Wow. There are more things to see in this 2 mile hike outside Estes Park than in many full day hikes in the Rockies. The trail climbs Lumpy ridge, passing a few of its many granite rock formations. At one bend is a boulder with a hole in it the size of a human head. A local informed us that it is known here as “Paul Bunyan’s Boot” due its general shape. After not quite 1000 feet of climbing it reaches Gem Lake, perfectly named. This is a tiny lake nestled in the rocks, full of life. I had a little photo frenzy chasing the reflections of clouds, rocks, and waterbugs.