Rocky Mountain National Park's Spruce Lake Trail

Spruce Lake Trail

Description:
The Spruce Lake Trail begins from the Fern Lake Trail at an elevation of 9,460 feet. It climbs to Spruce Lake at an elevation of 9,650 feet. Horses are not permitted on this trail as it travels through a boulder field that would be impossible for horses to negotiate. There is a hitch rack near the beginning of the trail.

The trail makes a moderately steep ascent at the beginning but then levels off for .2 miles before climbing again. This is an unimproved trail and is fairly rough as it passes through an area of large rocks. The trail travels through a dense spruce forest. It can be wet in the spring as evidenced by walkways across marshy areas.

The trail can be faint as it passes through the rocky areas. Look for small rock cairns to mark the way. After crossing Spruce Creek, it makes its way up the north side of the stream to Spruce Lake. It takes about an hour to hike to the lake and back.

Features:

Length:	.83 miles (1.34 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	9,460' -9,650'
Elevation change:	307 feet
Season:	Jun 1 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Easy to moderate
Use:	Low to moderate
USGS maps:	McHenrys Peak
Trailheads:	Fern Lake
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	No

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The nearest access to the Spruce Lake Trail is via the Fern Lake Trail. Take Highway 36 from the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the Bear Lake Road. Follow Bear Lake Road for about 1.2 miles to the Moraine Park Campground Road. Turn right then left at the Cub/Fern Lake sign (half mile) and travel about 2.1 miles to the Fern Lake Trailhead. There is a large parking area with a restroom about half mile before the trailhead. There is room for horse trailers here. Vehicles over 25 feet should also park here. There are three small parking areas along the last half mile of road. The circular parking area at the trailhead will accommodate about 21 vehicles. Spaces fill up by mid morning in this popular area. Follow the Fern Lake Trail for about 3.6 miles to the Spruce Lake Trail.

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