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3-Day: Sandbeach Lake from Sandbeach Lake TH

Sandbeach Lake (10,283’) is located 4.25 miles / 2,060 ft. from the Wild Basin Entrance Station in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s one of the Park’s deepest lakes at nearly 50', and aptly named for its wide, sandy shore.

The trail rises quickly over North St. Vrain Creek through ponderosa, lodgepole and aspen to the Meeker Park Trail split (1.35 miles / 8,990'). Below to the north is Copeland Moraine.

The trail continues west on a mild but rocky grade lined by aspen and thick ground cover. Campers Creek is occasionally audible but seldom visible as you pass spurs for the Hole-in-the-Wall and Campers Creek backcountry campsites (1.88 miles / 9,172' and 2.1 miles / 9,265', respectively).

The rugged trail crosses a small creek (2.55 miles / 9,543') and continues steeply to the Beaver Mill backcountry campsite (3.0 miles / 9,680').

It levels momentarily near the Hunters Creek backcountry campsite (3.25 miles / 9,746'), crosses Hunters Creek (3.5 miles / 9,840') on a footbridge and begins a rocky, 443 ft. climb to the north shore of Sandbeach Lake (4.4 miles / 10,283').

Social trails follow Sandbeach Lake's open east shore, with terrific views of Mt. Meeker (13,911') and easy lake access.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1: Drive to TH (approx 1.5hrs from CMC). Hike up Sandbeach Lake Trail to Sandbeach Lake (4.25 miles / +2,060 ft.). Set up camp in a designated site for 2 nights.

Map: Day 1

Day 2: Day hikes to explore the area

Day 3: Hike back to TH (4.25 miles and descent of -2,060 ft.)

Can also be done as two day trip without extra night at the lake.

 

Notes:

  1. All reservations for summer season RMNP backpacking wilderness camping trips must be booked via www.recreation.gov. Reservations for all summer backpacking camping permits will open on March 1 at 8:00 a.m. MT
  2. Number of Sites at Sandbeach Lake Campsite: 4 individual; 1 group
  3. RMNP requires Bear canisters.
  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking
  • Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Length: 8.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,060 ft
  • 10,283 ft
Map
  • Trails Illustrated 200
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  • 2-Day: Sandbeach Lake from Sandbeach Lake TH
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