Trip
Advanced Snowshoe – Sandbeach Lake - RMNP
We'll hike to Sandbeach Lake in RMNP, starting from the trailhead at the Wild Basin entrance parking lot. The trail meanders through dense pine forests, where glimpses of wildlife and the sound of rushing creeks accompany hikers. As the trail ascends, stunning views of Mount Meeker and Longs Peak emerge. We may also catch a glimpse of Mount Lady Washington and Chiefs Head.
Contacts
- Mon, Feb 24, 2025
- Bobcats Section
- Snowshoeing
- Adults
- Challenging
- Challenging
- Mileage: 9.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 2,050 ft
- High Point Elevation: 10,314 ft
- Pace: 1.3-1.8 MPH
- FULL, 9 on waitlist (8 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Carpool Place & Time: Meet at US 36 & McCaslin Blvd PnR-South 7:30AM for a 7:45AM departure (US 36 and McCaslin Blvd Park and Ride - South - Google Maps)
We'll carpool to the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead Parking Lot (Sandbeach Lake Trailhead - Google Maps)
An additional carpool meeting place could include a location further north.
This out-n-back route to Sandbeach Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park offers a picturesque journey through diverse landscapes, showcasing the park's natural beauty. As the trail ascends, stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains gradually unfold, captivating adventurers with their grandeur. Eventually, the path leads to Sandbeach Lake, a serene alpine gem nestled amidst towering peaks. Removal of the 26-foot-high, 90-foot-long dam in 1988 allowed the water to drop to its natural level, revealing the sand beach. John Wesley Powell, and his climbing party, camped near Sandbeach Lake the night before their historic first ascent of Longs Peak in 1868. We'll find a comfortable spot near the lake for snack/lunch. We'll retrace our footsteps back to the trailhead. Our pace will be comfortable for all group members. Overall, this hike is ~9 miles and ~2000 ft elevation gain. (Sandbeach Lake RMNP - CalTopo)
The Bobcats’ mission is to ensure a variety of challenging CMC trips, mostly on weekdays, all year long, for our mostly age 40+ constituents. We don’t have dues or elections and invite all CMC members to sign up for any Bobcats trip. You can search the CMC Calendar for Bobcat trips any time by selecting “Bobcats Section” in the CMC Trip Calendar “Section pull-down menu. To join our free mailing list and become a member, select the Bobcats Section anytime in your Member Profile. (Bobcats Section — The Colorado Mountain Club)
Required Equipment
Ten essentials and snowshoes are required. Trekking poles are recommended.