Frommer's Review
This wheelchair-accessible trail follows the shoreline of Sprague Lake. The short guide to the trail ($1, available at park visitor centers) describes the area's history, flora, and fauna and names the grand array of peaks seen from the far side of the lake. On still days, the reflections in the water are spectacular.
The trail wanders among lodgepole pines on the east, providing numerous opportunities to see chipmunks and ground squirrels scurrying about, mallards paddling among the reeds and marshes where they nest in early spring, and a myriad of insects feeding in and around the water. Several railed wooden platforms are built over the water, from which youngsters can peer into the lake trying to spot cutthroat trout or frogs, and benches are strategically placed along the trail for resting and absorbing the view. Several are located about halfway around, where the views of the peaks are best. This area also has large boulders, great for climbing, perching upon, and picnicking. As you look out over the lake to the western peaks, you can see Tyndall Glacier almost forming a bridge between Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. The lake is shallow -- only about 9 feet deep -- and freezes over quite early in the fall, but it's still a lovely place to walk and even picnic on a sunny day. Boardwalks and bridges have been built over the marshy western side of the lake to take you back to the trail head. The elevation is 8,710 feet.
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