Tag Archives: Rocky Mountain National Park

Destination, Nature, Photography, Travel

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK – SPRAGUE LAKE #COLORADO #RMNP

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK – SPRAGUE LAKE

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 walk around the lake is wheelchair accessible and features boardwalks and bridges with views of Flattop Mountain and Hallet Peak. The lake is popular for Brook trout fishing.

The area is named after Abner Sprague, who started a homestead there in 1874.  Later, he opened a lodge for dude ranching, hunting, and fishing. To improve the fishing, he dammed the far end of the lake. The area became part of Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915 and continued to serve guests as the Sprague Hotel. In 1919, guests paid $6.00 per room with a private bath, and $1.00 for regular meals. The hotel, which no longer exists, stood near the present-day parking lot.
~Wikipedia

Sprague Lake Loop – rockymountainhikingtrails.com

Panorama of Sprague Lake
2020 CO Wildfire Map

Our recent visit in September 2020 was not typically.  Wildfires were burning in several areas across Colorado; including in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).  We were in Denver a few days prior waiting on the snow storm to roll in an hopefully dampen the fire some.  I think it helped, but no near enough.  We were not entirely sure we would be able to enter the park as result.

My wife and I really enjoy our visits to Colorado.  We are fond of RMNP and the Sprague Lake area.  Since being married here in 2013, we make every effort to return whenever in the area.  This last trip wasn’t all that different than the November day in 2013 when we both said “I do.”  There was more snow this time and the

lake wasn’t frozen over.  The trail around the lake is very easy to navigate and the views are beautiful; even with the clouds obscuring the view of the mountains.

Destination, iPhoneography, Photography, Travel

TRAIL RIDGE ROAD – RMNP – #rockymountains

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TRAIL RIDGE ROAD

Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park’s heavily traveled highway to the sky.  It inspired awe before the first motorist ever traveled it. “It is hard to describe what a sensation this new road is going to make,” predicted Horace Albright, director of the National Park Service, in 1931 during the road’s construction. “You will have the whole sweep of the Rockies before you in all directions.” ~National Park Service

We were in Denver for a family reunion in August 2017.  Afterward we set out to visit a few favorite location around Colorado.  Cyndie and I had the privilege once again to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in August 2017.

[Past trip photos: September 2016 RMNP Trip]

One can never tire of the views on this road to the sky.  I revel in every opportunity to spend time peering out over these mountain-scapes. I am grateful for each opportunity to add more photos of this extraordinarily beautiful place to my collection.

Mountain Plants

Forest Canyon Overlook

Lucy Loo

Our amazing little lovable bundle of energy, Lucy, accompanied us on this trip.  She did well with the altitude and all the excitement.  She appeared to be very thrilled with being compared in size to a Marmot.

EXTRA

 

Destination, Photography, Travel

COLORADO RIVER – RMNP – #rockymountains

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COLORADO RIVER

The mighty Colorado River that carved the Grand Canyon has its headwaters on the west side of the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park.  The route begins at Grand Lake, western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.  It ends on a gravel road through spectacular Gore Canyon.

This scenic byway follows the magnificent Colorado River through Colorado as it begins its journey west through the Grand Canyon and flows to the Pacific.  The byway passes mountain valleys, canyons, lakes, historical ranch lands and high-country communities.

In the Park about 9.5 miles north of Grand Lake, you can get closer to the source by hiking from the Colorado River Headwaters trailhead.  Lulu City, an 1880’s gold mining camp sited along the banks of the Colorado, is now just a green meadow next to a stream in the Park. You can hike or backpack to the site of Lulu City.

We did not make the hike to Lulu City on this trip.  It is definitely on the to do list for a return trip.  The trail is a little over 7 miles round trip with very little elevation gain (350 ft.).  I really enjoy the meadows on the western side of the park.  I have read that there is a good chance of seeing moose in this particular area.

On this particular trip, we used a pull-off alongside the road, and stretched our legs a bit.  An unnamed trail along the Colorado yielded some amazing views.  The bright blue skies and crystal clear water went on endlessly.  The smell of fragrant pines surrounded you.  I could have sat by the river for hours.