Sprague Lake Rocky Mountains

Sprague Lake Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park

Sprague Lake is a scenic lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located on the south side of Glacier Creek, about two miles south of the Hollowell turnoff. The half-mile walks around the lake features with boardwalks and bridges with views of Flattop Mountain and Hallet Peak. The lake is popular for Brook trout fishing.

Sprague Lake Loop Hike

Colorado Sprague Lake is an easy loop hike with some stunning views of the mountains that make Rocky Mountain National Park famous. It’s a perfect hike in RMNP for young families because the trail is short, easy and has no real elevation gain. With diverse wildlife and a beautiful, peaceful lake, this is one of those spots you should not miss in RMNP. Explore the full Sprague Lake hiking profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the details you need to enjoy this Colorado adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park.

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 this property which is now part of Rocky Mountain National Park. To access the 1/2-mile loop hike around Sprague Lake, cross the bridge near the parking area. 

Colorado Continental Divide:

A continental divide, according to National Geographic, is a naturally occurring boundary or ridge separating a continent’s river systems. Each river system feeds into a distinct ocean, basin, bay, or sea. Separating drainage basins or watersheds, a continental divide indicates precipitation that falls to one side of the divide will flow to one basin, while on the other side, precipitation will flow to another – often creating the distinct directional water flow.

Directions to Sprague Lake : Sprague Lake has beautiful views of the Continental Divide, a lovely picnic area, and an easy short trail around the lake that is great for family picnic and kids. To get to Sprague Lake from Estes Park, take highway 36 West and enter RMNP at the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Turn left on Bear Lake Road. Follow the road for about 6.0mi and turn left on Sprague Lake Road, following the signs. The road meets a dead end at the parking lot for Sprague Lake.