Aspens are gold. Can take the park & ride bus if there is no parking. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 56 min to complete. Skip to content. 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. This is our second hike of the season together and Im finding that our styles complement each other well. mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. 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. Snowy day so not much in term of background scenerybut lake was partially frozen and beautiful! I think that is one of the best things about being out on the trail: getting a chance to see old friends that share a passion. But it is a great entrance for those traveling the Peak-to-Peak from Nederland who dont want to join the crowds entering in Estes Park. Pets are prohibited on all trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, From May 27 to October 10, 2022, Park Access + Bear Lake RoadTimed Entry Permit Reservations are requied toaccess destinations alongthe Bear Lake Road corridor,from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. It's a little over an hour hike, depending on your speed. Due to several parking areas being full I had to start from a different location than the George Gully trail head. It also happens to be one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Waterfall views are with it at the top. For Sale: 219900 - Residential, 3 bed, 1 bath, 1,402 sqft at 1021 Washburn Way in Klamath Falls. Check out this 0.8-mile loop trail near Estes Park, Colorado. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a easy overall physical rating. From this hillside, you get a great view of Estes Cone. This mountain is not the result of an ancient volcano. So in all of two minutes we decided to take an evening hike off to Sprague. Gorgeous views of the mountains and a wedding!!! YMCA of the Rockies is a campsite inside of Rocky Mountain National Park. Turn around and look for the trailhead on your left. A different and lovely way to get to Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain Park is by using the East Portal Trailhead. Super simple, highly groomed well maintained dirt / hard packed trail around Sprague Lake. Lots of snow on the trail, didnt need snowshoes though, as well trodden. Nice easy hike! Nice hike. Sprague began building a homestead in Moraine Park in 1874. Very well marked. . Some slippery slopes, but all manageable. Hike of the Week: East Portal Trailhead to, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Frozen Dead Guy Days live music and entertainment lineup announced, Estes Womens Monument given prestigious history award, Perspectives: Watched by Howard P. Hanson, Wrestling coach addressed Board of Ed about firing, Hike of the Week: East Portal Trailhead to Sprague Lake, YMCA offers special rates for the Frozen Dead Guys Festival. Windy here and there. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Beginning from Mountain Side Drive on the YMCA, follow this cascading stream to near Glacier Basin Campground & onto Sprague Lake. Lake is great to walk on though! It sits at 8,688 feet elevation. Arrived around 1pm on a Sunday and there were two parking spots left. Sprague Lake is located off Bear Lake Road, one of the most popular areas in the park for a short hike. Trail signage in that direction isn't good but coming back was fine. 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. Cookie Settings. We made it to Sprague Lake and decided to make it a proper adventure and continue on to Bierstadt Lake. This 5.3 mile loop begins at the Moraine Park Discovery Center and follows a clockwise route around the outer rim of Moraine Park. Parked in the Park & Ride. Great flat trail for a quick family outing. Great trail to the beautiful Sprague lake. I took the shuttle to the park and ride to get a nice 8 miles. Did not have crampons/trax or poles. Icy around the lake. Shoe spikes and trekking pools were good to have. Very windy today. Sprague Lake is located along Bear Lake Road. Short but very sweet. Shoe spikes and trekking pools were good to have. Started at the YMCA and hiked to Shuttle stop at Tuxedo Park. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. At an elevation of 8,690 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, you'll find the beautiful Sprague Lake Trail. Trail had 3 to 5 inches of new snow with barely a tack to follow, but the orange trail markers helped. In an Emergency, contact the park's dispatch center at 970-586-1203, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Camp Teetonkah Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. There are benches to sit and reflect from or watch fishermen catch fish. In the winter these are especially fabulous. Lots of horse poop from the horse tours that also use this trail. Fat Biking and Ski Biking at Colorado Ski Areas. software for managing & marketing your events. Was able to hike around it with just snow boots no crampons or snow shows. The Hike: Moraine Park Loop Trail in RMNP. A nice walk. morning journal obituaries past 3 days; when will allegiant release december 2022 flights 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. Great hike, was breezy and some flurries 10/25. Great hike! Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. There was a bull elk with two females on the trail, and also a deer, so solo hikers be aware. 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. First Name. "there are those you can call nothing but tourists. Snowy now definitely glad I brought my ice shoes, the views are beautiful and there is many tracks of various animals. Beautiful day! Parked at Storm Pass lot and headed to Sprague Lake. For more information, please see, Rocky Mountain National Park Nice views on a clear day. That road ends at the East. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. When I saw her I was excited to see an old friend and play catch up. This is for safety reasons. Campground Reservations 877-444-6777 https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm, https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/road_status.htm. This gorgeous, wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities. Only saw 4 people on the trail on a busy summer Sunday! Walked around Christmas Day, 12/25. ***bring spikes! Walked around Christmas Day, 12/25. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. All rights reserved. This is a nice, groomed, flat 3/4-mile trail around Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Length: 4 miles. 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. Snow shoes were not remotely needed. Beautiful views! The trail around Sprague Lake is a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) loop that goes around Sprague Lake. However, if you are traveling in a car, Wild Basin is a wonderful area to explore with trails that reach eight lakes and three waterfalls. No need for snowshoes. ft. house located at 2165 Karen Pl, Redding, CA 96001 sold for $325,000 on Dec 5, 2020. 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. but it can also be stressful. Be careful if you go on the ice. You can also purchase a park-specific annual pass. The trail is about 6 miles each way. Saw a few elk. Nice views on a clear day. Episode 1 YMCA of the Rockies Bible Point Trail and Sprague Lake Trail 73 views Aug 9, 2021 Today was the first of two days off and I went for two hikes today. At this fork in the road, take a left and head toward Sprague Lake. Snowpacked for the most part, if you stay on trail. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Tucked in the folds of the Rocky Mountains and anchored by the stunning Grand Lake, this town is lined with locally owned shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and hotels. Perfect short trail that is handicapped accessible with gorgeous views all around. Trail Ridge Road Information Recorded Message 970-586-1222 (available 24 hours a day, updated when conditions and/or road status change) This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. You could be hurt or issued a fine. "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 demanding full accommodations, that we had to go into the hotel business or go bankrupt from keeping free company!". Sprague Lake Loop via Wind River Trail MODERATE 7.3 mi. 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. Register and log your hikes at the Boone Family Mountain Center after each Y-hike you complete. Camp Tapico: Tall Pine Council (Michigan Crossroads Council) Kalkaska: Closed: Camp Tapico is located in the eastern region of Kalkaska County just north of M-72 between Grayling and Traverse City. Had poles and spikes for this trail to aid in some slippery surfaces along the paved walk way. Good for snow shoeing. I have a knee injury and the small bit of elevation allowed me to do this. Today Snow showers likely, mainly before noon. Available in towns of Grand Lake or Estes Park and snack bar located at gift shop at Fall River Pass. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. MLS# 20-4365. Sprague Lake Trailhead is a 459 ft green singletrack connector trail located near Estes Park Colorado. Only drawback is occasional traffic noise from Bear Lake Road. Sprague lake to bear lake is a bit further. Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information. Both the trails had massive uphill climbs. Campground Reservations 877-444-6777 It's about 3.4-miles going downhill for a short time, then it pretty much levels off as you reach Glacier Creek. Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. East Portal to Sprague Lake. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 14 min to complete. Have to pay a fee to get into the park. Great sunny day, but very windy. Bear lake was still frozen, but Alberta falls was beautiful! This eBook was produced by: Mardi Desjardins, Jen Haines & the online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at https://www.pgdpcanada.net This 6.3-mile moderate hike takes you up a series of switchbacks on a rocky and sandy trail on the side of Emerald Mountain. 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. The huge boulders scattered around the landscape are dotted with colorful lichen. Lots of people today just casually strolling or taking photos. Results Search. The last mile before reaching the top, hikers will climb . The trail is icy and pretty darn slick!***. 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. Copyright Policy Sprague Lake is an easy-to-access and wonderfully scenic body of water within Rocky Mountain National Park. Saw a few duck as well as some impressing rainbow and spotted trout! Elevation gain: N/A. No snowshoes needed but micro spikes are quite helpful due to icy conditions on most of the trail. The side trip up Emerald Mountain made the trip hard, but the spectacular view made it absolutely worthwhile! Abner Sprague homesteaded in this area more than a century ago and created a trout pond by damming a stream. Sitemap Perfect short trail that is handicapped accessible with gorgeous views all around. Never approach or feed wildlife. Ample parking; an accessible backcountry camping site is located in the area. (LogOut/ Have to pay a fee to get into the park. You need spikes on your shoes when there is snow. Nice hike mostly along well traveled horse trails through wonderful aspen groves and pine forests. Today proved to be another glorious day with Travis. Address 12928 E Mansfield Ave Suite 3, Spokane Valley 99216. Enjoy the view - mountain peaks along the Continental Divide can be seen clearly from the east shoreline. Kids / stroller friendly. This is an excellent hiking route that can be done in an hour or two. The most interesting part along this trail is the impressive cascading water as you cross Glacier Creek. 1311. Took the shuttle up to Bear Lake (with transfer at the Park & Ride) and hiked down from there to Sprague Lake. This is a very accessible and easy walk for good winter time views of Hallets peak, a frozen Sprague Lake, and the surrounding winter environs. Most of this hikes elevation is in the beginning and then there are other trails off this one so make sure to follow the signs to Sprague lake. Overall a great day trip without having to reserve into RMNP. Beaver Meadows Entrance. The aspen leaves are yellow to golden. Jan 2020. There are several routes off the main trail that would require snowshoes. Great way to see Alberta Falls without a park reservation. Order our free stunning National Park Trip Planner for Colorado filled with an inspiring itinerary, gorgeous photographs and everything you need to plan your dream vacation. Address 2421 N Discovery Pl, Spokane Valley, Washington, tats-Unis 99216. While at the lake we ran into an old friend of mine from a few summers ago. About 9 miles from Beaver Meadows, 3.5 mi. Visitor Information 970-586-1206 (Daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time, recorded information after hours) Still a really nice walk though! Very nice, just a few people. (LogOut/ Easy hike. It was pretty easy on the loop around. (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) 1956-current, January 06, 1973, Page 5, Image 5, brought to you by Chappaqua Library, and the National Digital Newspaper Program. Packed snow and clear trails in some spots. About This Property. Lots of picnic areas before the trailhead too. Some areas are covered in snow but you can follow along with other peoples footsteps. Discover trails like Sprague Lake Colorado, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. 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. Gorgeous views of the mountains and a wedding!!! Still a really nice walk though! Top ways to experience Sprague Lake and nearby attractions LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park Tour from Denver Winter and Spring 124 Recommended Bus Tours from AU$224.30 per adult Rocky Mountain National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour 3 Adventure Tours from AU$24.19 per group (up to 4) FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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! Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Today was a great combination of thrilling snow, some sledding, and old friends. Located on Bear Lake Road, one mile west of the Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot. Saw two moose (1 female adult and 1 youngster) and one bear (on the ridge line from quite a distance)! Ample parking; an accessible backcountry camping site is located in the area. 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. I was talking to Hikemaster Susan around 4 pm at Sweet Memorial (Program Center at the YMCA). Scenery is OK. All told it was 4.9 miles for us. Heck of a hike. On average it takes 8 minutes to complete this trail. Easy hike for altitude acclimation. All rights reserved. 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. Nicely maintained path. This is the final phase of this beautifu. Im not sure if this is because we are two of the youngest hikemasters, or that we worked on several projects last year with one another. This trail is relatively flat and in good condition. The National Park Service purchased the property in 1932, but gave the Sprague's a twenty year lease before razing the buildings in 1957. Had poles and spikes for this trail to aid in some slippery surfaces along the paved walk way. . You wont find major grocery stores here, although you can drive 25 minutes to Granby and shop at the enormous City Market. This is a pleasant half-mile walk around Sprague Lake (elevation 8,700 feet). Initial up mountain was a workout, but easy hiking from there. 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. 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. 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. Amazing views and lots of trout and Salmon sightings in the clear shallow streams and edge of the lake. Along the way you'll pass the Fern Lake shuttle stop. But after that a nice hike in the woods. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. Snowpacked for the most part, if you stay on trail. It also is just a few minutes from Estes Parks downtown. It was a little over 4 miles and fairly flat. Wouldnt recommend right now with all the snow, We did an easy, but longer hike. Barely any snow or ice. ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. Estes Park, CO, USA Eaglecliff Cir Dr, Estes Park, CO, USA St Moritz Trail, Estes . Follow Highway 66 past the YMCA by about a mile. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm, https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/road_status.htm. Hiked to Sprague Lake from our cabin. Very nice trail, was hoping to see moose (as frequently sighted here) but no luck today. 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. Terms of Use This trail is beautiful for a easy to moderate hike. 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. Arrived around 9:00am on a weekday and there was still some parking available. It is about a 15-minute drive once you enter the park and is heavily trafficked, particularly by families. Ari worked at one of the local liverys two summers ago and we ran into her shortly before we arrived. Trail Ridge Road Information Recorded Message 970-586-1222 (available 24 hours a day, updated when conditions and/or road status change) Try this 7.1-km out-and-back trail near Estes Park, Colorado. One Timed Entry Permit Reservation is $2.00 and non-refundable. However, we took hiking poles that made us steadier as we stepped down the rocky trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 14 min to complete. Rocky Mountain National Park charges a fee to enter. Easy for all abilities. So many beautiful colors. Quite snowy and slick, we made it with just hiking boots but yak tracks or poles would have been helpful, Lots of snow, wouldnt not attempt without spikes and poles. Stop by the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the Grand Lake Entrance to get more information. Other posts complained about horse poop on trail but its nothing unusual. Want to report conditions for this trail? Can take the park & ride bus if there is no parking. Want to report conditions for this trail? Rocky Mountain National Park charges a fee to enter. Want to report conditions for this trail? Very sandy for the first half. The forest is denser at this point, dotted with burgeoning Charlie Brown Christmas trees and towering pines. Pssst. Saw a huge herd of elk too. Parked at Storm Pass lot and headed to Sprague Lake. 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. All dimensions are approximate. Took a side trip up Boulder Brook to the stream. Along the way the loop trail offers several benches for visitors to kick back and enjoy the peaceful scenery. 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. Hike - Estes Park, CO 2023 | ACTIVE February 16, 2023 Sprague Lake via Mountainside Dr. There are several routes off the main trail that would require snowshoes. This is a pretty chill hike and some of the aspens are starting to turn, making the walk in the heavily forested sections even better. 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. 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. To learn more, visit the park's Timed Entry Permit Reservation webpage athttps://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. The hike was refreshing and we found snow that was a little above average for this time of year in the high country. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Not super. Trail obviously snow covered but mostly distinguishable. You can also purchase a park-specific annual pass. Amazing views and lots of trout and Salmon sightings in the clear shallow streams and edge of the lake. Unfortunately the afternoon we visited there was heavy snow falling, which obscured the view. I was hoping to do a quick run around the trail but not practical due to the number of people. There are plenty of benches and lookouts over the lake to stop and reflect. The trail was doable today without snowshoes or micro spikes but that can change quickly with new snow expected tonight and high winds. Winter Solstice The Challenge Dividing the Nation Mushrooms in Thin Air Rocky Mountain Aura