Got to the trail at 5:30 a.m. a few people heading up but completely quiet. Spent the day at gem lake. Water was fresh and crisp, took a dip and drank some tea and started heading back at 11:00. and wow so many people. probably passed by more than 200. So many dog poop bags. Please people pick up after your animal and take it with you! Also, that obnoxious man with the air horn blowing it off it really disturbs the peace. This trail is like Disneyland. Makes me appreciate hitting this trail up super early in the morning when there was hardly anybody.
Type of Hike
Day hikeTrail Conditions
Trail in good conditionRoad
Road suitable for all vehiclesBugs
Bugs were not too badSnow
Snow free
Comments
mato on Gem Lake
What's up with the air horn? Some sort of paranoid bear deterrent?
Posted by:
mato on Aug 04, 2025 09:56 AM
sixeyedslothbear on Gem Lake
Uggg I don't know. Just an obnoxious duo of bored guys. Or many it was to shake the mosquitoes away.
Posted by:
sixeyedslothbear on Aug 06, 2025 01:54 PM
Amy-outside on Gem Lake
Hi, did you by chance see a light blue bandana anywhere along the trail? Probably nearer Gem lake. It untied and fell off my pack on 8/3 and I wanted to try get it back so as to leave no trace. Thanks!
Posted by:
Amy-outside on Aug 05, 2025 11:17 AM
sixeyedslothbear on Gem Lake
Hey there unfortunately I didn't see a light blue bandana. A pika may have snagged it and is making a nest out of it right now.
Posted by:
sixeyedslothbear on Aug 06, 2025 01:52 PM
Maddy on Gem Lake
The dog poop bag thing is so upsetting. If people plan to bag the poop then leave it behind (even if intending to pick it up on the way out) then just don't! It one of the worse pollution thing that that a human can do. Even if you do pick up the bag on the way out, dozens of hikers have to look at that bag and be disgusted. If you don't plan to keep the bag with you the entire way then don't put it in a bag. Just bury it. It is biodegradable as long as you don't entomb it plastic.
Posted by:
Maddy on Aug 05, 2025 04:47 PM