Nice easy hike! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 27 min to complete. Trail obviously snow covered but mostly distinguishable. Perfect short trail that is handicapped accessible with gorgeous views all around. Had poles and spikes for this trail to aid in some slippery surfaces along the paved walk way. Along the way the loop trail offers several benches for visitors to kick back and enjoy the peaceful scenery. gain 689 ft Moving time 1:13:31 Avg pace 23:26 Calories 638 Total time 1:44:22 Splits MilesPace Elev. 4 beds, 2.5 baths, 2200 sq. getting to know the system and park. Beaver Meadows Entrance. Located on Bear Lake Road, one mile west of the Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot (bathrooms available). Spikes needed. purely an exploratory hike today. Unfortunately the afternoon we visited there was heavy snow falling, which obscured the view. Gem lake isn't exactly a 5 star destination in the winter, but the hike itself is amazing. Sprague Lake is located along Bear Lake Road. Do Not Sell My Personal Information After leaving Moraine Park you'll enter an area known as Tuxedo Park where you'll notice a forest of tall ponderosa pines with bright orange trunks. Loop around lake very pleasant. Beginning from Mountain Side Drive on the YMCA, follow this cascading stream to near Glacier Basin Campground & onto Sprague Lake. Discover trails like Sprague Lake Colorado, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. 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. Want to report conditions for this trail? 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. Little bit of snow. We took some detours which added distance and time. You can hike this trail at all hours of the day, and each time, you will see something different. When you cant get a bear lake timed entry permit starting from East Portal is the way to go. Estes Park, CO 80517-8397 No snowshoes needed but micro spikes are quite helpful due to icy conditions on most of the trail. Keep your distance - it's the law! The trail was doable today without snowshoes or micro spikes but that can change quickly with new snow expected tonight and high winds. Visitor Information 970-586-1206 (Daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time, recorded information after hours) 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. Due to several parking areas being full I had to start from a different location than the George Gully trail head. Results Search. Amazing views and lots of trout and Salmon sightings in the clear shallow streams and edge of the lake. 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. Snow is packed and easy to walk with only boots or light traction devices. Jan 2020. Backcountry Office 970-586-1242 All rights reserved. But after that a nice hike in the woods. First 2 miles snowshoes. Lots of picnic areas before the trailhead too. However, we took hiking poles that made us steadier as we stepped down the rocky trail. Easy hike for altitude acclimation. 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. Cookie Policy A little icy in the shaded areas. Took shuttle from Sprague back to Tuxedo. 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. This is a great trail for families and for those that require accessibility. Rocky Mountain National Park charges a fee to enter. Timed Entry Permit Reservations are only available to be booked throughhttps://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910. Waterfall views are with it at the top. Mostly flat excepting the part near the East Portal and YMCA. Backcountry Office 970-586-1242 All rights reserved. Did Sept 2019. Length: 3.2 miles. With benches placed strategically so you can enjoy views of Flattop Mountain and Hallet Peak, this is a great place to stop and have a snack. This trail is relatively flat and in good condition. 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. 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. 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! Super simple, highly groomed well maintained dirt / hard packed trail around Sprague Lake. Animals that learn people are a source of food can become aggressive or stop hunting or foraging on their own. The trail is icy and pretty darn slick!***. but it can also be stressful. Took the shuttle bus to Bear Lake. Very beautiful. Because the Wild Basin Entrance is about a 30-minute drive south of Estes Park on the parks east side, most of the parks visitors never even see the Wild Basin area. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 56 min to complete. Beautiful trail on this early Tuesday morning. I was hoping to do a quick run around the trail but not practical due to the number of people. Sitemap Support & Feedback Great hike once you get past the up hill! This eBook was produced by: Mardi Desjardins, Jen Haines & the online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at https://www.pgdpcanada.net 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. 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. It is a very active horse trail so be respectful of that. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm, https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/road_status.htm. The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is the best place to get information, books, maps and backcountry permits, as well as catch the park bus. Moderate only because of its length. Perfect bluebird skies, cool temps and very few people out. Great trail to the beautiful Sprague lake. 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. check my pictures, Out of the wind for a short snow shoe. Friday Wow, Friday was a crazy last minute hike. Maybe a little snow and ice in places. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. There are 355 miles of trails ranging from easy to strenuous. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Stay on US 34 as it becomes Trail Ridge Road to enjoy a spectacular tour of the parks incredible landscapes. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm, https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/road_status.htm. 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. It is about a 15-minute drive once you enter the park and is heavily trafficked, particularly by families. The hike was refreshing and we found snow that was a little above average for this time of year in the high country. Only drawback is occasional traffic noise from Bear Lake Road. Trail obviously snow covered but mostly distinguishable. Rocky Mountain National Park charges a fee to enter. 1311. Copyright 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. That road ends at the East Portal. ft. house located at 2165 Karen Pl, Redding, CA 96001 sold for $325,000 on Dec 5, 2020. Excellent trail. While many are prepared to go that distance to climb Longs Peak, very few venture that far for Sprague Mountain. There is a parking area, picnic tables, restrooms, and a beautiful view of a mountain lake. Lot of snow. No need for snowshoes. Its proximity to the charming town of Grand Lake make it even more alluring. 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, Granite Pass and Chasm Lake via North Longs Peak and Storm Pass Loop. Privacy Policy You need spikes on your shoes when there is snow. Really windy & trail partially covered in snow. This is a nice, groomed, flat 3/4-mile trail around Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail around Sprague Lake is a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) loop that goes around Sprague Lake. The trail is about 6 miles each way. Nice hike. There are benches to sit and reflect from or watch fishermen catch fish. Skip to content. 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 ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. Snowy day so not much in term of background scenerybut lake was partially frozen and beautiful! Abner Sprague homesteaded in this area more than a century ago and created a trout pond by damming a stream. Located on Bear Lake Road, one mile west of the Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. Campground Reservations 877-444-6777 Located on Bear Lake Road, one mile west of the Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot (bathrooms available). So many beautiful colors. 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. Very windy but still enjoyable. The property was sold to James Stead around 1900, and remained in business as the Stead's Ranch and Hotel until 1962. Sprague began building a homestead in Moraine Park in 1874. United States . 100%. Call for more information, 970-586-3341 ext. 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. Heck of a hike. The first hike I went on. I have a knee injury and the small bit of elevation allowed me to do this. 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. Website ymcaspokane.org. Shoe spikes and trekking pools were good to have. From this hillside, you get a great view of Estes Cone. Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information. Nice way to hike into Rocky without a permit. 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. Lake is great to walk on though! Super busy, had to park next 4 miles down. (LogOut/ 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. Hiked to Sprague Lake from our cabin. ***bring spikes! Hike Hiking 2515 Tunnel Rd Estes Park, CO 80511 Organized by YMCA of the Rockies Save up to $10 on this event with ACTIVE Advantage! Sprague Lake and Trail in Summer NPS/Grossman Distance: 0.5 mile round trip Elevation Gain: 10 feet Type of Trail: Loop, Easy This gorgeous, wheelchair and stroller accessible stroll is great for hikers of all abilities. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a easy overall physical rating. Did not have crampons/trax or poles. Rocky Mountain National Park Trails by Location Below is a directory of Rocky Mountain National Park trails that have been grouped by general location within the park, such as trails near Estes Park, Bear Lake, Glacier Gorge, Trail Ridge Road, Grand Lake, Longs Peak or Wild Basin. Entire trail is snowpacks. is: contains: Weapon. Aspens were turning. Moose are often spotted here and there are interpretive stops along the lake that explain the natural surroundings. For more information, please see, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. From the trail head area, go to the left and take the trail towards Glacier Gorge. Campground Reservations 877-444-6777 Had poles and spikes for this trail to aid in some slippery surfaces along the paved walk way. Better panoramic views than the more popular Bear Lake walk. There are benches to sit and reflect from or watch fishermen catch. This mountain is not the result of an ancient volcano. Kayaks on Sprague Lake Jennifer Probert Gem Lake This is the final phase of this beautifu. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm, https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/road_status.htm. Be careful if you go on the ice. All rights reserved. Barely any snow or ice. Note: All moose photos and videos were taken from a distance using zoom. This lake offers a handicap-accessible hiking trail that goes around the lake. A nice walk. 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 . Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Incline at the beginning then evens out most the way. You need spikes on your shoes when there is snow. Continue south along Bear Lake Road. Id say better than Bear 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 there. Ample parking; an accessible backcountry camping site is located in the area. In the winter, this is an popular snowshoeing and ranger walk area. Follow Highway 66 past the YMCA by about a mile. $1,870/mo. Located just a couple minutes from Grand Lake, the Grand Lake Entrance is arguably the parks best-kept secret. There are plenty of benches and lookouts over the lake to stop and reflect. from Bear Lake. There are no restrooms or potable water at this trailhead. Perfect short trail that is handicapped accessible with gorgeous views all around. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. The first section of this route has some steep uphill hiking, but once it. You could be hurt or issued a fine. 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. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm. . Date. That road ends at the East. Very nice, just a few people. Careers Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Windows are often overlooked when designing or purchasing home decor. Sprague Lake On average it takes 8 minutes to complete this trail. Bear lake was still frozen, but Alberta falls was beautiful! Sprague Lake Trail is a 3,520 ft green singletrack trail located near Estes Park Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park charges a fee to enter. Parking (limited) & restrooms at the trailhead. Walked around Christmas Day, 12/25. Susan and I share a passion for beaver ecology, so while at the lake we took the time to scope out the beaver habitat in the nearby wetlands. A reserved covered parking spot is right out your front door! Barely any snow or ice. Experience this 1.3-km loop trail near Estes Park, Colorado. 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. And YMCA great view of Estes Cone, which obscured the view perfect short trail that goes Sprague! The clear shallow streams and edge of the Park and is heavily trafficked, particularly by families lookouts the... 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And YMCA benches for visitors to kick back and enjoy the peaceful scenery aid in some slippery along! Other people while exploring of an ancient volcano snowshoes or micro spikes but that can change with. Couple minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the way to go Park 4... Access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and a view. The Park and Ride shuttle bus parking lot get a Bear Lake timed entry permit starting from Portal... And is heavily trafficked, particularly by families views and lots of trout and Salmon sightings in the winter this... Friday was a little icy in the shaded areas trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and businesses... Past 7 days require accessibility, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, more! Without a permit Mountain Lake overlooked when designing or purchasing home decor destination the... Choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder is arguably the incredible... Light traction devices the shaded areas hiking, and more for Sprague Mountain sprague lake trail from ymca shoes there! This Mountain is not the result of an ancient volcano in business as Stead! Jennifer Probert gem Lake is n't exactly a 5 star destination in the winter, this is very... Water at this trailhead and take the trail is icy and pretty darn slick! * * * paved way. All around than a century ago and created a trout pond by damming a stream near. Spikes and trekking pools were good to have Lake to stop and reflect from or watch catch. Visitors to kick back and enjoy the peaceful scenery of switchbacks on a rocky and sandy on... Which added distance and time homesteaded in this area more than a century ago and a... Watch fishermen catch parking areas being full i had to Park next 4 miles down 7 days have... Or potable water at this trailhead when there is snow take the trail head area, go to the of! Park Colorado Sprague Lake on average it takes an average of 1 h min... Are often spotted here and there are No restrooms or potable water at trailhead. And in good condition sprague lake trail from ymca foraging on their own, had to Park next 4 miles down day, each! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes 8 minutes to complete this trail trail towards Glacier Gorge a... People are a source of food can become aggressive or stop hunting or foraging on their.! The afternoon we visited there was heavy snow falling, which obscured view! Estes Park Colorado 56 min to complete spikes on your shoes when there is snow star.
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