and you'll have views toward the Mummy Range. You'll spend most of your time below tree line, and walking among numerous species of trees.

Hike to Flat Top

Rock scramble to the Keyhole in the Longs Peak Boulder Fields.

Ascent hike to the Longs Peak Boulder Fields