Sprague Lake (Colorado)

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.[1]

Sprague Lake
Winter view (December 2008)
Sprague lake summer view (July 2022)
Location of Sprague Lake in Colorado, USA.
Location of Sprague Lake in Colorado, USA.
Sprague Lake
Location of Sprague Lake in Colorado, USA.
Location of Sprague Lake in Colorado, USA.
Sprague Lake
LocationColorado
Coordinates40°19′12″N 105°36′17″W / 40.32000°N 105.60472°W / 40.32000; -105.60472
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface elevation2,648 m (8,688 ft)

The area is named after Abner E. Sprague, who started a homestead there in 1874.[2] 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.[3][4] The hotel, which no longer exists, stood near the present-day parking lot.

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Hosman, Todd (2006). Fly Fishing Rocky Mountain National Park. Streamside Press. p. 92. LCCN 2003090414.
  2. ^ "Time Line of Historic Events". National Park Service. Retrieved 2008-12-12.
  3. ^ General Information Regarding Rocky Mountain National Park. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Printing Office. 1919. p. 35.
  4. ^ Annual Report of the Secretary of the Interior for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1918. Washington, D.C.: G.P.O. 1919. p. 981.
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