The Adventuring Heidi

Colorado Hiked: Sprague Lake to Emerald Lake on the Glacier Creek Trail

Winter flew by this year, and I had spent exactly zero days hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Winter is my favorite season for exploring RMNP as timed entry reservations are suspended and the crowds are a fraction of the high season. And here it was, mid-April with the days dwindling down that I could just pop into the park whenever I wanted. After being inspired by a hike seen on Strava recently, I finally committed – I would take the long way up to Emerald Lake by parking at Sprague Lake and hiking up the Glacier Creek Trail. The hike would be just about 10 miles long with 2000 feet of elevation gain, just what I needed as I attempt to re-kickstart training for my crazy summer plans.

Cool things about this hike I would accomplish:

  • Visiting Sprague Lake for the first time. Of all the hours and days spent in RMNP, I’ve never been to Sprague Lake!
  • Playing in some snow. Not as much snow as there should be for this time of year, but snow nonetheless
  • Using my microspikes for the only time this season
  • Taking a harder, longer way to Emerald Lake
  • Enjoying solitude on a lesser-traveled trail

A Thursday in mid-April meant a quiet journey up Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park and no entrance line. Sprague Lake’s large parking lot had just a handful of cars as I parked shortly before 9am. The sun was hidden behind some easterly clouds and the wind was whipping. I panicked ever so briefly that I had not prepared for cold-weather hiking, but calmed myself down when I reminded my brain I had a puffy, rain jacket, extra fleece, a hat, and gloves with me. Plus I like hiking in cooler temperatures?!

At 9:05am I sent out from the west end of the parking lot. The first mile or so there are a lot of trail intersections and junctions which can make things confusing, but the park service has signed them well (I still pulled out All Trails from time to time just to make sure I was heading in the right direction). Glacier Creek Trail starts out rather wide and very cruisey. Overall the elevation gain is not strenuous, as you just steadily gain the elevation without any dramatic, steep climbs. You’re slightly working, but not really. All-in-all, a nice relaxing trail in the forest!

A dirt path leading through a forested area with dense green pine trees, alongside a utility shed marked with the number 870 and a metal pole on the right.
Sign at a trailhead indicating Glacier Creek Trail and Glacier Gorge with distance markers, surrounded by tall trees in a forest setting.
I headed out from the west end of the parking lot to join the trail. Official obligatory trailhead sign photo will be at the end of this post as I didn’t see until I was done!
A sandy trail winding through a forest of tall pine trees under a clear blue sky.
Typical view at the start of the hike
A bird perched on the side of a tree trunk, surrounded by branches and pine needles, with a clear blue sky in the background.
Spied this woodpecker!
A wooden directional sign in a forest, indicating paths to Glacier Basin, Bear Lake, and Sprague Lake.
A sandy path diverges in a forest, flanked by tall evergreen trees and fallen branches under a clear blue sky.
First junction, stay to the left! The right is a spur to the trail that leads to the Storm Pass Trailhead
A sandy path winding through a forest with tall pine trees under a blue sky.
A sandy hiking trail surrounded by trees, with a sign indicating the West Glacier Creek Trail, showing directions and distances to Glacier Ridge and Bear Lake.
Second junction, where four trails converge: Storm Pass, Boulder Brook, and Glacier Creek Trails. The trail to take is essentially straight. All the trails are signed.

Eventually the trail narrows into singletrack that alternates between smooth and rocky. Occasional glimpses to the high peaks of the Continental Divide happen between the trees. Though this trail does not have expansive views, I love the solitude (I never saw another person on it!) and the smells of fresh pine.

A winding dirt path surrounded by tall trees and scattered boulders in a forested area on a clear day.
Still in a forest, and boy did it smell magnificent!
A smiling woman outdoors in a forest, wearing a light blue beanie and a red hoodie, posing with her left hand raised next to a fallen tree trunk, surrounded by greenery and rocks.
I wore all the Melanzana today.
Close-up of two lichen patches on a rocky surface, one larger and rounder, the other smaller and irregularly shaped, with greenish tones against the gray rock.
I be likin’ this lichen
A small creek flowing over rocks and mossy ground in a natural landscape.
This is the trail. Easy to rock hop and keep the feet dry!
A snow-capped mountain peak with rocky cliffs, surrounded by lush green trees and a clear blue sky.
Nice view of Hallett Peak (12,720 feet). Still need to hike to the top one day!
A scenic hiking trail surrounded by tall trees, with rocky terrain and a clear blue sky in the background.
A bit of views through the trees
A tranquil pond surrounded by grass and trees, with snow-capped mountains in the background and a clear blue sky.
I am not sure this little pond has a name, but it sure has some nice views!
Rocky hiking trail surrounded by aspen trees and boulders, with a clear blue sky above.
Rockier stretch before the snow drifts started

After 2.6 miles I reached the trail junction with the trail leading to the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and saw my first people since starting the hike. This is also where the climbing stepped up a notch as the gains came rapidly as I climbed towards the trail junction at Bear Lake. I was feeling a bit puny, as this was my first big hike in a long time, so I took to reasoning that I could turn around whenever since it was an out-and-back hike.

A snow-covered trail winding through a dense forest of tall trees, with patches of snow and rocky terrain visible beside the path.
Time to start plodding uphill

Once reaching the trail that heads up to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes, I decided to keep chugging along. While there were patches of snow and ice, I was able to stay to the edges and had good grip. I had one of those silly moments of thinking, “Look at me, I’m a badass with proper tread on my trail runners, I don’t need no stinkin’ microspikes!” as I watched the tourists slip and slid in mostly terrible footwear choices (how these people do any sort of hiking in the shoes they tend to wear is beyond me!).

A serene mountain lake surrounded by tall evergreen trees and snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky.
Nymph Lake

Shortly after passing Nymph Lake, I resigned to putting on my microspikes (I hate wearing microspikes on anything but a mountaineering boot as they eventually start hurting my feet – today was no exception), even though the trail was still dry in patches. The hills were much steeper now, and I had the realization that I really could not be falling as I was only a month out from surgery on my elbow. I was excited to see snow, but still so disheartened at how dry the mountains are (we are in an absolutely historic drought in the Rocky Mountains after the warmest and driest winter on record).

Close-up view of a person's feet wearing red crampons on snowy ground.
Spiky feet engaged!
A snow-covered hiking trail winding through tall evergreen trees under a clear blue sky.
The hill that made me decide to put on the microspikes
A panoramic view of snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky, showcasing rugged peaks and steep slopes.
Longs Peak (14,259 feet) view
A scenic mountain landscape featuring a narrow hiking trail surrounded by evergreen trees and rocky terrain, with snow-capped mountains under a blue sky with wispy clouds.
I love this stretch of trail heading up to Dream Lake because of the views!
A panoramic view of snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Another view of Longs Peak and Glacier Gorge for good measure. You can never have too many photos of Longs Peak!

The snow was here to stay by the time I reached Dream Lake. It was about this time I realized I did not have sunscreen with me, so I crossed my fingers that my face would not get sunburned from the harsh sunlight reflecting off the snow. Dream Lake was about half thawed, and people were gushing about seeing fish. There were a lot of people everywhere, but I liked the fact so many were out enjoying a nice, sunny April day in the outdoors!

A snowbank with a wavy edge partially overhanging a small pond, reflecting the snow and surrounding greenery in the water.
Looking like frosting!
Snow-covered landscape with pine trees and rocky mountains under a blue sky.
But Heidi, look at all the snow! Trust me… there should be a LOT more snow…
Scenic view of a mountain lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pine trees under a blue sky.
Dream Lake

Committed to just doing my planned hike of the day now that I had reached Dream Lake, I bargained with myself that I could eat my Uncrustable and take a nice break at Emerald Lake and then it would be all downhill back to the car. Up the steep hills I went, so thankful for microspikes as I watched others slide all around. One guy told me I was cheating, and I smiled and replied, “Four wheel drive all the way!”

A scenic view of a frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered mountains and tall evergreen trees under a clear blue sky.
Skirting the edge of the frozen portion of Dream Lake. I definitely do not trust any ice this time of year!
Snow-covered landscape with large rocks and evergreen trees under a blue sky, featuring jagged mountain peaks in the background.
I like the contrast of the green lichens and the snow!

Reaching Emerald Lake, I quickly found a rock to relax on, and donned my rain jacket to help against the cold wind. I had never been to Emerald Lake in winter (spring?) conditions, so I enjoyed the snowy views as I mowed down my Uncrustable and some dried mango. I did not linger long due to the wind, and after five minutes or so I headed back down the trail, which was quickly softening in the warm temperatures.

Panoramic view of snow-covered mountains with steep cliffs under a blue sky with clouds.
Emerald Lake with a towering Hallett Peak!
A scenic view of a snowy mountain landscape with towering rocky peaks under a bright blue sky and scattered clouds. A frozen lake is visible in the foreground, surrounded by trees and rugged terrain.
Wider view of Emerald Lake
A close-up view of a rugged mountain peak covered with snow against a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
A serene winter landscape featuring a partially frozen lake surrounded by evergreen trees and mountains under a cloudy sky.
Heading back down the trail next to Dream Lake

Reaching my junction, I peeled off the microspikes much to my feet’s relief. Now just time to make the miles back to the car! Once I was back to the solitude of Glacier Creek Trail (where I would not see any humans once again), I was lost in my own thoughts over the 2.5 miles back to Sprague Lake. It is a great trail for this I suppose!

A snowy forest path surrounded by tall evergreen trees, with a small information kiosk on the left and a wooden signpost in the foreground.
Trail junction at Bear Lake. I would take the trail to the right.
Scenic mountain view with rocky peaks and a blue sky, featuring a mix of snow and green pine trees in the foreground.
Keyboard of the Winds View as I descended from Bear Lake
Trail sign at a hiking path in a forest, indicating distances to Alberta Falls, Mills Lake, Loch Vale, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, Shuttle Bus, Sprague Lake, and Glacier Basin.
Trail signpost indicating distances to Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, Mills Lake, Loch Vale, Sprague Lake, and Glacier Basin in a wooded area with scattered snow.
The two trail junctions I didn’t photograph on my outbound leg. Following the signs back to Sprague Lake!
Rocky hiking trail surrounded by pine trees and boulders, under a partly cloudy sky.
Descending down Glacier Creek Trail.
Signpost indicating no horses beyond this point and directing hikers to follow the trail around Sprague Lake to Glacier Basin Campground, surrounded by forested area.
Taking the proper trail back to the trailhead at Sprague Lake
Information sign for Sprague Lake located in a wooded area, featuring maps, regulations, and visitor information.
Ending with the Obligatory Trailhead Sign photo I usually start my posts with!

Since I had never seen Sprague Lake before, I headed to the lakeside trail (which circles Sprague Lake 0.75 mile in distance). I did not feel like I wanted to hike another three-quarters of a mile, but I walked out to the part that gives the best view towards the peaks of the Continental Divide and snapped a few photos. I got some strange looks since I still had my pack, but I guess I at least looked very prepared for a 0.75-mile hike 😀

Scenic view of a serene lake surrounded by tall pine trees and snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
The Sprague Lake view everyone comes for
A person wearing sunglasses and a patterned jacket smiles for a selfie by a lake, surrounded by trees and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
I had ditched all the Melanzana by the end as it was hot hot hot! (Hot = maybe 60 degrees?!)
Scenic view of a mountain landscape featuring several peaks labeled with their names and elevations, reflecting in a lake surrounded by pine trees under a partly cloudy sky.
PeakFinder view from Sprague lake

10.04 miles and 2047 feet of up later, I was back at my car! Overall, my adventure took 3 hours 51 minutes total. Yay, I did the whole darn thing! What a great day out in the pine smells and big mountains!

Map showing a route highlighted in orange, with various markers along the path, set against a green and brown landscape representing forested and mountainous terrain.
My GPS route from Sprague Lake to Emerald Lake
Scenic mountain landscape featuring snow-capped peaks under a blue sky with clouds, surrounded by a grassy meadow and evergreen trees.
Moraine Park views as I drove out on Bear Lake Road. I’ll say it again… things are looking dry 😦

Details:
Date Hiked: April 16, 2026
Trailheads: Sprague Lake
Total Mileage: 10.04 miles (Garmin Enduro 3)
Total Elevation Gain: 2,047 feet
Total Time Spent: 3 hours 51 minutes
Weather: Windy but sunny
Trail Conditions: Dry or snowpack/icy, just depending!
Cell Service: 5G service at Sprague Lake… whoa! Spotty service elsewhere (I put my phone into airplane mode eventually)
Special Considerations: This hike is located within Rocky Mountain National Park and an entry fee is required. During the busy season timed entry reservations are in place. This trail begins in the Bear Lake Corridor, which has extended timed entry requirements. This area is incredibly popular, and often parking will be full by the early morning hours. There is a free shuttle available for Bear Lake Corridor, and it is recommended to park there if arriving in the later morning hours in the summer. Microspikes are highly recommended if hiking in the fall, winter, and spring months as trails at higher elevations will hold snow and ice and make things not so fun without traction devices.

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