Sprague Lake
- home.nps.gov
- Estes Park
- Open now · open 24 hours
About
Sprague Lake is the easy one. It's a flat loop under a mile around a lake with the Continental Divide behind it, and the boardwalk works for wheelchairs and strollers. It's where I'd take anyone who says they can't hike.
It's inside Rocky Mountain National Park, along Bear Lake Road. The loop is about 0.7 miles with almost no climbing (the NPS lists 34 feet), with benches and overlooks and views of the Continental Divide from the east shore. A new boardwalk, finished in 2023, was widened for wheelchairs and strollers. There are picnic tables, vault toilets near the parking area, and fishing.
Go early or toward evening. Lots along Bear Lake Road often fill by 9 a.m., and you'll need a timed-entry reservation in summer, so check nps.gov/romo before you drive up. Bring a hat. The shoreline is open and the sun is stronger than it feels at that altitude. Dogs aren't allowed on the trail. Leashed pets are only allowed in the picnic area and parking lot. Give wildlife room and don't feed anything.
