Located on Bear Lake Road, one mile west of the Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot. 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. There is a delightful 3/4 mile easy hike around the Lake with a bounty of lovely views. The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the U.S. called US Topo that are separated into rectangular quadrants that are printed at 22.75"x29" or larger. By a Volunteer 12/1/2020 Wild Basin to Hidden Falls and then Calypso Cascades Parked at winter parking. Sprague Lake Trail is a 65 m singletrack connector trail located near Estes Park Colorado. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. 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. Like other reviews, the first .5 miles is all uphill but our 7 & 9 year olds did great. A Stunning Alpine Lake & Wildlife On Your Big Day If you’re at Sprague Lake just at the right time, the water is like glass and the mirror reflection of the mountains is exquisite. Likely to be windy, pack a coat. Be sure to pause at the bridge to look for trout. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators. Description This trail is a short, straightforward loop around Sprague Lake. Such a nice easy walk with great views of the mountains! 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. Several benches and viewpoints. 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. Its short, pretty, and plenty of benches. This is a great first hike to do in the Rockies. settlers in the Estes Park area. demanding full accommodations, that we had to go into the hotel business or go bankrupt from keeping free company!". The trail follows the perimeter of the spacious lake, offering stunning views of the Continental Divide peaks to the west. The trail is fully accessible. 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. 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. Length 0.8 miElevation gain 39 ftRoute type Loop A good place for a short winter walk, or to try those crosscountry skis on a frozen lake. 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 hike primary trail can be used both directions. Sprague Lake is peaceful and calm with sunrise light. 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. There are benches and lake access along the trail for fishing, and a bridge over the lake outlet creek. When they reach home from their travels they are not certain Just before Rocky Mountain National Park was established in 1915, Sprague dammed the far end to create better fishing for his lodge guests. Atfter a couple of miles, leave the trail and proceed north for about a mile to Sprague Pass at the head of Spruce Canyon. The 0.7-mile Sprague Lake Trail, a lollipop loop around 13-acre Sprague Lake, is one of the most popular and busiest trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ample parking; an accessible backcountry camping site is located in the area. Even has benches to sit and reflect from or watch fisherman catch fish. A wheelchair-friendly loop, the surface is packed gravel and level around the entire lake. Pretty views. Boardwalks and bridges have been built over the marshy western side of the lake to take you back to the parking lot. Sprague Lake hike is an easy trail in Rocky Mountain National Park offering amazing views of the area. The trail follows the perimeter of the spacious lake, offering stunning views of the Continental Divide peaks to the west. This level hardened gravel trail encircles the lake, and features educational exhibits. The lake is popular for Brook trout fishing. Sprague Lake Trail hiking trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. The National Park Service purchased the property in 1932, but gave the Sprague's a twenty year lease before razing the buildings in 1957. We visit RMNP most years but this was our first visit in October and first to Sprague Lake. 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. 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. Easy half-mile walk around Sprague Lake (elevation 8,700 feet). The trail has low grade and cross slope. "...there are those you can call nothing but tourists. 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. Sprague Lake Trail. Lost & Found (Backcountry Office) 970-586-1242 Visitors will enjoy an easy loop around this scenic upper-montane lake with panoramas of the Continental Divide that include Hallett Peak (12,713'), Otis Peak (12,486') and Taylor Peak (13,153'). Easy trail with scenic views of Hallet Peak. Nice easy walk around the lake with some good mountains in the background. We visit RMNP most years but this was our first visit in October and first to Sprague ISA - designated parking and fully accessible restrooms are available as is a fully accessible picnic area. 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. Benches and fishing platforms are located along the trail. My fav hike .. alot of gorgeous for not alot of effort. Sprague Lake Trail is a 0.72 mile one way hike with 54 feet accumulated elevation gain. Good for acclimation with the high elevation. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. The Sprague Lake Loop Trail has a maximum elevation of 8,747 ft., a minimum elevation of 8,704 ft. and an elevation range of 43 ft. All rights reserved. About 9 miles from Beaver Meadows, 3.5 mi. 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. 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%. Backcountry Office 970-586-1242 Rocky Mountain National Park The Sprague Lake trail is a pretty, ½ mile, generally flat trail around Sprague Lake. Sprague Lake . Lots of benches along the way and nice spots to get some cool photos! Access this loop via one of the connector trails that leads out of the Glacier Basin Campground. Despite the pandemic and the apparent drought in the area, Sprague Lake was beautiful and peaceful. The access to Sprague Mountain from Bear Lake is a long hike. Type of Trail: Loop, Easy This gorgeous, wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities. Despite the pandemic and the apparent drought in the area, Sprague Lake was beautiful and peaceful. For more information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm Campground Reservations 877-444-6777 The loop trail itself is pretty much flat the entire way and on hard-packed gravel, so it’s wheelchair-friendly and great for all ages. Highly recommend during morning hours. The 0.7-mile Sprague Lake Trail, a lollipop loop around 13-acre Sprague Lake, is one of the most popular and busiest trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. The views from the far end of the lake are excellent. Fees are $25 per vehicle/motorcycle. There are plenty of benches and lookouts over the lake to stop and reflect. It was pretty flat and easy terrain .. no dogs allowed. There is a delightful 3/4 mile easy hike around the Lake with a bounty of lovely views. August and June are the best This shallow, 13-acre lake is a remnant of a resort once owned here by Abner Sprague, an expert guide and host. I was having real issues with altitude sickness so it was nice to do a easy hike. Trails are snowpacked. Rocky Mountain National Park-Bear Lake Road -Sprague Lake Enjoy a leisurely half-mile walk around Sprague Lake (elevation 8,200 feet). 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. View the magnificence of the Continental Divide, enjoy the sheltered coves and marvel at the lake and beaver ponds. Very easy no elevation hike. There is also an accessible backcountry campsite nearby. Nice but not great due to the direction of the sun this time of year. Sprague Lake is covered by the Sprague Lake, WA US Topo Map quadrant where they saw this or that...", "to prevent my homesickness for Estes Park and the mountains from becoming chronic". Copyright The hike is easy and quick. @ document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); RockyMountainHikingTrails.com. 12/2/2020 Gem Lake Trail was icy in spots, and clear in other spots. 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. Lovely Sprague Lake offers views of the high peaks. This one was located in the current parking area for Sprague Lake. Note: As of October 2020, this area is closed due to wildfire. Hike .8 mi at elevation 8,690’ Iconic views across the lake of the Continental Divide peaks above Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. By Wendy Rigby | wrigby@eptrail.com | Estes Park Trail-Gazette July 27, 2020 at 5:10 p.m. Abner Sprague would go down in Rocky Mountain National Park Sprague Lake itself is a wonderful brilliant mountain lake that is the centerpiece of this hike. Sprague Lake is located seven miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, off Bear Lake Road. Just off Sprague Lake is a Jeep trail! Beautiful lake, easy accessible trail for all. If you step on rocks, traction devices aren't necessary. Absolutely amazing views. The surface is mostly compacted fine aggregate. "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 Easy .8 mile hike around the lake .. gorgeous mountains. In the meantime the Sprague's would move to Loveland. Some open gravel on road to trailheads but 80% snow packed. Lake is frozen and many people and a ice fishing hut were on the ice today. Sprague Lake Nature Loop - 0.8 Miles Round-Trip Sprague Lake is located just south of Bear Lake Road on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road Information Recorded Message 970-586-1222 (available 24 hours a day, updated when conditions and/or road status change) Estes Park, CO 80517-8397 Talk to the rangers about what other Jeep trails you can access within the park or look into a touring company to take you. ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park: Address, Phone Number, Sprague Lake Reviews: 4.5/5 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. It is typically at least three feet wide. The charming Sprague Lake is great for the whole family. Climb for 4.4 miles to Flattop Mountain and take the Tonahutu Trail, which descends crossing Bighorn Flats. Those that go tearing from coast to coast and back again on their vacations are tourists. Shallow, 13-acre lake was part of a resort once owned by Abner Sprague, an expert guide and host. The property was sold to James Stead around 1900, and remained in business as the Stead's Ranch and Hotel until 1962. Please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy before using any information on this site. from Bear Lake. 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. The lake is completely frozen. Length 4.4 miElevation gain 633 ftRoute type Out & back Hiking running Forest Lake Wildlife Closed Fee Sprague began building a homestead in Moraine Park in 1874. West Coast Trail (us) More information Sprague Lake Trail is a 0.8 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Estes Park, CO that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. history once more when he became the first visitor to pay an entrance fee in 1939. His ranch would eventually become a resort that was used for hunting, fishing, dude ranching, and even golfing. Stop at the pier at the far end of the lake to take in the views. The one-half mile hard packed gravel trail encircles the lake. I thoroughly enjoyed it! On the opposite side is an accessible campsite, noted in … Good views of the Continental Divide. The lake is named after Abner Sprague, one of the original An accessible backcountry camping site is located in the area. Fisherman may also want to note that Sprague Lake is a popular destination for brook, brown and rainbow trout fishing. Visitor Information 970-586-1206 (Daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time, recorded information after hours) Short loop around the lake. There is an easy and accessible half-mile-long trail around the lake with a fishing pier. A beautiful easy lake trail with wonderful snow top Mountain views. Sprague Lake It’s about a thirty-minute walk on this level trail, perfect for children or those with disabilities. 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. 1000 Highway 36 You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. The half-mile walk around the lake is wheelchair accessible and features boardwalks and bridges with views of Flattop Mountain and Hallet Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park charges a fee to enter. 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. Enjoy the view - mountain peaks along the Continental Divide can be seen clearly from the east shoreline. Great trail! In an Emergency, contact the park's dispatch center at 970-586-1203. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Located on Bear Lake Road, one mile west of the Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot (bathrooms available). 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. 1,071 m green singletrack trail. Along the way the loop trail offers several benches for visitors to kick back and enjoy the peaceful scenery. 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’ve marked the exact location of the ceremony dock on this Google Map, but you can input Sprague Lake to … There are benches to sit around at to just take in your surroundings and you get a gorgeous view of the Continental Divide when you get to the far end of the lake! Beautiful not closed as AllTrails says. Trail may be slippery due to ice and snow in the winter or after thunderstorms in the summer. Located 27 miles northwest of Boulder Colorado. Sprague Lake is at 8700 feet elevation! All of Rocky Mountain is open. Very flat. To access the 1/2 mile loop hike around Sprague Lake, cross the bridge near the parking area. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running. 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