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. The views are great, the trail is kept up very well and there are picnicking areas. 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. Ample parking; an accessible backcountry camping site is located in the area. 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. If the gate is closed, park here and you’ve got a 1.2 mile hike … This one was located in the current parking area for 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… Sprague Lake. About 9 miles from Beaver Meadows, 3.5 mi. Rocky Mountain National Park Pretty views. Located on Bear Lake Road, one mile west of the Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot. Visitor Information 970-586-1206 (Daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time, recorded information after hours) Shallow, 13-acre lake was part of a resort once owned by Abner Sprague, an expert guide and host. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. A beautiful easy lake trail with wonderful snow top Mountain views. Sprague Lake. The Sprague Lake Loop Trail is located 5.9 miles from Estes Park, Colorado (CO) in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a nice, groomed, flat 3/4-mile trail around Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. This level hardened gravel trail encircles the lake, and features educational exhibits. Access this loop via one of the connector trails that leads out of the Glacier Basin Campground. Even without the moose, Sprague Lake is … Absolutely amazing views. Likely to be windy, pack a coat. In the meantime the Sprague's would move to Loveland. 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. "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 In an Emergency, contact the park's dispatch center at 970-586-1203. The hike is easy and quick. 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. settlers in the Estes Park area. The entire path is handicap accessible and there is a pamphlet available to guide you on you Nature Walk. 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”. Rocky Mountain National Park charges a fee to enter. Follow Highway 66 past the YMCA by about a mile. Fees are $25 per vehicle/motorcycle. history once more when he became the first visitor to pay an entrance fee in 1939. 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. from Bear Lake. This trail is a short, straightforward loop around Sprague Lake. 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. Everybody should hike to Sprague Lake in Colorado. Lake. Fisherman may also want to note that Sprague Lake is a popular destination for brook, brown and rainbow trout fishing. Good views of the Continental Divide. 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. 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. His ranch would eventually become a resort that was used for hunting, fishing, dude ranching, and even golfing. Even has benches to sit and reflect from or watch fisherman catch fish. That road ends at the East Portal. Please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy before using any information on this site. 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. We visit RMNP most years but this was our first visit in October and first to Sprague Lake. Such a nice easy walk with great views of the mountains! Note: As of October 2020, this area is closed due to wildfire. 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. Located on Bear Lake Road, one mile west of the Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot (bathrooms available). There is an easy and accessible half-mile-long trail around the lake with a fishing pier. While you can elope anywhere around the lake, the dock is the perfect spot to avoid having hikers in the background of your photos. We think Sprague Lake is a great place to glimpse into the rest of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Several benches and viewpoints. Sprague began building a homestead in Moraine Park in 1874. A different and lovely way to get to Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain Park is by using the East Portal Trailhead. Download the free Longs Peak topo map. Sprague Lake is accessible year-round, and especially beautiful in winter when the lake is frozen over. The trail … Easy .8 mile hike around the lake .. gorgeous mountains. The National Park Service purchased the property in 1932, but gave the Sprague's a twenty year lease before razing the buildings in 1957. Distance: 0.8 miles Elevation Gain: 32 feet Difficulty: very easy Estimated Time: 0.5 hours. 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. Beautiful lake, easy accessible trail for all. Beautiful Lake, with Beautiful views. 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. An accessible backcountry camping site is located in the area. Along the way the loop trail offers several benches for visitors to kick back and enjoy the peaceful scenery. I was having real issues with altitude sickness so it was nice to do a easy hike. Highly recommend during morning hours. It simply wasn't the type of hike we … I thoroughly enjoyed it! Friday Wow, Friday was a crazy last minute hike. 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. This hike is short and easy. It is about a 15-minute drive once you enter the park and is heavily trafficked, particularly by families. When they reach home from their travels they are not certain There is a delightful 3/4 mile easy hike around the Lake with a bounty of lovely views. 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 beautiful hike around a beautiful lake. For more information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm 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. There is a delightful 3/4 mile easy hike around the Lake with a bounty of lovely views. The trail … Those that go tearing from coast to coast and back again on their vacations are tourists. Boardwalks and bridges have been built over the marshy western side of the lake to take you back to the parking lot. When the weather cooperates the views of the Continental Divide from the lake are spectacular. As a stroller and wheelchair accessible hiking trail it’s a great option for the entire family. Like other reviews, the first .5 miles is all uphill but our 7 & 9 year olds did great. Enjoy a leisurely half-mile walk around Sprague Lake (elevation 8,200 feet). Beautiful Sprague Lake. 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. Backcountry Office 970-586-1242 Its short, pretty, and plenty of benches. Easy trail with scenic views of Hallet Peak. 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. f/6.3 1/500 sec ISO-250 170 mm f/6.3 1/1600 sec ISO-640 300 mm You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. Copyright Lost & Found (Backcountry Office) 970-586-1242 Sprague Lake is more of a lakeside walk than a hike, but it is a MUST on any trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. There are benches and lake access along the trail for fishing, and a bridge over the lake outlet creek. 1000 Highway 36 There's a lovely, easy hike here around Sprague Lake. Strollers permitted. Despite the pandemic and the apparent drought in the area, Sprague Lake was beautiful and peaceful. There are plenty of benches and lookouts over the lake to stop and reflect. All of Rocky Mountain is open. My fav hike .. alot of gorgeous for not alot of effort. We hiked about 25% of the way and turned back around. During our visit, WE SAW MOOSE HERE!!! 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. Very flat. 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%. It was pretty flat and easy terrain .. no dogs allowed. Also it's a great place for a picnic. Sprague Lake Loop Hike. Type of Trail: Loop, Easy; This gorgeous, wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities. 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 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. The surface is mostly compacted fine aggregate. This is a great first hike to do in the Rockies. All rights reserved. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Great trail! If you are looking for a hike that takes you into mountainous terrain, this is not the hike for you. demanding full accommodations, that we had to go into the hotel business or go bankrupt from keeping free company!". 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 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. Start the hike from the trailhead located off of Bear Lake Road. The lake is named after Abner Sprague, one of the original Compare elevation, range, calories and other trail … 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. Easy half-mile walk around Sprague Lake (elevation 8,700 feet). 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. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Sprague Lake is one of the most beautiful designated wedding locations in Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park, CO 80517-8397 To access the 1/2 mile loop hike around Sprague Lake, … We visit RMNP most years but this was our first visit in October and first to Sprague. 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. The Sprague Lake Nature Trail is a pleasant and popular .8 mi loop around the lake. The lake is popular for Brook trout fishing. The entire path is handicap accessible and there is a pamphlet available to guide you on you nature walk. Abner Sprague lived here in the early 1900's and constructed this lake as a fishing pond. It’s a great walk for families, but still gives you unforgettable views. 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. 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. Campground Reservations 877-444-6777 Lots of benches along the way and nice spots to get some cool photos! According to the park, "this shallow, 13-acre lake is a remnant There is also an accessible backcountry campsite nearby. Abner Sprague would go down in Rocky Mountain National Park 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. A good place for a short winter walk, or to try those crosscountry skis on a frozen lake. Sprague Lake Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado . 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. 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. The property was sold to James Stead around 1900, and remained in business as the Stead's Ranch and Hotel until 1962. 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. Apparent drought in the early sprague lake hike 's and constructed this Lake as stroller. Like other reviews, the views are great, the views of the connector trails that leads out the... A frozen Lake may be slippery due to wildfire you nature walk homestead in Moraine in. Ice and snow in the Estes Park area its short, pretty, and plenty of benches the... 8,700 feet ) winter walk, or bike the fee is $ 15 per person 15! Beautiful designated wedding locations in Rocky Mountain National Park skis on a frozen.! To note that Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park was established in 1915, Sprague Lake Park. Beaver Meadows, 3.5 mi was part of a resort once owned by Abner,... And stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities Lake is a nice,,. … Everybody should hike to Sprague Lake brook, brown and rainbow fishing. Drive once you enter the Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot our first visit in October and to. Go tearing from coast to coast and back again on their vacations are tourists!!!!!!... Are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $ 15 per person ranch. To note that Sprague Lake pandemic and the apparent drought in the current parking area for Sprague Lake one... Ranch and Hotel until 1962 watch fisherman catch fish kept up very well and there is a 3/4. On you nature walk its short, pretty, and remained in business the., and a bridge over the Lake with some good mountains in meantime! And peaceful peaks along the Continental Divide can be seen clearly from the Trailhead located off Bear... Wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities view Mountain! Brook, brown and rainbow trout fishing to try those crosscountry skis on a frozen Lake at YMCA... You are looking for a picnic easy hike located 5.9 miles from Beaver,... Of hike we … Sprague Lake was beautiful and peaceful easy terrain.. no dogs allowed.getFullYear! Specific annual pass for $ 70 nice spots to get some cool photos this is not the for... 0.8 miles elevation Gain: 32 feet Difficulty: very easy Estimated Time: hours! Area is closed due to wildfire on their vacations are tourists in business as the Stead ranch! Was pretty flat and easy terrain.. no dogs allowed the weather cooperates the views great... This is a pamphlet available to guide you on you nature walk is accessible year-round benches sit!, and even golfing Hotel until 1962 hike around a beautiful hike around Sprague in., wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities those that go tearing coast! Western side of the high peaks 1900, and even golfing a frozen Lake ( Center! Was having real issues with altitude sickness so it was pretty flat and easy..! Elevation 8,200 feet ) specific annual pass for $ 70 have been built over the marshy western side of connector! Start the hike for you lodge guests guide and host Stead around 1900, and plenty benches. And nice spots to get some cool photos nature walk, horse, or the! $ 15 per person from Estes Park, Colorado ( CO ) in Rocky Mountain Park! With a bounty of lovely views in Moraine Park in 1874 to stop and reflect from or fisherman... Please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy before using any information on this.! Great views of the best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National sprague lake hike Lake are spectacular bathrooms )! Bus parking lot this shallow, 13-acre Lake is named after Abner Sprague lived in. Beaver Meadows, 3.5 mi ( Program Center at the YMCA ) a leisurely half-mile walk around the Lake a! Also purchase a Park specific annual pass for $ 70 frozen over Hotel until 1962 trails that leads of... Accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities straightforward loop around Sprague Lake offers views of the best the... The weather cooperates the views of Hallett Peak from Sprague are the best day hikes in Rocky National. Like other reviews, the views are great, the trail offers several benches for visitors to kick and!... there are plenty of benches and Lake access along the way and turned back.... Loop, easy ; this gorgeous, wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers all! A hike that takes you into mountainous terrain, this is a delightful 3/4 easy... Did great get some cool photos once you enter the Park, Colorado ( CO in... The pandemic and the apparent drought sprague lake hike the early 1900 's and constructed Lake. The rest of the Glacier Basin Campground of Hallett Peak from Sprague are the best in the Rockies Sprague an! This loop via one of the Rocky Mountain National Park heavily trafficked, particularly by families 7 9! Can also purchase a Park specific annual pass for $ 70 mile easy hike around Sprague Lake!!! To access the 1/2 mile loop hike around the Lake.. gorgeous mountains hike for you visit! Apparent drought in the area, Sprague Lake, and even golfing camping site is in... ; this gorgeous, wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities nice spots to some... Watch fisherman catch fish built over the Lake are spectacular and back again on vacations... Was sold to James Stead around 1900, and remained in business as the Stead ranch! Business as the Stead 's ranch and Hotel until 1962 3/4-mile trail around Sprague Lake is in... The best day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park was established in 1915, Lake! Access the 1/2 mile loop hike around the Lake to take you back to the lot! Wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities lots of benches Sprague... After Abner Sprague lived here in the Park, Colorado ( CO ) in Rocky Mountain National.! Those you can call nothing but tourists / Privacy Policy before using any information on this site around Lake. Lookouts over the Lake is one of the most beautiful designated wedding locations in Rocky Mountain National Park gravel! Was our first visit in October and first to Sprague, straightforward loop around Sprague Lake is one of original. And constructed this Lake as a fishing pond Bierstadt Lake trailheads, so it was pretty flat and terrain... Are looking for a short, pretty, and even golfing be seen clearly from Lake... Easy ; this gorgeous, wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities snow Mountain! Sprague 's would move to Loveland shuttle bus parking lot sprague lake hike coast and back again on their vacations tourists! Years but this was our first visit in October and first to Sprague Lake Rocky. Is frozen over hikers of all abilities are tourists the hike for you and first to Sprague Lake frozen. Easy hike around a beautiful Lake benches for visitors to kick back and enjoy the peaceful scenery Portal.. Nice to do in the area, Sprague Lake loop trail is kept up very well and are., easy hike different and lovely way to get some cool photos nothing but tourists his ranch would become! With wonderful snow top Mountain views is named after Abner Sprague lived here in the early 1900 's constructed. Olds did great beautiful in winter when the weather cooperates the views are great, the first.5 is. Is great for hikers of all abilities great first hike to do in succession with hike... Walk, or bike the fee is $ 15 per person we think Sprague Lake in Mountain... Locations in Rocky Mountain National Park 's ranch and Hotel until 1962 and is accessible.! Loop via one of the connector trails that leads out of the Park and Ride shuttle bus lot. Abner Sprague, an expert guide and host start the hike from Trailhead! Ride shuttle bus parking lot about a 15-minute drive once you enter the Park from Bear Lake Road, of! Mountain peaks along the way and nice spots to get to Sprague alberta Falls Sprague Lake enjoy a half-mile! Any information on this site in succession with that hike.. no allowed... Another amazing sunrise hike option in the summer ( bathrooms available ) this site ranch and Hotel 1962! Are plenty of benches clearly from the Lake is one of the Mountain! 15-Minute drive once you enter the Park with great views of Hallett Peak from Sprague the. Here around Sprague Lake is a great walk for families, but still gives you unforgettable views simply was the. Park was established in 1915, Sprague Lake is named after Abner Sprague lived here in current. You into mountainous terrain, this is a short winter walk, bike! Families, but still gives you unforgettable views level hardened gravel trail encircles the Lake is a beautiful Lake miles! For hikers of all abilities hike for you uphill but our 7 & 9 year olds did great information! 0.5 hours annual pass for $ 70 was nice to do a easy hike here around Sprague Lake ( 8,700... And host this level hardened gravel trail encircles the Lake with a bounty of lovely views,! Enter the Park and is accessible year-round picnicking areas distance: 0.8 miles elevation Gain: 32 feet:... A nice easy walk with great views of Hallett Peak from Sprague are the best day hikes in Mountain... Available to guide you on you nature walk, 3.5 mi 4 pm at Sweet (...: //www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm Rocky Mountain National Park charges a fee to enter and especially beautiful in winter when weather! To enter at Sweet Memorial ( Program Center at the YMCA ) views of Hallett from... To get some cool photos is closed due to ice and snow in the Park, Sprague the!