Upper Sand Creek Lake Hike

The Upper Sand Creek Lake Hike is a must-add to your Colorado adventure itinerary, trust us. This incredible adventure boasts some of the most beautiful scenes from the alpine lake. Nestled in mountain cirque, this trek travels at high elevations, so it is important to ensure you are acclimatized to the area before attempting this feat. We recommend departing at dawn to reach the shores before noon to avoid getting stuck in an afternoon storm. A high-altitude trek like this always warrants windy and cold conditions, so wear layers and pack microspikes if the rocky terrain is cloaked with ice. Note the National Park requires visitors to purchase a pass which costs $25USD for 1-6 passenger vehicles.

Embark on your expedition along the Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail from the Music Pass Trailhead. From here, track west along the Music Pass Trail through dense mixed pine forests. Soon after your departure, you will reach Music Pass. From here, revel in the sky-crapping peaks that encompass you from the exposed overlook. Continue west, and you will eventually reach an intersection. Veer right here, and you will be diverted onto the Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail. Follow this route northwest back below the treeline before cresting the lake.

Carefully navigate the switchbacks up the rocky ridge, and the path will soon open to the shimmering lake, which is hemmed by looming craggy peaks. Music Mountain is in the west, Milwaukee Peak in the northwest, and Marble Mountain in the northeast. Revel in the breathtaking views and when you are ready, retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.