Sprague Lake

October 2, 2009

Our Fall Trip to RMNP began with the traditional "altitude acclimation"  hike around Sprague Lake which was created when Abner Sprague dammed up a stream to create a trout pond for the guests at his lodge.  The lodge stood

approximately where the Sprague Lake parking lot is now and was operated from 1910 - 1940.  The Lake is still an excellent source of trout and is often fished by groups led by our Sasquatch Fly Fishing Guides.  Hikers can usually get really good views of the beautiful fish from the bridge that leads to the path around Sprague Lake. 

Certainly the breath taking views of the Continental Divide from Sprague Lake did not go unappreciated by Abner Sprague and his guests!  And I obviously never tire of photographing it.  These are some of our clan's favorite summits:  Otis, Hallett, and Flattop.

Thankfully, RMNP even provides benches for us to view the Continental Divide.

Two things, besides fewer pine trees, were notably different from our 2008 Fall Hike around Sprague Lake. There were no beautiful yellow Aspen leaves because they had already fallen, but to take their place was pristine white ice beginning to form around the edges of the Lake. 

 

No!  I didn't mention the pine trees and their beetles because I don't try not to complain about God's Plan.  Besides, when we do get to Sprague Lake while the Aspen leaves are yellow and still on the trees, there'll likely be a lot more Aspens (replacing the Pines) to enjoy!  For more views of the gorgeous scenery surrounding Sprague Lake, see the 2008 slide show entitled, "A Walk in September - around Sprague Lake".  It's near the bottom of the right side of this blog.

First Summit of Hallett's Peak 2009

Hallett's Peak (left) from Sprague Lake

The Snow Field to the right of Hallett's is Tyndall Glacier,

one of five active glaciers in Rocky Mountain Park

Alex, Matt, and Graham rose very early on Tues, July 28 to hike to the top of Hallett's Peak. It was a fun, rewarding, and very long day! They had climbed to 12,713 ft with a 3, 238 ft elevation gain! They also summited Flattop Mountain on their way. The Flattop Mountain Trail closely follows a route used by the Ute and Arapaho Indians to cross the Continental Divide and reach Grand Lake.