Hiking – Sandbeach Lake - RMNP

This adventurous 11-mile loop hike in Rocky Mountain National Park combines well-maintained trails with a rugged, EXPLORATORY off-trail section. The route begins on the Sandbeach Lake Trail, climbing steadily through forest and meadows to reach the tranquil shores of Sandbeach Lake. From the lake’s southern end, experienced hikers with solid off-trail navigation skills will leave the trail and traverse cross-country terrain to the remote Twin Lakes basin—an isolated, scenic area rarely visited. The route then connects with the Thunder Lake Trail for a return through the beautiful Wild Basin. This hike offers solitude, striking alpine scenery, and a rewarding challenge for those comfortable with route-finding and backcountry travel. Overall ~11 miles and ~2100 ft elevation gain. (Sandbeach Lake Loop - CalTopo)

The Bobcats’ mission is to ensure a variety of adventurous CMC trips, mostly on weekdays, all year long. Our trips tend to be faster-paced, on more challenging routes, and with fewer stops. We foster a strong community of hikers seeking challenge, discovery, and camaraderie. You can search the CMC Calendar for Bobcat trips any time by selecting “Bobcats Section” in the CMC Trip Calendar “Section pull-down menu. To join our free mailing list and become a member, select the Bobcats Section anytime in your Member Profile. (Bobcats Section — The Colorado Mountain Club)

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at US 36 & McCaslin Blvd PnR-South 7:00AM for a 7:15AM departure (US 36 and McCaslin Blvd Park and Ride - South - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead Parking Lot (Wild Basin entrance to RMNP) (Sandbeach Lake Trailhead - Google Maps)

RMNP entrance fee or NPS pass

An additional carpool location further north is possible.