Outbound Collective logo

Sandbeach Lake Trail

Allenspark, Colorado

4.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

8.56 miles

Elevation Gain

2057 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Ryan Mckinney

Sandbeach Lake offers a wide sandy beach with amazing wildlife viewing and great fishing opportunities.

Sandbeach Lake is best known for (as you can probably guess) its wide sandy shore. At nearly 50 feet deep, it is one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes. If you are looking to fish at the lake, make sure to bring barbless flies and lures. There are six official campsites (1.8 miles Hole in the Wall, two miles Campers Creek, three miles Beaver Mill Creek, 3.3 miles Hunters Creek, 4.5 miles Sandbeach Lake, and 4.5 miles Group Site) on this trail and at the lake.

This moderate trail is well marked and easy to navigate. The majority of the hike to the lake is uphill. At 1.4 miles, you will reach the Meeker Park trail—follow the sign to the left towards Sandbeach Lake. On your way to the lake you will cross two creeks: Campers Creek and Hunters Creek.

While on this hike keep an eye out for ptarmigan, turkey, moose, deer, and pine squirrels.

Check out this link and this map for information on wilderness campsites at Sandbeach Lake and go here for more info on permits and camp and trail conditions in the park.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Camping
Fishing
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Lake
Scenic
Wildlife

Reviews

The hike itself was a solid workout. However, I didn't find it as enjoyable as I thought I would until I made it to Sandbeach Lake. It's gorgeous. A fun place to hang out and eat lunch. A lot of fun exploration too. It can get very cold up there, and if it's windy it can be brutal. Dress prepared for varied weather.

I did this with my brother who lives at sea level. He was able to do this hike fairly easily after a few days at elevation. The gain is fairly gradual and the trail is not too tough. The campsites are also right near the lake so the camping is pretty nice. There are also sites available on the trail in if you want to camp at any of those. Just check availability close to when reservations open because lots of the dates fill quickly.

Great views and experience. Not as isolated from tourists as I would've liked but it wasn't overrun by people either. Be sure to book a campsite and stay the night!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Winter Hike to Calypso Cascades

Hike to Pear Lake

Hike to Finch Lake

Ouzel & Ogallala Peaks

Backpack to Bluebird Lake

Hike to Ouzel Falls