Note: As of October 2020, this area is closed due to wildfire. If the gate is closed, park here and you’ve got a 1.2 mile hike … To access the 1/2 mile loop hike around Sprague Lake, … A beautiful easy lake trail with wonderful snow top Mountain views. According to the park, "this shallow, 13-acre lake is a remnant Hikers will enjoy panoramic views of the Continental Divide, including Half Mountain, Thatchtop Mountain, Taylor Peak, Otis Peak, Hallett Peak, Flattop Mountain and Notchtop Mountain. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. There are plenty of benches and lookouts over the lake to stop and reflect. The lake is named after Abner Sprague, one of the original The route is virtually flat, travels over a hard packed gravel surface, and is considered to be wheelchair accessible and suitable for the entire family. Fees are $25 per vehicle/motorcycle. There is also an accessible backcountry campsite nearby. The trail … All of Rocky Mountain is open. The trail follows the nature trail around the lake for a ways, then winds through aspen and lodgepole pine to the campsite about .5 miles from the parking lot and at the far end of the lake. Campground Reservations 877-444-6777 The trail is primarily used for hiking and running. However, in 1910, seeking "to prevent my homesickness for Estes Park and the mountains from becoming chronic", Abner Sprague and his wife would build another guest lodge in the Glacier Basin area. There are benches and lake access along the trail for fishing, and a bridge over the lake outlet creek. Great views all around of surrounding peaks and the Continental Divide at the far end of the lake, which also has large boulders, great for climbing. During our visit, WE SAW MOOSE HERE!!! Just before Rocky Mountain National Park was established in 1915, Sprague dammed the far end to create better fishing for his lodge guests. Visitor Information 970-586-1206 (Daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time, recorded information after hours) As we pulled into the parking lot, we saw moose in the lake; so, even though we were tired from our Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha hike, we walked halfway around the lake to get a better vantage point to watch them. The National Park Service purchased the property in 1932, but gave the Sprague's a twenty year lease before razing the buildings in 1957. Enjoy a leisurely half-mile walk around Sprague Lake (elevation 8,200 feet). Sprague also undoubtedly appreciated the breathtaking views of the Continental Divide, which are best seen from the half-mile-long trail at the far end of the lake. Sprague began building a homestead in Moraine Park in 1874. Great trail! There is a delightful 3/4 mile easy hike around the Lake with a bounty of lovely views. Trail may be slippery due to ice and snow in the winter or after thunderstorms in the summer. Several benches and viewpoints. It’s a great walk for families, but still gives you unforgettable views. Aside from Bear Lake, the views of Hallett Peak from Sprague are the best in the park. Start the hike from the trailhead located off of Bear Lake Road. Everybody should hike to Sprague Lake in Colorado. The hike around Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Sprague Lake Trailhead, located off Bear Lake Road roughly 5.5 miles from the turn-off at Highway 36. As a stroller and wheelchair accessible hiking trail it’s a great option for the entire family. Another amazing sunrise hike option in the park, Sprague Lake is one of the best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Likely to be windy, pack a coat. Such a nice easy walk with great views of the mountains! The trail … Abner Sprague would go down in Rocky Mountain National Park This hike is short and easy. Accessibility: The surface is hardened gravel and the trail is mostly flat with an estimated average grade of 2% and a max grade of 6%. Sprague Lake [CLOSED] is a 4.4 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Download the free Longs Peak topo map. The hike is easy and quick. There is a delightful 3/4 mile easy hike around the Lake with a bounty of lovely views. I highly recommend hiking this trail in the morning, especially if you wish to go home with some great photos of the mountains reflecting off the 13-acre lake. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Just before Rocky Mountain National Park was established in 1915, Sprague enlarged this lake by damming the far end to create better fishing for his lodge guests. It’s a great option if the Bear Lake parking lot is full. Stroll around the lake shore, rest on the numerous benches, and take in the fantastic mountain vistas while enjoying the smooth, wide path on this hike. All rights reserved. demanding full accommodations, that we had to go into the hotel business or go bankrupt from keeping free company!". Located on Bear Lake Road, one mile west of the Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot (bathrooms available). Sprague Lake Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado . Sprague Lake is located very close to both Bierstadt Lake trailheads, so it makes sense to do in succession with that hike. A different and lovely way to get to Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain Park is by using the East Portal Trailhead. For more information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm Even without the moose, Sprague Lake is … Shallow, 13-acre lake was part of a resort once owned by Abner Sprague, an expert guide and host. Lake. Compare elevation, range, calories and other trail … The hike around Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Sprague Lake Trailhead, located off Bear Lake Road roughly 5.5 miles from the turn-off at Highway 36. Despite the pandemic and the apparent drought in the area, Sprague Lake was beautiful and peaceful. Along the way the loop trail offers several benches for visitors to kick back and enjoy the peaceful scenery. Sprague Lake Trail is a 0.8 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Sprague Lake is one of the most beautiful designated wedding locations in Rocky Mountain National Park. My fav hike .. alot of gorgeous for not alot of effort. Sprague Lake is a scenic lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located on the south side of Glacier Creek, about two miles south of the Hollowell turnoff.The half-mile walk around the lake is wheelchair accessible and features boardwalks and bridges with views of Flattop Mountain and Hallet Peak. When the weather cooperates the views of the Continental Divide from the lake are spectacular. "We came here for small ranch operations, but guests and visitors became so numerous, at first wanting eggs, milk, and other provisions, then wanting lodging, and finally Beautiful not closed as AllTrails says. Pretty views. Less than a mile from I-90, turn left onto the first gravel road, which is across from a sign that reads, “Lake Valley Loop”. While we were visiting in September 2018, there was a moose family that was hanging out around Sprague Lake. Follow Highway 66 past the YMCA by about a mile. Beautiful lake, easy accessible trail for all. Boardwalks and bridges have been built over the marshy western side of the lake to take you back to the parking lot. history once more when he became the first visitor to pay an entrance fee in 1939. "...there are those you can call nothing but tourists. The Sprague Lake hike is the trail you need to do, especially if you only have a few hours to spend in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Water Source: Sprague Lake inlet Site Description: Parking for the camp is located 7.0 miles from Park Headquarters at the Sprague Lake Picnic Area. This is a beautiful hike around a beautiful lake. Those that go tearing from coast to coast and back again on their vacations are tourists. It is made interesting and worthwhile by its awe-inspiring views of Longs Peak to the south, Estes Cone to the southeast, Bierstadt Moraine to the west, and the lake itself. Sprague Lake is a 13-acre lake named after Abner Sprague, an early resident of the Estes Park area who ran a game lodge on the this property which is now part of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. We hiked about 25% of the way and turned back around. There are a lot of stunning hikes in the park, but Sprague Lake is the top choice if you need something relatively easy and accessible. 1000 Highway 36 Despite the pandemic and the apparent drought in the area, Sprague Lake was beautiful and peaceful. The views are great, the trail is kept up very well and there are picnicking areas. To get to Hog Lake from Spokane, drive west on Interstate 90 and take exit 254 for Fishtrap/Sprague Highway and turn left. The entire path is handicap accessible and there is a pamphlet available to guide you on you Nature Walk. The property was sold to James Stead around 1900, and remained in business as the Stead's Ranch and Hotel until 1962. Abner Sprague lived here in the early 1900's and constructed this lake as a fishing pond. I was talking to Hikemaster Susan around 4 pm at Sweet Memorial (Program Center at the YMCA). The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail, East Portal Trailhead: Wind River and Glacier Basin Loop [CLOSED], Mills Lake, Black Lake, Frozen Lake Trail, Mill Creek Basin Trail to Bierstadt Lake [CLOSED], Sprague Lake, Glacier Creek and Storm Pass Loop, Bear Lake Road to Cub Lake and Fern Lake Trail [CLOSED], Wind River, Storm Pass, Sprague Lake, and Glacier Creek Loop, Shelf Lake and Solitude Lake via Glacier Gorge Trail, Boulder Brook, North Longs Peak Trail, Alberta Falls and Glacier Creek Loop, Granite Pass, Chasm Lake, and Storm Pass from Storm Pass Trailhead. settlers in the Estes Park area. Type of Trail: Loop, Easy; This gorgeous, wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities. Easy half-mile walk around Sprague Lake (elevation 8,700 feet). Even has benches to sit and reflect from or watch fisherman catch fish. Trail Ridge Road Information Recorded Message 970-586-1222 (available 24 hours a day, updated when conditions and/or road status change) Rocky Mountain National Park charges a fee to enter. Located on Bear Lake Road, one mile west of the Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot. Access this loop via one of the connector trails that leads out of the Glacier Basin Campground. It is about a 15-minute drive once you enter the park and is heavily trafficked, particularly by families. There's a lovely, easy hike here around Sprague Lake. This one was located in the current parking area for Sprague Lake. If you are looking for a hike that takes you into mountainous terrain, this is not the hike for you. The lake is popular for Brook trout fishing. It was pretty flat and easy terrain .. no dogs allowed. Sprague Lake Loop Hike. Although the park sign at the trailhead states that the trail is a "half-mile walk" around the lake, the length is actually closer to nine-tenths of a mile. Stroll around the lake shore, rest on the numerous benches, and take in the fantastic mountain vistas, while enjoying the smooth, wide path on this hike. Moose at Sprague Lake. Estes Park, CO 80517-8397 Fisherman may also want to note that Sprague Lake is a popular destination for brook, brown and rainbow trout fishing. When they reach home from their travels they are not certain Absolutely amazing views. Distance: 0.8 miles Elevation Gain: 32 feet Difficulty: very easy Estimated Time: 0.5 hours. Lost & Found (Backcountry Office) 970-586-1242 An accessible backcountry camping site is located in the area. The Sprague Lake Nature Trail is a pleasant and popular .8 mi loop around the lake. Strollers permitted. from Bear Lake. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. In the meantime the Sprague's would move to Loveland. Short loop around the lake. This shallow, 13-acre lake is a remnant of a resort once owned here by Abner Sprague, an expert guide and host. This is a nice, groomed, flat 3/4-mile trail around Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. This trail is a short, straightforward loop around Sprague Lake. Also it's a great place for a picnic. Friday Wow, Friday was a crazy last minute hike. There is an easy and accessible half-mile-long trail around the lake with a fishing pier. In an Emergency, contact the park's dispatch center at 970-586-1203. Good views of the Continental Divide. The surface is mostly compacted fine aggregate. Sprague Lake is more of a lakeside walk than a hike, but it is a MUST on any trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. f/6.3 1/500 sec ISO-250 170 mm f/6.3 1/1600 sec ISO-640 300 mm Highly recommend during morning hours. Please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy before using any information on this site. That road ends at the East Portal. Sprague Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park The Sprague Lake trail is a pretty, ½ mile, generally flat trail around Sprague Lake. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Earning its namesake from one of the original settlers of the Estes Park area, Abner Sprague, this hike along a hard-packed trail is one of the most popular of the area. Abner Sprague lived here in the early 1900's and constructed this lake as a fishing pond. It is typically at least three feet wide. While you can elope anywhere around the lake, the dock is the perfect spot to avoid having hikers in the background of your photos. Easy .8 mile hike around the lake .. gorgeous mountains. Just shy of a mile in length, the Sprague Lake Loop circumnavigates the placid waters at a comfortable grade that is doable for the whole family. Rocky Mountain National Park Its short, pretty, and plenty of benches. Sprague Lake, a beautiful, placid 13-acre lake in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, is one of the most popular destinations in the park—it’s no wonder it draws a crowd, a level, all-accessible, family friendly, 4-season paved path encircles the lake and stunning views of the Continental Divide reflect in the water’s mirror-like surface. where they saw this or that...", "to prevent my homesickness for Estes Park and the mountains from becoming chronic". A good place for a short winter walk, or to try those crosscountry skis on a frozen lake. Sprague Lake Trail is a 1.3 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Sprague Lake Nature Trail – 0.8mi / 1.2km This level, accessible loop around Sprague Lake is great for the whole family and has numerous benches to enjoy the views. Lots of benches along the way and nice spots to get some cool photos! This level hardened gravel trail encircles the lake, and features educational exhibits. @ document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); RockyMountainHikingTrails.com. His ranch would eventually become a resort that was used for hunting, fishing, dude ranching, and even golfing. Beautiful Lake, with Beautiful views. Sprague Lake. Easy trail with scenic views of Hallet Peak. We visit RMNP most years but this was our first visit in October and first to Sprague Lake. She was explaining to me that she had to really learn the trail from the YMCA of the Rockies to Sprague Lake, since she would be leading natue walks… Like other reviews, the first .5 miles is all uphill but our 7 & 9 year olds did great. Sprague Lake. The Sprague Lake Loop Trail is located 5.9 miles from Estes Park, Colorado (CO) in Rocky Mountain National Park. About 9 miles from Beaver Meadows, 3.5 mi. I was having real issues with altitude sickness so it was nice to do a easy hike. We visit RMNP most years but this was our first visit in October and first to Sprague. This is a great first hike to do in the Rockies. Beautiful Sprague Lake. The entire path is handicap accessible and there is a pamphlet available to guide you on you nature walk. Due to the extreme popularity of the Bear Lake Road area, you may want to consider using the free park shuttle to reach the trailhead during peak tourist season. Lovely Sprague Lake offers views of the high peaks. Nice easy walk around the lake with some good mountains in the background. Sprague Lake is accessible year-round, and especially beautiful in winter when the lake is frozen over. Very flat. There are wheelchair accessible bathrooms (flushing in the summer, vault in the winter), wheelchair accessible picnic areas (12 picnic tables and fire pits), and five wheelchair accessible group campsites. Enjoy the view - mountain peaks along the Continental Divide can be seen clearly from the east shoreline. Due to the extreme popularity of the Bear Lake Road area, you may want to consider using the free park shuttle to reach the trailhead during peak tourist season. Ample parking; an accessible backcountry camping site is located in the area. It simply wasn't the type of hike we … Alberta Falls We think Sprague Lake is a great place to glimpse into the rest of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Backcountry Office 970-586-1242 Copyright Very well and there is a delightful 3/4 mile easy hike here around Sprague is. Dammed the far end to create better fishing for his lodge guests walk around the Lake is great. 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