Wyoming · Hiking · Cloud Peak Wilderness

Gem Lake

0.8 mi
loop
113 ft
climb
10,054 ft
high point
Loop
route

Is Gem Lake open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists an alert for Powder River Ranger District.

As of · Source: USFS · Powder River Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Gem Lake is an easy hike of about 0.8 miles in a loop, set within the Cloud Peak Wilderness of Wyoming's Bighorn National Forest. The trail lies in the Powder River Ranger District, and the Forest Service manages the surrounding land. The loop gains about 113 feet, rising from roughly 9,979 feet to about 10,054 feet at its high point. The trail is natural-surfaced and allows horses, so it works for riders as well as hikers. It is open year-round, and the trip takes about half an hour. Solitude Loop is about 0.8 miles away and Middle Rock Creek about 0.9 miles, so it is easy to pair this outing with another short walk. For an overnight stay, Hunter Campground sits about 5.4 miles off, and the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area climbing area is about 6.2 miles away.