Tag Archives: Sprague Lake

Destination, Nature, Photography, Travel

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK – SPRAGUE LAKE #COLORADO #RMNP

Image January 22, 2021 Dan Traun

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

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 Sprag ue 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, Photography, Travel

ALBERTA FALLS – RMNP – #rockymountains

Image March 4, 2018 Dan Traun

ALBERTA FALLS

Just down the road from Sprague Lake is a short hike and a beautiful waterfall. At just over eight-tenths of a mile hike in, Alberta Falls is one of the more popular hiking destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park. The scenic 30-foot waterfall thunders down a small gorge on Glacier Creek. This trail offers hikers an excellent spot to view the waterfall and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

The waterfall is named after Alberta Sprague. Alberta was the wife of Abner Sprague, one of the original settlers in the Estes Park area. The Sprague’s began building a homestead in Moraine Park in 1874. This home eventually become a lodge that was used for hunting, fishing and dude ranching. The property was sold to James Stead in 1900. It remained in business as the Stead’s Ranch and Hotel until 1962. In 1910 the Sprague’s built another lodge near the current parking area for Sprague Lake. The National Park Service purchased that property in 1932 and razed it in 1957.

Abner Sprague would go down in Rocky Mountain National Park history once more when he became the first visitor to pay an entrance fee in 1939.

It was a lovely hike to the waterfall in September 2016 in late afternoon. We were delighted to meet some wildlife along the path as well. This is such a beautiful place to hike around and explore.

Destination, Photography, Travel

SPRAGUE LAKE – RMNP – #rockymountains

Image March 3, 2018 Dan Traun

Sprague Lake is a scenic lake in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), located on the south side of Glacier Creek, about two miles south of the Hollowell turnoff. The .9 mile walk around the lake features boardwalks and bridges with views of Flattop Mountain and Hallet Peak. The area is named after Abner Sprague, who started a homestead there in 1874. The area became part of Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915.

Sprague Lake is a special location in Colorado’s RMNP for my wife and I. We were married there November 18th 2013. Marry me in Colorado made the arrangements very easy. The setting could not have been more perfect. The weather was surprisingly nice for November.

The following photos are from our visit in September of 2016. Sprague Lake Loop is a lovely trail to hike around this picturesque location. The view of the mountains is truly breathtaking.