Sandbeach Lake Trail

The Sandbeach Lake Trail demands endurance as you hike the lengthy path up to an alpine lake. Undeniably stunning, this adventure will guide you along rocky ridges, through aspen groves, near creeks and up to the lake, flanked by snow-dusted mountains. Due to the area’s high elevation, the trail is often cloaked in snow even in the fall, so make sure to pack microspikes or wear snowshoes to help navigate the icy terrain. This path is also the ideal excursion to spot wildlife, so make sure your camera is charged! If you do plan to venture this hike, note you will have to purchase a Rocky Mountain National Park pass to access the trails.

From the Wild Basin Entrance Station, the Sandbeach Lake Trail will immediately lead you up a steep rocky ridge. Once you summit the ridge, the path will guide you west, through aspen groves and pine forests. Hike the route past several dispersed campsites and over Campers and Hunters Creek. As you ascend the path, the tree shade will become more sparse and sights of the surrounding peaks will come into view. As you near the lake the terrain will get increasingly steep and rocky. You will eventually encounter a junction, keep left, intersecting with Hunters Creek again to summit the ridge to Sandbeach Lake.

Revel in the incredible vistas of the encompassing mountainous landscape and the crystalline alpine lake. Take a break and dip your tired feet in the water before commencing your descent. When you are ready to roll, retrace your steps along the path back to the trailhead.