Mills Lake, Black Lake, Frozen Lake Trail, Shelf Lake and Solitude Lake via Glacier Gorge Trail, East Portal Trailhead: Wind River and Glacier Basin Loop, Sprague Lake, Glacier Creek and Storm Pass Loop, Wind River, Storm Pass, Sprague Lake, and Glacier Creek Loop, Glacier Creek, Bear Lake, Bierstadt, Switchbacks Loop, Boulder Brook, North Longs Peak Trail, and Glacier Creek Loop, Bear Lake Road to Cub Lake and Fern Lake Trail, Granite Pass and Chasm Lake via North Longs Peak and Storm Pass Loop. This page shows the sunrise and sunset times in Sprague Lake, Colorado, USA, including beautiful sunrise or sunset photos, local current time, timezone, longitude, latitude and live map. No moose unfortunately! If your hike is scheduled to leave before Mountain Center open hours, please enter through the side door on the north side of the building. This is a nice, groomed, flat 3/4-mile trail around Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lots of people today just casually strolling or taking photos. A variety of circumstances may change the schedule of this hike. Shoe spikes and trekking pools were good to have. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 56 min to complete. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm, https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/road_status.htm. Turn around and look for the trailhead on your left. The trail to Sprague Lake is short, but you know what that means - you'll get to witness heaps of scenic views and stunning wildlife occasionally. Gem lake isn't exactly a 5 star destination in the winter, but the hike itself is amazing. Restaurants near Mills Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park on Tripadvisor: Find traveller reviews and candid photos of dining near Mills Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Sprague Lake is accessible year-round, and especially beautiful in winter when the lake is frozen over. The trail is icy and pretty darn slick!***. 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. Lots of snow on the trail, didnt need snowshoes though, as well trodden. The lake is disappointing only because of the number of people (since you can also drive there), but the views at the lake are still worth it! Snowshoes not needed. I recommend using the Y-Camp trail from the livery around Emerald Mountain rather than Rainbow Dr. as there is private property at the end of Rainbow Dr. Moose cow and baby in the lake. Very nice trail, was hoping to see moose (as frequently sighted here) but no luck today. Privacy Settings Please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy before using any information on this site. You can also purchase a park-specific annual pass. This 5.3 mile loop begins at the Moraine Park Discovery Center and follows a clockwise route around the outer rim of Moraine Park. I started off doing the Wind River loop, but then extended over to the Bear Lake area after Sprague instead of finishing the loop. This gorgeous, wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. First part a bit rocky. Keep your distance - it's the law! There was a bull elk with two females on the trail, and also a deer, so solo hikers be aware. You can hike this trail at all hours of the day, and each time, you will see something different. Trail obviously snow covered but mostly distinguishable. The forest is denser at this point, dotted with burgeoning Charlie Brown Christmas trees and towering pines. But dont bring your RV there. Super simple, highly groomed well maintained dirt / hard packed trail around Sprague Lake. This eBook was produced by: Mardi Desjardins, Jen Haines & the online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at https://www.pgdpcanada.net Dirt/gravel. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 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. When you cant get a bear lake timed entry permit starting from East Portal is the way to go. 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. great walk. 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. Classic westside charmer located on a quaint cul de sac. We were out looking for moose but found rainbow trout instead! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 14 min to complete. 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 there. Note: Pets are prohibited on ALL park trails, tundra, and meadow areas. A little snowy and some ice. Sprague Lake is also a great place to see wildlife, but please help keep wildlife wild. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Windows are often overlooked when designing or purchasing home decor. Follow the signs for Sprague Lake and park in the Sprague Lake parking lot. Toughest part was the beginning 1st 3/4 mile or so uphill.. was steadily steep and loose rock but manageable when you take it easy. Sprague Lake Trail Easy 4.6 (2094) Rocky Mountain National Park Photos (1,825) Directions Print/PDF map Length 0.8 miElevation gain 36 ftRoute type Loop Check out this 0.8-mile loop trail near Estes Park, Colorado. Entrance Sign to Rocky Mountain National Park Photo: Depositphotos. It was a little over 4 miles and fairly flat. Gorgeous views of the mountains and a wedding!!! On the east side of the park lies the Beaver Meadows Entrance, the most direct entrance from Estes Park, Colo.,which lies right outside Rocky Mountain National Park. That road ends at the East Portal. A little icy in the shaded areas. We began in the early morning hours and were treated to sights of deer, chipmunks and squirrels all along the trek. Parked in the Park & Ride. Fisherman may want to note that Sprague Lake is also a popular destination for brook, brown and rainbow trout fishing. Beginning from Mountain Side Drive on the YMCA, follow this cascading stream to near Glacier Basin Campground & onto Sprague Lake. Better panoramic views than the more popular Bear Lake walk. There are plenty of benches and lookouts over the lake to stop and reflect. Saw a few trout swimming as well. 100%. Wouldnt recommend right now with all the snow, We did an easy, but longer hike. Light snow. . It also is just a few minutes from Estes Parks downtown. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. gain 1.0 39:31 525 ft 2.0 25:39 105 ft 3.0 29:46 59 ft 3.1 24:15 Though this valley is the centerpiece of Rocky Mountain National Park, drawing thousands every year to watch the bull elk bugle and battle over rights to their harem of . You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Wonderful hike! Want to receive a printed insiders guide to Colorados four national parks including Rocky Mountain National Park? Camp Teetonkah On the east side of the park lies the Beaver Meadows Entrance, the most direct entrance from Estes Park, Colo.,which lies right outside Rocky Mountain National Park. Catch and keep fishing is allowed at Sprauge with a valid fishing license, be sure you know the limits of each fish as they do vary. Mostly flat excepting the part near the East Portal and YMCA. Id say better than Bear Lake. The trail is icy and pretty darn slick!***. Parking (limited) & restrooms at the trailhead. United States . Heck of a hike. Length: 3.2 miles. Really windy & trail partially covered in snow. Saw a few duck as well as some impressing rainbow and spotted trout! Head out on this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Estes Park, Colorado. The trail is about 6 miles each way. Estes Park, CO 80517-8397 In the winter these are especially fabulous. The first mile is where almost all of your elevation gain is. On this path, we passed by Boulder Brook, a delightful flowing body of water that cools down the surrounding temperatures a few noticeable degrees. Follow Highway 66 past the YMCA by about a mile. (LogOut/ About one-and-a-half miles into the hike, you come across the Glacier Basin Campground. They did a great job of playing catch up, as Susan and I took our time figuring out how a senior crowd would negiotiate the trail, in concert with other groups that would be on horseback. Snow is packed and easy to walk with only boots or light traction devices. This means a C hike is the prerequisite for an A hike*; a D hike is a prerequisite for B hike; an E hike is a prerequisite for a C hike, and an F hike meets the requirements for D Hike. Bear Lake to Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail, Mills Lake, Black Lake, Frozen Lake Trail, Shelf Lake and Solitude Lake via Glacier Gorge Trail. Sprague Lake itself is a wonderful brilliant mountain lake that is the centerpiece of this hike. Snow is packed and easy to walk with only boots or light traction devices. You wont find major grocery stores here, although you can drive 25 minutes to Granby and shop at the enormous City Market. Plenty of parking in the lot, even when we returned at 1pm. Sadly, I forgot to take pictures for most of the hike because I was so exhilerated by the opportunity to trek through snow. Most direct from Estes Park (#1 on map) The Beaver Meadows Entrance provides quick access to Sprague Lake (pictured), Glacier Gorge and Bear Lake Deposit Photos. Do Not Sell My Personal Information Continue south along Bear Lake Road. Travis, her, and a few other guests were watching downhill skiing on the side of the bowl of the lake. Discover this 5.5-mile out-and-back trail near Estes Park, Colorado. Read about the history of the lake before visiting. The kids loved going a little off trail and climbing boulders. Register now About this event Event Reminder Description The National Park Service purchased the property in 1932, but gave the Sprague's a twenty year lease before razing the buildings in 1957. Snowpacked for the most part, if you stay on trail. Id say better than Bear Lake. wordlist = ['!', '$.027', '$.03', '$.054/mbf', '$.07', '$.07/cwt', '$.076', '$.09', '$.10-a-minute', '$.105', '$.12', '$.30', '$.30/mbf', '$.50', '$.65', '$.75', '$. Sprague Lake The Moving can be an exciting experience. Very rocky be careful of twisting youre ankle or cutting yourself. Beaver Meadows Entrance. Top ways to experience Sprague Lake and nearby attractions Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park Tour from Denver Winter and Spring 134 Recommended Bus Tours from 118.47 per adult Winter / Spring Private Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tour 16 Recommended Adventure Tours from 140.63 per adult (price varies by group size) Beautiful day! Caught a shuttle to the park and ride where we caught another shuttle to Bear Lake. Want to report conditions for this trail? The cone was formed by natural erosion. from Bear Lake. 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