Little Sandy Lake Trail

Hiking the Little Sandy Lake Trail affords intermediate hikers and families with older children a great time. Explore the great outdoors and dip your toes in the frigid alpine waters of Little Sandy Lake. Compared to Big Sandy Lake, this route is primitive, notably the road to the trailhead, so make sure your vehicle has high ground clearance. Note the bugs in this area are relentless, so bring some bug spray. While unlikely, bear encounters are possible, so make sure at least one person in your group carries a can of bear spray.

Off Sweetwater Gap Road, you will find a trail signposted for the Continental Divide Trail— your journey to Little Sandy Lake follows this route. Heading northwardly along the Continental Divide Trail, the path will near Larsen Creek, which you will follow the entirety of the hike. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the gurgling waters as you gradually climb further into the wilderness. Winding through dense woodlands and open meadows, the path will ultimately reach its highest point beneath Mount Nystrom. From here, you will divert off the beaten path and descend down to the shoreline of Little Sandy Lake.

Enjoy the scene of the unspoiled wilderness and the sounds of the wind howling. On a calm day, Little Sandy Lake will mirror Mount Nystrom towering above. Rest and rehydrate here before beginning your return. To get back to the trailhead, simply retrace your steps along the path.