The Sprague Lake Nature Trail is a pleasant and popular .8 mi loop around the lake. For more information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm Despite the pandemic and the apparent drought in the area, Sprague Lake was beautiful and peaceful. 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. Beautiful lake, easy accessible trail for all. Its short, pretty, and plenty of benches. Type of Trail: Loop, Easy; This gorgeous, wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities. It’s a great walk for families, but still gives you unforgettable views. If you are looking for a hike that takes you into mountainous terrain, this is not the hike for you. Abner Sprague would go down in Rocky Mountain National Park Sprague Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park The Sprague Lake trail is a pretty, ½ mile, generally flat trail around Sprague Lake. Enjoy the view - mountain peaks along the Continental Divide can be seen clearly from the east shoreline. 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”. Great trail! We hiked about 25% of the way and turned back around. Easy trail with scenic views of Hallet Peak. "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 It is about a 15-minute drive once you enter the park and is heavily trafficked, particularly by families. 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. Sprague Lake is more of a lakeside walk than a hike, but it is a MUST on any trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. This level hardened gravel trail encircles the lake, and features educational exhibits. 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 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. 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. 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. settlers in the Estes Park area. Easy half-mile walk around Sprague Lake (elevation 8,700 feet). 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. The views are great, the trail is kept up very well and there are picnicking areas. There are benches and lake access along the trail for fishing, and a bridge over the lake outlet creek. There is an easy and accessible half-mile-long trail around the lake with a fishing pier. Fisherman may also want to note that Sprague Lake is a popular destination for brook, brown and rainbow trout fishing. A different and lovely way to get to Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain Park is by using the East Portal Trailhead. 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. A beautiful easy lake trail with wonderful snow top Mountain views. 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. Located on Bear Lake Road, one mile west of the Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot (bathrooms available). This is a great first hike to do in the Rockies. 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. We visit RMNP most years but this was our first visit in October and first to Sprague Lake. demanding full accommodations, that we had to go into the hotel business or go bankrupt from keeping free company!". Lost & Found (Backcountry Office) 970-586-1242 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. Lots of benches along the way and nice spots to get some cool photos! All of Rocky Mountain is open. Located on Bear Lake Road, one mile west of the Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot. 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. I was having real issues with altitude sickness so it was nice to do a easy hike. Nice easy walk around the lake with some good mountains in the background. Despite the pandemic and the apparent drought in the area, Sprague Lake was beautiful and peaceful. Those that go tearing from coast to coast and back again on their vacations are tourists. Please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy before using any information on this site. The Sprague Lake Loop Trail is located 5.9 miles from Estes Park, Colorado (CO) in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 0.8 miles Elevation Gain: 32 feet Difficulty: very easy Estimated Time: 0.5 hours. 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. Sprague Lake is one of the most beautiful designated wedding locations in Rocky Mountain National Park. "...there are those you can call nothing but tourists. All rights reserved. His ranch would eventually become a resort that was used for hunting, fishing, dude ranching, and even golfing. Friday Wow, Friday was a crazy last minute hike. 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… In the meantime the Sprague's would move to Loveland. Everybody should hike to Sprague Lake in Colorado. It simply wasn't the type of hike we … 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. Sprague began building a homestead in Moraine Park in 1874. Absolutely amazing views. The entire path is handicap accessible and there is a pamphlet available to guide you on you nature walk. Fees are $25 per vehicle/motorcycle. Campground Reservations 877-444-6777 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. The hike is easy and quick. The surface is mostly compacted fine aggregate. f/6.3 1/500 sec ISO-250 170 mm f/6.3 1/1600 sec ISO-640 300 mm 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. This is a beautiful hike around a beautiful lake. Sprague Lake Loop Hike. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running. Rocky Mountain National Park charges a fee to enter. The lake is popular for Brook trout fishing. from Bear Lake. Shallow, 13-acre lake was part of a resort once owned by Abner Sprague, an expert guide and host. Sprague Lake Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado . It’s a great option if the Bear Lake parking lot is full. Pretty views. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. There's a lovely, easy hike here around Sprague Lake. Alberta Falls Moose at Sprague Lake. We think Sprague Lake is a great place to glimpse into the rest of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Several benches and viewpoints. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. To get to Hog Lake from Spokane, drive west on Interstate 90 and take exit 254 for Fishtrap/Sprague Highway and turn left. The trail … where they saw this or that...", "to prevent my homesickness for Estes Park and the mountains from becoming chronic". This one was located in the current parking area for Sprague Lake. Even has benches to sit and reflect from or watch fisherman catch fish. That road ends at the East Portal. 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. Good views of the Continental Divide. history once more when he became the first visitor to pay an entrance fee in 1939. 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. We visit RMNP most years but this was our first visit in October and first to Sprague. 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. According to the park, "this shallow, 13-acre lake is a remnant 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. Sprague Lake is located very close to both Bierstadt Lake trailheads, so it makes sense to do in succession with that hike. Trail may be slippery due to ice and snow in the winter or after thunderstorms in the summer. Trail Ridge Road Information Recorded Message 970-586-1222 (available 24 hours a day, updated when conditions and/or road status change) 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%. Beautiful Lake, with Beautiful views. Compare elevation, range, calories and other trail … Such a nice easy walk with great views of the mountains! Start the hike from the trailhead located off of Bear Lake Road. 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. Easy .8 mile hike around the lake .. gorgeous mountains. Visitor Information 970-586-1206 (Daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time, recorded information after hours) Sprague 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. Beautiful Sprague Lake. The lake is named after Abner Sprague, one of the original Highly recommend during morning hours. There are plenty of benches and lookouts over the lake to stop and reflect. A good place for a short winter walk, or to try those crosscountry skis on a frozen lake. 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). Along the way the loop trail offers several benches for visitors to kick back and enjoy the peaceful scenery. When they reach home from their travels they are not certain The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. As a stroller and wheelchair accessible hiking trail it’s a great option for the entire family. 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. When the weather cooperates the views of the Continental Divide from the lake are spectacular. 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. In an Emergency, contact the park's dispatch center at 970-586-1203. @ document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); RockyMountainHikingTrails.com. This is a nice, groomed, flat 3/4-mile trail around Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. There is a delightful 3/4 mile easy hike around the Lake with a bounty of lovely views. 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. Aside from Bear Lake, the views of Hallett Peak from Sprague are the best in the park. Lovely Sprague Lake offers views of the high peaks. Abner Sprague lived here in the early 1900's and constructed this lake as a fishing pond. Copyright Access this loop via one of the connector trails that leads out of the Glacier Basin Campground. 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. This shallow, 13-acre lake is a remnant of a resort once owned here by Abner Sprague, an expert guide and host. It was pretty flat and easy terrain .. no dogs allowed. Ample parking; an accessible backcountry camping site is located in the area. If the gate is closed, park here and you’ve got a 1.2 mile hike … Download the free Longs Peak topo map. During our visit, WE SAW MOOSE HERE!!! The National Park Service purchased the property in 1932, but gave the Sprague's a twenty year lease before razing the buildings in 1957. Estes Park, CO 80517-8397 The entire path is handicap accessible and there is a pamphlet available to guide you on you Nature Walk. While we were visiting in September 2018, there was a moose family that was hanging out around Sprague Lake. Boardwalks and bridges have been built over the marshy western side of the lake to take you back to the parking lot. Backcountry Office 970-586-1242 Follow Highway 66 past the YMCA by about a mile. About 9 miles from Beaver Meadows, 3.5 mi. Even without the moose, Sprague Lake is … Also it's a great place for a picnic. Note: As of October 2020, this area is closed due to wildfire. While you can elope anywhere around the lake, the dock is the perfect spot to avoid having hikers in the background of your photos. My fav hike .. alot of gorgeous for not alot of effort. Rocky Mountain National Park This hike is short and easy. The trail … Another amazing sunrise hike option in the park, Sprague Lake is one of the best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. There is a delightful 3/4 mile easy hike around the Lake with a bounty of lovely views. Sprague Lake is accessible year-round, and especially beautiful in winter when the lake is frozen over. Sprague Lake. 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 is also an accessible backcountry campsite nearby. It is typically at least three feet wide. To access the 1/2 mile loop hike around Sprague Lake, … Strollers permitted. I thoroughly enjoyed it! 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. Likely to be windy, pack a coat. An accessible backcountry camping site is located in the area. Beautiful not closed as AllTrails says. 1000 Highway 36 The property was sold to James Stead around 1900, and remained in business as the Stead's Ranch and Hotel until 1962. Lake. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. Like other reviews, the first .5 miles is all uphill but our 7 & 9 year olds did great. This trail is a short, straightforward loop around Sprague Lake. Short loop around the lake. 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. 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