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Sandbeach Lake: 8.8 miles

Wild Basin - Sandbeach Lake Trailhead

Description

Sandbeach Lake - one of Rocky Mountain's deepest at nearly 50' - is aptly named for lengthy stretches of soft sand around much of its shoreline. Unlike most lakes in the Wild Basin Area that reside in narrowing alpine valleys, Sandbeach Lake occupies a wide, flat bench free of confining valley walls. Such allows for easy exploration and gives the area a uniquely spacious feel.

In 1988 the Park removed rock and dirt dams on Sandbeach Lake's outlet stream, replacing them with willows and indigenous brush to create spawning habitat for greenback cutthroat trout. Today a healthy but delicate breeding population exists. Good fishing and an uncommon, 'beach-like' environment make this a highly desirable overnight destination. Ubiquitous aspen and leafy ground vegetation along much of the trail make Sandbeach Lake an excellent early-mid autumn choice as well.

The trail rises quickly above the North St Vrain Creek Basin along a south-facing valley wall. A steady climb through ponderosa, lodgepole and aspen eases upon reaching the Meeker Park Trail junction (1.35 miles : 8,990'). Below you to the north is Copeland Moraine, though a dense forest limits your view of this interesting geologic area (a few steps along the Meeker Park Trail yields a better vantage).

Continuing west, the mild but rocky trail passes through tranquil forest accented by aspen and sprawling ground vegetation that bring yellows, reds and oranges to these hillsides in the fall. You?ll pass backcountry campsites Hole-in-the-Wall and Campers Creek in 1.88 miles (9,172?) and 2.1 miles (9,265') respectively. Campers Creek is occasionally audible but seldom visible as you move deeper into the wilderness.

The increasingly 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 off momentarily near the Hunters Creek backcountry campsite (3.25 miles : 9,746'), crosses Hunters Creek (3.55 miles : 9,840') on a footbridge and begins a rocky, 443' climb to the north shore of Sandbeach Lake (4.4 miles).

Social trails circle Sandbeach Lake?s lengthy, accommodating shoreline; clockwise travel offers better views of Mt Meeker (13,911') and preferred lake access points. Flat and free of obstacles, circumnavigation is a relatively easy and worthwhile excursion.

Worth Noting

Mt Meeker (13,911') towers above Sandbeach Lake's north shore. A few steps along its east shore yields excellent views and reflections in the water.

Mt Orton (11,274') can be seen from Sandbeach Lake's north and east shores.

Take note of the krummholz-like characteristics of spruce trees along the lake's exposed, blustery shoreline.

At nearly 50', Sandbeach Lake is thought to be one of Rocky Mountain National Park's deepest . Big Crystal Lake, accessible from the Lawn Lake Trailhead, is of comparable depth.

This is arguably the Wild Basin Area's finest autumn hike.

Trailhead Information

Sandbeach Lake is accessible from the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead, immediately adjacent to the Wild Basin Entrance Station in the southeast region of Rocky Mountain National Park. Directions to Trailhead From Boulder, take Highway 36 north 14 miles to the town of Lyons. Remain on 36 to the Highway 7 intersection. Turn left onto Highway 7 towards Allenspark. Remain on Highway 7 and look for the Wild Basin Trailhead Entrance on the left (approximately 37 miles from Boulder). Turn left on the dirt road to the entrance station .15 miles ahead. The trailhead and parking area are just past the entrance station on your right.

Local Contact Information

Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitor Information:
970-586-1206

Backcountry:
970-586-1242

Campground Reservations:
800-365-2267