We did the Twin Owls, Gem Lake Loop trail, riding part of the time on the Black Canyon trail. We parked at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead parking lot, where there are two spaces for horse trailers. It was a little confusing to find the correct trailhead from the parking lot. We wanted to take the loop clockwise, but the trail leading from the horse parking area only mentioned Gem Lake, which led to the right and would have taken us counter-clockwise. When we went to the trail heading to the left, to Twin Owls, there was a sign indicating horses were not allowed. We are generally respectful of signage, but we knew we could take the trail, so we took it anyway, thinking we would meet up with the proper horse trail eventually. We saw no signage at the lot to indicate where horses were to go. A little ways up the trail, it was clear that horses weren't really supposed to be there, as a zig-zag gate required us to squeeze our horses through. They are very obedient, and went without a hitch.
We traveled along this trail and saw beautiful aspens in the morning light, with Longs Peak in the background. Probably a mile or mile and a half later, we squeezed through another zig-zag gate, and looking back, saw a sign saying "No horses beyond this point" which was where we just were. The trail did lead off to the right, and was probably the trail we were supposed to have been on. Oh well. Sorry RMNP, we didn't mean disrespect, but you need better signage at the parking lot, particularly near the bathrooms where the informational signs and maps are located. On our return, we did see where we should have gone to get the clockwise loop, but it sure wasn't clear from the parking area.
We had seen a description of this loop in a horse-oriented trail guide, which indicated that the trail should be ridden counter-clockwise, as there was a difficult, steep section that should be ridden uphill, not downhill, as horses would have difficulty slowing their pace and making the switchback turns. The author was thinking of safety, and for good reason. Our horses are good, well-seasoned mountain horses, and did just fine downhill on the steep section, but I could see how other less trained horses might have a problem. Even uphill would be difficult for many horses and/or their riders. My buddy Brego did just fine on it, even downhill. Tim and Strider were ahead, and I noticed Strider really thinking through each of the short, steep steps, to decide where to put his feet. I'd stop Brego until Strider was safely through, then we followed. Brego is shorter, and I think his stature makes it easier for him to maneuver. He's also very sure-footed, and we did just great. He doesn't seem to think as hard about each step like Strider does.
