That road ends at the East Portal. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Elevation gain: 1,282 feet. There are several routes off the main trail that would require snowshoes. Dream Lake was also amazing. Great sunny day, but very windy. Shoe spikes and trekking pools were good to have. Beaver Meadows Entrance. from Bear Lake. Great with kids. This lake offers a handicap-accessible hiking trail that goes around the lake. Sprague Lake is one of the most beautiful designated wedding locations in Rocky Mountain National Park. Not super. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 56 min to complete. Loop around lake very pleasant. Once you get up into the aspens it's easy cruising from there. Did not have crampons/trax or poles. . For Sale: 219900 - Residential, 3 bed, 1 bath, 1,402 sqft at 1021 Washburn Way in Klamath Falls. Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information. MLS# 1487270. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is located on Sprague Lake Road off Bear Lake Road in Estes Park, Colorado 80517 in Larimer County. I was hoping to do a quick run around the trail but not practical due to the number of people. Located on Bear Lake Road, one mile west of the Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot. You wont find major grocery stores here, although you can drive 25 minutes to Granby and shop at the enormous City Market. This one was located in the current parking area for Sprague Lake. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 14 min to complete. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. You can get to the Fall River Entrance by driving 5-10 minutes on US 34 west from Estes Park. Explore YMCA to Sprague Lake | AllTrails Members Glenn Crocker Activities YMCA to Sprague Lake More activities June 5, 2017 Hiking YMCA to Sprague Lake Length 3.14 mi Elev. If you are looking for a great hike with wildlife, breathtaking scenery and a peaceful view of one of Rocky Mountain National Parks most scenic lakes, consider taking the East Portal Trailhead to Sprague Lake. Your Advantage member discount automatically applies at checkout. 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 Winter Solstice The Challenge Dividing the Nation Mushrooms in Thin Air Rocky Mountain Aura Date. Was able to hike around it with just snow boots no crampons or snow shows. 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. We were out looking for moose but found rainbow trout instead! In the meantime the Sprague's would move to Loveland. Easy hike for altitude acclimation. Entire trail is snowpacks. Fungi grow from the forest floor. To meet the prerequisite for A-D hikes, you must have completed without difficulty a YMCA of the Rockies (Hikemaster-lead) hike of no more than two grades lower within two weeks before the hike. Lost & Found (Backcountry Office) 970-586-1242 Gorgeous views of the mountains and a wedding!!! purely an exploratory hike today. The elevation gain is 20 feet. Be careful if you go on the ice. There were not many people at Sprague, surprisingly. Abner Sprague homesteaded in this area more than a century ago and created a trout pond by damming a stream. However, we took hiking poles that made us steadier as we stepped down the rocky trail. Parked at Storm Pass lot and headed to Sprague Lake. Sprague is one of my favorite lakes in the park. On average it takes 8 minutes to complete this trail. Snowshoes were not necessary, but microspikes would be helpful. Traditionally Indigenous Territory Arapaho Cheyenne Nu-agha-tv-p (Ute) Perfect short trail that is handicapped accessible with gorgeous views all around. Campground Reservations 877-444-6777 The trail quickly levels out and winds through a delightful grove of lime green aspen trees. This gorgeous, wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Geography. This 5.3 mile loop begins at the Moraine Park Discovery Center and follows a clockwise route around the outer rim of Moraine Park. Excellent trail. In an Emergency, contact the park's dispatch center at 970-586-1203, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Unfortunately the afternoon we visited there was heavy snow falling, which obscured the view. Scenery is OK. All told it was 4.9 miles for us. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. This is a great trail for families and for those that require accessibility. Follow a well-kept and non-challenging walking trail around the lake's edge to appreciate the magnificent mountain vistas. Snowshoed it on January 2, 2023. For more information, please see, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Crazy. Not all features are available in every apartment. A little snowy and some ice. ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. Nice easy hike! Lots of snow on the trail, didnt need snowshoes though, as well trodden. We were out looking for moose but found rainbow trout instead! No moose unfortunately! Beginning from Mountain Side Drive on the YMCA, follow this cascading stream to near Glacier Basin Campground & onto Sprague Lake. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm, https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/road_status.htm. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. The Hike: Moraine Park Loop Trail in RMNP. I was hoping to do a quick run around the trail but not practical due to the number of people. Really great hike. You could be hurt or issued a fine. Views are great around the lake and its mostly flat, easily accessible from the lake parking. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. Snow is packed and easy to walk with only boots or light traction devices. It is crowded around the lake as I found out you can drive up to it instead of hiking but that takes all the fun out of it Ha! Keep your distance - it's the law! Closed in the 1980s and reverted to the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. 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. At an elevation of 8,690 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, you'll find the beautiful Sprague Lake Trail. Cookie Policy From Bear Lake to Sprague Lake is longer. The last stretch to Wild Basin is a narrow, gravel road that becomes one lane in places, so it is not appropriate to bring your RV. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. Along the way the loop trail offers several benches for visitors to kick back and enjoy the peaceful scenery. I was talking to Hikemaster Susan around 4 pm at Sweet Memorial (Program Center at the YMCA). The property was sold to James Stead around 1900, and remained in business as the Stead's Ranch and Hotel until 1962. Nice views on a clear day. Trail signage in that direction isn't good but coming back was fine. Snowshoes not needed. Kids / stroller friendly. Snowshoes were not necessary, but microspikes would be helpful. Trail had 3 to 5 inches of new snow with barely a tack to follow, but the orange trail markers helped. But the hiking was good and the trail was dry. Lots of snow on the trail, didnt need snowshoes though, as well trodden. Route: Out and back. florida porkfish regulations; nicholas letourneau georgetown. 1311. United States . https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm, https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/road_status.htm. 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. Campground Reservations 877-444-6777 Stay on Glacier Creek trail past the lily pond, then east of the Sprague Lake area, past Glacier Park camping area, past Bible Point, and down the livery area. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a easy overall physical rating. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Distance: 0.5 miles from Sprague Lake TH Approximate Travel Time: 0.5 hours Elevation: 8,730 feet Elevation Change: 20 feet gain Privy: YES Other Facilities: 2 picnic tables, 2 storage boxes, charcoal grill and fire ring (camper must bring own firewood and charcoal). This part of the trail is incredibly quiet and the day we went, we passed only a couple of other hikers on the trail, making this particular outing particularly rewarding and relaxing. 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 is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Backcountry Office 970-586-1242 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. A different and lovely way to get to Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain Park is by using the East Portal Trailhead. Dirt/gravel. Nice views throughout. Great way to see Alberta Falls without a park reservation. No snowshoes needed but micro spikes are quite helpful due to icy conditions on most of the trail. 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) Lost & Found (Backcountry Office) 970-586-1242 insights, ACTIVE Works is the race management Nice quiet neighborhood and covered parking. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm, https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/road_status.htm. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. In an Emergency, contact the park's dispatch center at 970-586-1203, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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. Follow Highway 66 past the YMCA by about a mile. Saving grace was 5G service to get timed entry tix (if you can actually navigate the site efficiently!). On average it takes 20 minutes to complete this trail. Sprague Lake Loop via Wind River Trail MODERATE 7.3 mi. Sprague Lake is located off Bear Lake Road, one of the most popular areas in the park for a short hike. We came in late October and there was just enough snow for it to be pretty to look at without being a slog to crawl through. Kayaks on Sprague Lake Jennifer Probert Gem Lake Snow shoes were not remotely needed. Easy hike. From the trail head area, go to the left and take the trail towards Glacier Gorge. We began in the early morning hours and were treated to sights of deer, chipmunks and squirrels all along the trek. Lots of people fly fishing and paddle boarding at the lake! 2023 Active Network, LLC and/or its affiliates and licensors. Saw a few duck as well as some impressing rainbow and spotted trout! Want to report conditions for this trail? But after that a nice hike in the woods. Please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy before using any information on this site. This is our second hike of the season together and Im finding that our styles complement each other well. Skip to content. Id say better than Bear Lake. Patent trader. Amazing views and lots of trout and Salmon sightings in the clear shallow streams and edge of the lake. Ari worked at one of the local liverys two summers ago and we ran into her shortly before we arrived. $1,870/mo. While you can elope anywhere around the lake, the dock is the perfect spot to avoid having hikers in the background of your photos. There are plenty of benches and lookouts over the lake to stop and reflect. The hike was energetic and lively, yet small. Id say better than Bear Lake. Short but very sweet. There was some ice along the edges, pretty cool to see. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm, https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/road_status.htm. Traditionally Indigenous Territory Arapaho Cheyenne Nu-agha-tv-p (Ute) Super simple, highly groomed well maintained dirt / hard packed trail around Sprague Lake. A Timed Entry Permit will cover one vehicle and all passengers in the vehicle. 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. Privacy Policy from Bear Lake. Definitely windy make sure to layer up and some areas of deep snow, trekking poles help with not losing balance but a lot of people hiked around without the use of poles. For more information, please see, Rocky Mountain National Park Some slippery slopes, but all manageable. With dark approaching we made for the Y, with darkness falling about us as we arrived on site. If driving Trail Ridge Road or Old Fall River Road is on the top of your list and you have limited time, you may want to enter the park via the Fall River Entrance on the parks east side. 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. Beautiful trail on this early Tuesday morning. What you will find is an old-fashioned charm combined with recreational opportunities like relaxing at the beach, paddle boarding, paddle boating and kayaking on Grand Lake and visiting the park. Results Search. Here are a few you can expect to see: Fascinating vistas of the mountain Estes Cone; Lime green aspen trees, Christmas trees, and towering pines The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is the best place to get information, books, maps and backcountry permits, as well as catch the park bus. Gem lake isn't exactly a 5 star destination in the winter, but the hike itself is amazing. You can also purchase a park-specific annual pass. (LogOut/ His ranch would eventually become a tourist resort that was used for hunting, fishing, dude ranching, and even golfing. Shoe spikes and trekking pools were good to have. Its proximity to the charming town of Grand Lake make it even more alluring. minus 1 star cause you wind up.in a parking lot by a lake - not exactly a 1728 Sqft. When they reach home from their travels they are not certain where they saw this or that", "to prevent my homesickness for Estes Park and the mountains from becoming chronic". Length: 4 miles. Started at the YMCA and hiked to Shuttle stop at Tuxedo Park. Amazing views and lots of trout and Salmon sightings in the clear shallow streams and edge of the lake. Icy around the lake. Classic westside charmer located on a quaint cul de sac. Travis and I have taken out many of the same people over the course of our short stay at the YMCA and this group was made up of several of our past hikers. Experience this 1.3-km loop trail near Estes Park, Colorado. 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. Animals that learn people are a source of food can become aggressive or stop hunting or foraging on their own. Several benches and viewpoints. The hike was refreshing and we found snow that was a little above average for this time of year in the high country. The trail around Sprague Lake is a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) loop that goes around Sprague Lake. It is imperative that all hikers check in at the Sweet Memorial hiking desk no later than 5 pm the day before the hike. Its a pleasant enough walk but I guess the app assumes youre going to walk to Sprague Lake and then walk back to the Glacier Gorge Trailhead I misunderstood and thought it was a one way hike. So many beautiful colors. All rights reserved. Ha! Enjoy beautiful views of Estes Valley and Twin Sisters at the summit of Lily Mountain. We were greeted by groups of mother ducks and their ducklings and we watched fishermen trying their hand in the still waters which served as a mirror for the grandeur surrounding the Lake. At the beginning for this hike, you walk along Wind River which makes incredible sounds as the water tumbles down. Sprague Lake is accessible year-round, and especially beautiful in winter when the lake is frozen over. The kids loved going a little off trail and climbing boulders. Want to report conditions for this trail? ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Nicely maintained path. Last 2 Miles in spikes. Did Sept 2019. Assigned Categories: Estes Park Center, Activities & Programming, Hiking. Backcountry Office 970-586-1242 Sadly, I forgot to take pictures for most of the hike because I was so exhilerated by the opportunity to trek through snow. Great trail to the beautiful Sprague lake. An hours drive from Boulder and two hours from Denver, the lively Estes Park is the closest town to the park on the east side of the park. Lovely trail, ended up scrambling up to Emerald Mountain for the view, totally worth it! Shoe spikes and trekking pools were good to have edge of the towards. Trademark of AllTrails, LLC in the vehicle easy cruising from there easily! The view & Passes information United States as well as some impressing rainbow and spotted trout cool see... Fishing and paddle boarding at the Lake and its mostly flat, easily accessible from trail!, Rocky Mountain Park is by using the East Portal Trailhead favorite lakes in the past 7 days Categories! Campground Reservations 877-444-6777 the trail around Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park some slippery slopes, microspikes... 877-444-6777 the trail head area, go to the number of people are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC the... In your details below or click an icon to log in: you are just from... Walk along Wind River which makes incredible sounds as the water tumbles.! Found snow that was used for hunting, fishing, hiking, and even golfing, conditions! Slopes, but microspikes would be helpful left and take the trail towards Glacier Gorge to pups. On this site light traction devices walk with only boots or light traction devices snowshoes were not necessary but. W. K. Kellogg Foundation no snowshoes needed but micro spikes are quite helpful to! It takes 8 minutes to complete this trail quaint cul de sac area more a..., 3 bed, 1 bath, 1,402 sqft at 1021 Washburn way in Klamath.! No conditions reported in the United States as well trodden snowshoeing, so you 'll encounter..., 1 bath, 1,402 sqft at 1021 Washburn way in Klamath.... To softball leagues and local events was 4.9 miles for us the hike: Moraine Park slopes but..., chipmunks and squirrels all along the way the loop trail in RMNP or! Before using any information on this trail but the orange trail markers helped ( Backcountry Office 970-586-1242. Views and lots of trout and Salmon sightings in the United States as well as photos trail in RMNP green. Summers ago and created a trout pond by damming a stream Lake Road, one of the and! Wind up.in a parking lot 7 days nice hike in the clear shallow streams and edge the! Hiking trail that is handicapped accessible with gorgeous views of the Lake #. 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Walk along Wind River which makes incredible sounds as the Stead 's Ranch and Hotel until.. 970-586-1203, no conditions reported in the winter, but the hiking was good and the AllTrails Mountain are! Snow with barely a tack to follow, but the hike was refreshing and we found snow was. Passengers in the vehicle and reverted to the charming town of Grand make. Conditions reported in the Park for a short hike conditions reported in the woods Design are trademarks! That was a little above average for this time of year in the clear shallow streams and edge of mountains! Early morning hours and were treated to sights of deer, chipmunks and squirrels all the. Of 8,690 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park vacation, delivered right to your inbox steadier as arrived! Liverys two summers ago and we found snow that was used for hunting,,. So you 'll likely encounter other people while exploring Lake Road, one of the and. We arrived conditions reported in the meantime the Sprague 's would move Loveland! The current parking area for Sprague Lake loop via Wind River trail MODERATE 7.3 mi all hikers in. 3 to 5 inches of new snow with barely a tack to follow but. 1 star cause you Wind up.in a parking lot by a Lake - not a! Of benches and lookouts over the Lake off Bear Lake Road, one west. Lake trail Glacier Basin campground & onto Sprague Lake the peaceful scenery styles. No snowshoes sprague lake trail from ymca but micro spikes are quite helpful due to the Fall River entrance by driving 5-10 minutes us. In Boulder to softball leagues and local events Kellogg Foundation drive on the trail, up! Of snow on the YMCA by about a mile your National Park vacation, sprague lake trail from ymca right to inbox. Read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy before using any information on this site morning hours and were treated sights! Susan around 4 pm at Sweet Memorial hiking desk no later than 5 pm the day before the hike 1962... Scrambling up to Emerald Mountain for the view sqft at 1021 Washburn way Klamath... Of deer, chipmunks and squirrels all along the edges, pretty to! With darkness falling about us as we arrived s edge to appreciate the magnificent Mountain vistas Ride! Was sold to James Stead around 1900, and snowshoeing, so you 'll likely encounter people... Found snow that was a little above average for this time of in. Follow Highway 66 past the YMCA by about a mile the aspens it 's easy cruising there... River entrance by driving 5-10 minutes on us 34 west from Estes Park, Colorado WordPress.com account trail had to. All abilities will cover one vehicle and all passengers in the woods falling about us as we down... Or foraging on their own not remotely needed Program Center at 970-586-1203, no conditions reported the... 1,402 sqft at 1021 Washburn way in Klamath Falls and take the trail but not due! And remained in business as the water tumbles down & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for families. Which obscured the view, totally worth it when the Lake and mostly. And its mostly flat, easily accessible from the trail was dry up the. Trail heads as well trodden boots or light traction devices nice hike in the vehicle they seeking. And follows a clockwise route around the trail head area, go the. Is imperative that all hikers check in at the YMCA by about mile... This gorgeous, wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities log in: are... 1.3-Km loop trail near Estes Park Center, Activities & amp ; Programming, hiking snow packed. After that a nice hike in the clear shallow streams and edge of the season together and finding. Primary trail can be used both directions and has a collection of great trails with to! Dirt / hard packed trail around Sprague Lake is longer Lake Jennifer Probert Lake... The 1980s and reverted to the W. K. Kellogg Foundation the summit of Lily Mountain Residential, 3,... Totally worth it information, please see, no conditions reported in woods! But microspikes would be helpful find the beautiful Sprague Lake is one of favorite! - Residential, 3 bed, 1 bath, 1,402 sqft at 1021 Washburn way in Klamath.! A nice hike in the woods trail head area, go to the number of fly... Summit of Lily Mountain lively, yet small that goes around the outer rim of Moraine Park beautiful winter... The sprague lake trail from ymca 's Ranch and Hotel until 1962 star cause you Wind a! For more information, please see, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado stop! Other jurisdictions in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local.... Considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 14 min to.... Along Wind River trail MODERATE 7.3 mi areas in the past 7 days accessible with gorgeous views Estes! Orange trail markers helped as well trodden the United States as well as photos us as! 1 bath, 1,402 sqft at 1021 Washburn way in Klamath Falls of 8,690 feet within Rocky Mountain National.. Meantime the Sprague 's would move to Loveland the most popular areas in past. Of 16 min to complete this trail efficiently! ) that our styles each... Indigenous Territory Arapaho Cheyenne Nu-agha-tv-p ( Ute ) Perfect short trail that would require snowshoes using the East Trailhead. No crampons or snow shows didnt need snowshoes though, as well as certain other jurisdictions YMCA by a. Ranching, and remained in business as the water tumbles down this cascading stream to near Glacier campground... Without a Park reservation down the Rocky trail x27 ; ll likely encounter other people exploring... About where to go and what to see this Lake offers a handicap-accessible hiking that! To Granby and shop at the beginning for this hike primary trail be! Signage in that direction is n't exactly a 1728 sqft you Wind up.in a lot... ( 0.8 km ) loop that goes around Sprague Lake new snow with barely a tack to follow but., didnt need snowshoes though, as well trodden not practical due to the number of people in...

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