RMNP - Sprague Lake short loop

RMNP - Sprague Lake short Loop

Well, I got back into the game today with a short hike up in Rocky Mountain National Park.  I've been away since December 4th for knee recovery.  I like the Sprague Lake area.  It is a good all year base trailhead that is slightly less crowded than the Bear Lake or Glacier Gorge parking areas.  I wanted something easy, not too long, but that nice views and not too many people.  This hike fit the bill.

I brought my snowshoes, YakTrax, and my new trekking poles I got for Christmas.  While there was plenty of snow, I didn't need the snowshoes as the trail was well packed; so I just used the YakTrax and poles.

The day was great; temperature was in the mid-30s, no wind at all, and plenty of sun.  It was a good day to be out.

Glacier Gorge from the Sprague Lake fishing pier

Overall Track Statistics for RMNP - Sprague Lake short loop

 Length 3.663 miles  :  Garmin Length 3.758 miles

 Start Elevation - 8702.46 feet

 Maximum Elevation - 8878.31 feet

 Minimum Elevation - 8616.11 feet

 Date of Hike - Jan 06, 2016

 Start Time - 10:07 AM

 End Time - 11:38 AM

 Total Duration -     1:30 hours:min

 Total Ascent - 419.88 feet

 Total Descent - 406.92 feet

 Net Ascent - 12.96 feet

 Maximum Grade -  6.91%

 Average Speed -  2.42 mph :  Garmin Average Speed  2.45 mph

 Maximum Ascent over Mile - 222.21 feet

 Maximum Speed over Mile -  2.68 mph

 Maximum Gain over Mile (%) -  3.78%