Don't Let These Stunning Views Fool You, Sprague Lake Trail In Colorado Is Actually An Easy Hike
By Jessica Moore|Published January 24, 2023
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Jessica Moore
Author
Jessica is a storm chaser, photographer, meteorologist, and writer from Colorado. As a native of this beautiful state, she grew up with a love of the outdoors, and today enjoys hiking, rafting, skiing, and photographing landscapes and storms. She is also a mom to a beautiful little girl and loves life as an entrepreneur which allows her to be fully present for her daughter. She has been a writer for OnlyInYourState for just over 1 year and loves the opportunity to combine her loves of writing and travel to bring you the most exciting content for travel destinations across the country.
Colorado is without a doubt one of the most photogenic and awe-inspiring states in America. The mountains here are majestic and humbling, and people travel from around the world to explore them. One of the best ways to do so is by hiking the trails that traverse these breathtaking vistas. And while there are endless trails that are worth experiencing, there is one trail that’s easy enough for just about anyone to enjoy. It also happens to be one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado.
At an elevation of 8,690 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll find the beautiful Sprague Lake Trail. Just shy of one mile in length, this easy trail is mostly flat with virtually no elevation gain, yet it features some of the most stunning views in the entire park.
The entrance to the parking lot is just south of Glacier Creek, and approximately two miles south of the Hollowell turnoff in Rocky Mountain National Park. There is plenty of parking but do try to get there in the morning on a weekday to minimize the crowds.
As you first take off down the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, you'll cross over a small stream where you might even see small fish swimming in the water. Then you’ll get to a fork in the trail where you can either go right or left, and both options will take you in a loop around this beautiful lake.
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You’ll find sparkling, crystal-clear water and a stunning mountain backdrop on any bright and sunny day in the park. Take your time to meander around this gentle, flat trail, and soak in the beautiful scenery that surrounds you.
On summer afternoons, storms may build over the mountains and create a dramatic mood that draws photographers to capture these incredible views. Just be sure to pack a raincoat and extra layers, because the weather conditions can change quickly in the Rocky Mountains.
If you’re lucky (and very careful), you may even spot moose on this trail. They are very territorial creatures, so if you do spot one, be sure to keep a very safe distance and never cut off their path. This is their natural habitat, and they should be able to exist peacefully without disturbance from humans.
Sprague Lake Trail is especially stunning during the wintertime. When this trail is blanketed in snow, you may consider wearing microspikes or even snowshoes to traverse it. As always, be mindful of the conditions and always be prepared with plenty of layers and water. But it is well worth the trek for the stunning views.
It is no secret that Rocky Mountain National Park is a safe haven for diverse wildlife. Elk abound throughout the park and are just as majestic and fierce as moose; similarly, please keep a safe distance and respect their natural environment. If you encounter them during their rutting season in the fall, their majestic bugling sounds echo throughout the valley in the late afternoons and evenings. It’s truly magical.
There’s nothing quite like seeing Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain covered in snow during the winter. This view from Sprague Lake Trail is particularly amazing during the morning hours, so photographers will want to scout the best locations for sunrise views when the sun kisses the tops of the peaks. But even in the midday sun, these snow-covered peaks are breathtaking.
Have you ever hiked the beautiful and easy Sprague Lake Trail? Do you agree that it is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
