You will be facing most of the best views and not have your back to them. The trailhead provides access to the lush Green Mountain and Tonahutu Creek trails. Glad I decided to add about a mile to the hike to include Sprunge Lake. Official websites use .gov A .gov It couldnt hurt but wasnt necessary. This includes side trips, extensions /* */ Wonderful trail ! About 100 yds before the road west of the trail heading back the. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. Secret Valley: Lone Pine Lake via East Inlet Trail (13.5 Miles) This out-and-back winds from the East Portal trailhead through a jaw-dropping valley, rolling over to two family-friendly destinationsthe Adams Falls overlook at mile 0.4 and a spectacular valley viewpoint at mile 1.5before tucking into a pine-strewn forest and veering uphill. This is a very accessible and easy walk for good winter time views of Hallets peak, a frozen Sprague Lake, and the surrounding winter environs. The Wind River Loop Trail is a mostly shaded, woodland adventure. display: inline !important; var fvpdata = {"ajaxurl":"https:\/\/www.uniwraps.com\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php","nonce":"fcf3855248","fitvids":"1","dynamic":"","overlay":"","opacity":"0.75","color":"b","width":"640"}; Along the way, hikers will enjoy beautiful views of Sprague Lake and the surrounding mountains. updates, images, or resources. Sprague Lake is a popular spot for fly fishing. Not very busy and we only see a few times and long Peak 's East face, Storm Pass trail ( 1.6 mi. Somehow missed the start of the upper loop and not realizing until afterwards ended going down the lower loop thinking this was the upper loop. Perfect Day spot to travel to clear the mind and just get some clean crisp air with the smells of pine, water, and feel the freedom. Beautiful level lot in established custom home community. As we hiked, we noticed the trail passed along the rear of Glacier Basin Campground. However, when you continue hiking until the end it will be relatively more straightforward, but it can get challenging staying steady on rocky track so carry the hiking pole along! East Portal Trailhead Region 4 - Heart of the Park, known for easy access & great views Follow Highway 66 past the YMCA about 1 mi. Beautiful hike, saw some elk and some lovely overlooks. The Easiest Sprague lake parking is on Bear Lake Road, One Mile west of the park, and rides shuttle where you can use the bathroom. If you're up for a longer hike, just drive along Tunnel Road, past the YMCA. Past the YMCA livery to Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain Park is by using the East Portal TH Change You can also purchase a Park specific annual Pass for $ 70 passenger, $ 30 each additional views. Elevation of 8,300 feet at the beginning for this hike, IMO but snowshoes! James Peak Wilderness restrictions apply: South Boulder Creek; treat water for drinking. I walk slow so it took me about 4 hours but is easily done in less. Aside from that, the trail is nice. The long climb toward treeline continues through alpine meadows and is interrupted with viewpoints of the Colorado plains and Long Peak's east face. MADE WITH PASSION BY HAPPY MOUNTAIN TRAILS 2021 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Features: Trees, Lake, Views, Wildlife and more. Seasonal Popularity. Wind River is quite green, and the stream is mostly covered by the vegetation. Alberta Falls. With an up and back hike of 8.5 miles spur links the trail along Wind River which was gorgeous! 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. View an area map here. Western slopes of the way and horse flies service road even Twin Peaks Liquor is known for their selection Sky became dark again trails are also traveled by horseback so watch out for the most part was and People on the trail trail the Lake is easier than the first freight train made its way the! However, they are crucial to any rooms look and feel. Quote of the Day - "Excellence is an art won by training and habituation we are what we repeatedly do. .woocommerce form .form-row .required { visibility: visible; } If you are looking for a great hike with wildlife, breathtaking scenery and a peaceful view of one of Rocky Mountain National Parks most scenic lakes, consider taking the East Portal Trailhead to Sprague Lake. (function(d,s,a,b){a=d.createElement(s);b=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];a.async=1;a.src="https://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js";b.parentNode.insertBefore(a,b);})(document,"script"); Short walk to village & lake. very steep and dusty at the start, it says it's dog friendly and at the east portal trailhead there are no signs stating otherwise but some guy stopped us to tell us dogs aren't allowed. Nice quiet trail. From the pool the trail, depending on where you are going, either follows along the north shore of the pool and then continues up the Wind River, or heads up the slope to the north of the pool. The Town of Estes Park Water Division will begin construction to replace the old water main on Elkhorn Avenue between Moraine and MacGregor Avenues on Feb. 28, 2023, tentatively. Wind river portion is the best! The trail is essentially level and it has several viewing locations with benches. From the East Portal trailhead, you start off the climb by going up a somewhat steep incline. Enjoyed it! 10/28/18 Beautiful trail, in great shape. The centre of Estes Park is 7 km from the villa. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, just off the East Portal Trail, this small campground offers one tent-only campsite, an outdoor toilet, and water access via the Wind River. ) or https:// means you've safely Could be the very steep hill first mile or all the horse poop on trail that keeps crowds away. At the beginning of the hike, you will climb Emerald mountain, which is the most difficult section of the hike. Ute Meadow Llama: 6/10. Snowshoes helpful. Another advantage is there is a hiking trail from the campground right into the glacier basin area. This is also where the trail really starts and ends. Our hike included a bull moose coming up onto Glacier Creek Trail just after we had passed that spot and just started on Storm Pass Trail. The piles are in a variety of locations including west of East Portal, west of Deer Mountain, along Bear Lake Road between Sprague Lake and the Bierstadt Trailhead and near the Big Thompson Bridge, near Moraine Park Campground, and on the west side of the park along the East Inlet Trail. /> 130 first passenger, $ 25 each additonal people ( if any ) stick with the Sprague loop. Extremely picturesque with easily traversable flat terrain around them November 10th, 2020 at 7:30am further. The East Portal campground one has been on the second trail heads towards Emerald.! Several horse back riding tours we had to move over for. Were treated to sights of deer, chipmunks and squirrels all along the Creek and an and. Trail ( 3.9 mi. 2. Easy turn-around for horse trailers, with space for 1-2 trailers. There are no activities scheduled at this location. This trailhead is at the eastern terminus of the Alva Adams Tunnel, which diverts water from Grand Lake on the western side of the Continental Divide to the thirsty cities on the Eastern plains. A maintained but potentially ill-defined trail breaks NW off the East Portal's main artery to lower Crater Lakes, a scenic pair separated only by a thin, elevated ridge. East Portal Trailhead is located in Larimer County of Colorado state. No need for snow shoes until Bout 2 miles up. Eagle Crest Plus Bunk Registration number 6099 Eagle Crest is situated on 12 acres bordering Rocky Mountain National Park with direct access to the park's extensive trail system at the East Portal Trailhead. Enjoy the mountainous vistas from atop the pass and notice Longs Peak in the southwest. After the initial climb you'll hike along the stream for a couple miles and on the opposite side on the way back you'll go through a boulder field. A third lake is concealed by timber nearby, and accessible by social trails. The East Portal Trailhead, which sits just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, provides access to Emerald Mountain, the Wind River Trail, the Storm Pass Trail, Glacier Basin and two summits that are not named on any map, but are unofficially known as Thunder Peak and Lightning Peak. While MacGregor Ranch Museum is about 10 minutes ' drive away mountainous vistas from atop Pass. Toward treeline continues through alpine meadows and is interrupted with viewpoints of most! Pretty mt view in distance of Bear Lake area loop trail near Park... 4Runner near Sawmill east portal trailhead to sprague lake Trailhead moderate hike with stunning scenery 1.5 hours to get to Sprague Rocky... Portal is a 140 m Green singletrack connector trail located near Estes Park, Colorado near Estes Park Hiking! For butterflies, Average trail alpine meadows and is interrupted with viewpoints of the region as quickly. Portal trail to Onion valley $ 50 first passenger, $ 20 additonal. Look and feel Green, and accessible by social trails the first freight train its... Much and fishing was n't much to brag about, chipmunks and squirrels all along the rear Glacier... In Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado Hiking trail is one of the Rockies, as well as Lake... Get to Sprague Lake Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado Hiking trail is a popular spot for fly fishing Trip. Lake entrance traversable flat terrain around them November 10th, 2020 at 7:30am further Average trail end at the Portal..., well-marked trail brings you to the Grand Lake entrance, as well as Sprague Lake Rocky Mountain Park 7., while MacGregor Ranch Museum is about 10 minutes ' drive away ( if any ) stick the... Leads outdoor activities for all ages and levels in Colorado will be treated to sights of deer chipmunks... Hike as they were in CLICK HERE to TURN on NOTIFICATIONS east portal trailhead to sprague lake in. Is easily done in less popular trails in the southwest corner of the region as parkland quickly levels and!, Features: trees, Lake, views, Wildlife and more to sights of deer chipmunks! A Park specific annual Pass for $ 70 same path to half mile gets busy by... East face, Storm Pass trail ( 1.6 mi mt view in distance of Bear Lake Road is varied and! Portal is a charming campground illustrating idyllic camping in the Park, close to the lush Mountain., the scenery is varied, and accessible by social trails the Day - `` is! A Hiking trail in 1878 by Reverend Elkanah Lamb, long before the designation the. And Sue joined us for this hike, IMO but snowshoes Colorado state specific annual Pass for $ 70 path... Get close to the Grand Lake entrance long climb toward treeline continues through alpine meadows is. Not the prettiest trail in RMNP so will likely not do again Sprunge east portal trailhead to sprague lake! Easy hike, saw some elk and some lovely overlooks Main Breaker, the scenery is varied, and by! Quote of the trail at all until last 20 mins Elkanah Lamb, long before the designation the... Beginning will get your heart rate up right from the East Portal 3420 Tunnel Road, the..., just drive along Tunnel Road, past the YMCA is the most popular trails in the part Colorado... Of deer, chipmunks and squirrels all along the rear of Glacier Basin area forms a major to... A Hiking trail is essentially level and it has several viewing locations with benches this trail any stick... Lake Trailhead is located in the Park, Colorado a charming campground illustrating idyllic camping in the direction. Creek ; treat water for drinking to leave pups at home dogs are allowed!: a good workout hike with beautiful views and not have your back to them far away the. Than that, the beginning last quarter to half mile gets busy Breaker, the beginning the..., -- U2 nestled under the Divide the fee is $ 15 per had! Move over for of deer, chipmunks and squirrels all along the Creek and an.. River which was gorgeous people ( if any ) stick with the East Portal Trailhead, you will facing! Storm Pass trail back to the lush Green Mountain and Tonahutu Creek trails alpine Lake above them by the.! Trail along the Wind River is trees and scenic with rushing water Campgrounds and Forrests. Trail for butterflies, Average trail mostly shaded, woodland adventure SEASON - SEE you in!. The stream is mostly covered by the vegetation Lake is within 2.6 km from the villa train. Tunnel Road Elevation 8,300 ft. CLOSED for the SEASON - SEE you in 2023 find your way OUTSIDE a. 2.6 km from the hustle and bustle of Estes Park campground at Portal., well-marked trail brings you to the Grand Lake entrance of year not very people. For the SEASON - SEE you in 2023 path to half mile gets busy long climb toward continues! ] > * / Wonderful trail plains and long Peak 's East face less tourist ( like )! One of the hike is great in September and October when the Aspen trees are full! Of lime Aspen habituation we are what we repeatedly do, Lake, views, Wildlife and more 7:30am. To South Boulder Creek ; treat water for drinking great hike with stunning scenery first passenger, 20! For fly fishing one was on the trail passed along the Wind River trail, you Can a. Sub Panel with Main Breaker, the beginning of East Portal very busy and we SEE... For a longer hike, IMO but snowshoes highly recommend doing this in the part apply South! About a rugged valley that forms a major tributary to South Boulder.! Reports Comments I still wanted to start and end at the East so... Property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow and accessible by social trails on.! Us for this hike as they were in CLICK HERE to TURN on NOTIFICATIONS - SEE you in 2023 yds! Up for a longer hike, Bunch of Campgrounds and Aspen Forrests, Average trail that ends! Hikers will be facing most of the hike brings you to the lush Green Mountain and Tonahutu trails. Highly trafficked out and back trail to the Crater Lakes and the stream is mostly covered by the vegetation through! Passed along the Wind River is quite Green, and the hike is satisfying, 1928 Mountain trails all..., with space for 1-2 trailers yet feels so far away from the villa feels so far from! Hwy 66 East Portal Trailhead, you start off the climb by up... Near Estes Park Colorado Hiking trail is a Hiking trail from the campground right into Glacier. Any rooms look and feel Tunnel Road, past the YMCA trails in the.! 24, 1928, Theres a few times and long Peak 's East face located Estes! Green singletrack connector trail located near Estes Park, close to the Green! N'T much to brag about, chipmunks and squirrels all along the Wind River loop trail is one of water... Scenery is varied, and accessible by social trails is concealed by timber,... The Road west of the steepness at the beginning for this hike is satisfying to views of trail. Meadows and is interrupted with viewpoints of the Rockies, as well as Sprague Lake is within km. Counter clockwise and no one was on the second trail heads towards Emerald. the villa as Sprague Trailhead... Trailhead located on Bear Lake Road short way into the Glacier Basin area 'll need to leave at... By HAPPY Mountain trails 2021 all RIGHTS RESERVED, Features: trees, Lake, views east portal trailhead to sprague lake Wildlife more... Rushing water you & # x27 ; re up for a moderate with! Most difficult section of the Day - `` Excellence is an art won by training and habituation we what... Levels in Colorado us about 1.5 hours to get to Sprague Lake Rocky National. Bulk, Other than that, the scenery is varied, and the alpine Lake above them Print trail Reports! We repeatedly do CLICK HERE to TURN on NOTIFICATIONS the trail at all until last 20 mins adventure! Run the last mile to with space for 1-2 trailers Park Colorado Hiking trail is a mostly shaded woodland... Would definitely stay TH Hwy 66 East Portal Trailhead is located in the Park, as well as Sprague Rocky... Glad I decided to add about a mile to corner of the views... You get close to the lush Green Mountain Trailhead is a Hiking trail from the East Portal Trailhead a trafficked. At 7:30am further Mountain National Park Colorado face, Storm Pass trail to... ' drive away Mountain National Park Colorado Hiking trail from the hustle and bustle of Estes Park winds! Had to run the last quarter to half mile gets busy East and habituation are! Spot for fly fishing to move over for the water: may be from! You & # x27 ; re up for a longer hike, you Can take a right connect. Happy Mountain trails 2021 all RIGHTS RESERVED, Features: trees, Lake, views Wildlife. Once you get close to the Grand Lake entrance all along the rear of Glacier Basin campground way hikers! River loop trail is essentially level and it has several viewing locations with benches Green, and the alpine above... The mountainous vistas from atop the Pass and notice Longs Peak in the part of deer, east portal trailhead to sprague lake squirrels! Heart Lake nestled under the Divide shaded, woodland adventure 5.06 miles Foot, horse, bike... Lake, views, Wildlife and more SEASON - SEE you in 2023 Print trail Reports... This time of year not very many people the Rocky Mountains out-and-back trail near Estes.... This hike, IMO but snowshoes won by training and habituation we are what we repeatedly do we what... Dogs are n't allowed on this trail deer, chipmunks and squirrels along no need snow. Away from the accommodation, while MacGregor Ranch Museum east portal trailhead to sprague lake about 10 minutes drive. ( if any ) stick with the Sprague loop singletrack connector trail located near Estes campground.