Sunrise on Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National park just outside of Estes Park, Colorado
All the information you need for the Sprague Lake Trail Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park
By the end of this article, you will be able to feel confident in hiking to Sprague Lake in Colorado.
Hello adventure! This hike will include incredible views around Rocky Mountain National Park. You will transported to breathtaking scenery that includes beautiful mountains with snow-capped peaks, colorful wildflowers, and maybe even some wildlife!
INCLUDED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE THE FOLLOWING:
Highlights and Information on the Sprague Lake Hike
Driving Directions to the start of your Sprague Lake Hike from Estes Park
TO THE POINT Clear and Concise Summary Directions
2D Map showing directions to the Trailhead (start of hike) – Two Options
STEP-BY-STEP DETAILED Directions for the “Map-ically Challenged!”
3D Map showing topographical detail of the trail
FIrst snow at Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
Highlights and Information Before You Start
National Parks Pass
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Bus Route
While this article will include all Sprague Lake Hike Directions, you may choose to ride the shuttle bus service available at Rocky Mountain National Park during the operating months May through October. Please check the National Park Service Website Here in order to see dates, times, and a map of the shuttle bus service within RMNP!
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Updated Trail Conditions
Sprague Lake Trail Conditions can be fickle! Updated Trail Conditions can be found by clicking here.
Colorado Road Conditions
Road Conditions in Colorado can be found by clicking here.
Prepping Gear
Depending on where you are going, and when, and who is going with you, you will need to pack certain gear. Take time before to find, purchase, and pack the gear you need. Consider our 17 things you need to pack, but didn’t think of, as well as our list of essentials for a day hike. You can even check out our guide to gifts for hikers and adventurers to give you ideas regarding items that you may need (or want!) to make your vacation even better!
Gear is really important, and give yourself the time to think, research, and plan for the things that you will most need and want during your vacation. Frankly, I even make lists for food and clothing. (But like I said, I’m a planner, people.)
Highlights and Quick Reference Guide
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- Easy, peasy!
- 0.7 miles round trip from Sprague Lake Trailhead
- About 1 hour total (or less)
- 8,710 feet (bring water!)
- No fees, except the park entrance fees
- Beautiful, stunning views.
- Super Easy Hike – this is a great hike for kids!
- Doggies are not allowed
To the Point Summary Directions
These directions below are clear and concise, without extra commentary! Use these directions, and if you ever feel confused, always refer to the map and directions below that are more detailed and include even more specific directions.
Miles and Directions
0.0 Start and walk the loop (walk to the left) at Sprague Lake Trailhead
0.3 The trail does have a branch to the left. Don’t take it, stay on the loop
0.7 Arrive back – super easy!
Step by Step DETAILED Directions
Your days of feeling “Map-ically Challenged” are over! (Trademark on that pending!) These maps (both simple and detailed), along with exceptionally clear instructions, are all provided for you in this post!
3D Map
Please note: The 3D maps in this post, and below are NOT FACING NORTH (on purpose!). Repeat: These maps do NOT face North. These maps are shown specifically for those of us who are “map-ically challenged” and need to visually see which way we are hiking. Please refer to the compass at the bottom right of the map below to show where NORTH actually is!
CLICK ON THE MAP BELOW, OR CLICK HERE, AND YOU WILL LINK TO THIS EXACT GOOGLE MAP. You can zoom in on it and take as many screenshots as you would like! If you bring up the map in Google, if you use your mouse and hit CONTROL, then you can MOVE the map to the direction in which you are ACTUALLY HEADED!!!! (Amazing!)
When you click on this, and open the map, you can then click on the link below the blue box on the left and have these directions sent DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE!
You can then screenshot those images, so that you can see these directions, and maps, even if you do not have wi-fi as you are hiking!
Finally – look look LOOK! AT THE BOTTOM RIGHT of the map. See that little yellow guy? Click on him when you open up the map on your phone. You can see ACTUAL PICTURES on the blue dots that people have taken. This is a GREAT resource to have. If you look at your map before you go, you can screenshot what the intersections in the trail look like to help you navigate your way, and not get lost!
Super Clear Directions!
Sprague Lake Trailhead Map
Sprague Lake Trailhead Close Up
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- Travel on US 36 highway to Bear Lake Road. Make a left on Bear Lake Road.
- Sprague Lake Trailhead (Travel 6.5 miles on Bear Lake Road from US 36). Park in the parking lot. You really should be able to only go one way, and the signs are clearly marked.
- This is a super easy hike. You walk straight to the lake and walk around it counterclockwise! That’s it! Super easy!
Sprague Lake Trail Hike
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More Information and Resources
Final Thoughts on Sprague Lake Hike
Good old Abner Sprague was an original Estes Park pioneer, and this lake was named after him. If you do this very easy hike (walk) you will be able to see wonderful views of Otis Peak, Hallett Peak, and Flattop Mountain! If the lake is still and quiet, you can get amazing photos! We went during the fall, and it had snowed a bit and it was simply gorgeous!
If you are feeling more adventurous, you can now add a walk to Alberta Falls with your kiddos, starting right at the entrance to the Bear Lake loop. It’s an easy 1.8 total mile hike, and again, well worth it. Other options are the Emerald Hike and the Dream Lake Hike!
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When you are ready to finally have your National Park Family Vacation!
Hopefully, you already have all of your reservations, your tickets, and gear planned out! A last minute checklist is so important to make sure that nothing gets left behind. Here are a few extra hacks and tips for your road trip and family vacation! Want even MORE free options? Simple! Just subscribe at the bottom of this post to be part of the Van Adieu Crew and get access to the FREE Van Adieu Vault filled with itineraries, checklists, roadmaps and more!
- Confirm all reservations, tickets, and any events you may be attending (Best suggestion: Print copies of everything and have it with you.)
- Confirm the route you are going. (Best suggestion: Purchase an atlas, as in, an actual real map – on honest to goodness old fashioned paper.)
- Check all gear. (Best suggestion: Discuss this gear with everyone. Is there something that someone would like to have? For example, is someone interested in doing geocaching on the trip? Maybe a waterproof notebook and waterproof pen would be fun for them!)
- Make sure to look at our Road Trip Checklist!
- Make a shopping list, and purchase all possible groceries ahead of time. (Best suggestion: Figure out not only each meal, but also prepare snacks in individually wrapped packages to make the trip more fun and super easy!) Or try to find the best Farmer’s Market where you are going – its easy!
- Consider what you will be doing during the road trip. We have some great road trip activities for kids, and also some fantastic productive and unique activities for adults!
Tell us about your Mills Lake Hike Experience! Did you add any other hikes to it? What part did you find to be the most beautiful? Did you think it was easy or a difficult hike? We’d love to hear your opinions and experiences, and see your pictures! Comment below! And remember to like us on FACEBOOK! (Its cool, and all the kids are doing it!)
Tell me about your Sprague Lake Hike experiences! Did you think the hike was easy or difficult? I’d love to hear your opinions and your experiences! I’d love to see your pictures as well!
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