Sandbeach Lake - one of Rocky Mountain's deepest at nearly 50' - is aptly named for its wide, sandy shore. Unlike most lakes in Wild Basin that reside in narrow alpine valleys, Sandbeach Lake lies on a broad flat free of confining valley walls. Its open perimeter invites exploration, and gives the area a uniquely spacious feel.

In 1988 the Park removed earth dams on Sandbeach Lake's outlet, replacing them with willows and brush to create spawning habitat for greenback cutthroat trout. A small but stable breeding population exists today.

Good fishing and a beach-like feel make this a desirable overnight destination, highlighted by ubiquitous aspen and leafy ground cover that produce brilliant fall colors:

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 - take a few steps along the Meeker Park Trail for a closer look.

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 (3.55 miles : 9,840') on a footbridge and begins a rocky, 443' climb to the north shore of Sandbeach Lake (4.4 miles : 10,283').

Social trails circle Sandbeach Lake's long, open shoreline; clockwise travel offers terrific views of Mt Meeker (13,911') and easier lake access.

Note krummholz and limber pine in the vicinity - neither are very common at this elevation, however exposure in the capacious basin creates hostile growing conditions similar to higher subalpine environments where they're typically found.