BPX 3-Day: Sandbeach Lake from Sandbeach Lake TH

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1: Drive to Sandbeach Lake TH (approx. 1.5 hrs. from CMC). Hike up Sandbeach Lake Trail to Sandbeach Lake (4.25 miles / +2,060 ft.). Set up camp in a designated site for 2 nights.

Sandbeach Lake Trail rises quickly over North St. Vrain Creek through ponderosa, lodgepole, and aspen to the Meeker Park Trail split (1.35 miles / 8,990 ft.). Below to the north is Copeland Moraine.

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 ft. and 2.1 miles / 9,265 ft., respectively).

The rugged trail crosses a small creek (2.55 miles / 9,543 ft.) 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 (3.5 miles / 9,840 ft.) on a footbridge and begins a rocky, 443 ft. climb to the north shore of Sandbeach Lake (4.4 miles / 10,283 ft.).

Route: Day 1

Day 2: Day hikes to explore the area

Optional Day Hike: Mt. Orton (2.3 miles, +-1,408 ft.)

Optional Day Hike: Chiefs Head Peak (6.4 miles, +-3,396 ft.)

Optional Day Hike: Keplinger Lake (4.5 miles, +-1,454 ft.)

Day 3: Hike back to TH (4.25 miles and descent of -2,060 ft.)

 Route: Day 3

Overall Route: 8.5 miles, +-2,103 ft.

NOTES:

1. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
2. Please view this document with everything you need to know about Rocky Mountain National Park 
3. All reservations for summer season RMNP backpacking wilderness camping trips must be booked via www.recreation.gov. Reservations for all summer backpacking camping permits will open on March 1 at 8:00 a.m. MT
4. Number of Sites at Sandbeach Lake Campsite: 4 individual; 1 group
5. RMNP requires Bear canisters.

6. This trip can also be done as a two day trip without extra night at the lake.

7. Google Map Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the Sandbeach Lake TH.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Length: 8.5 mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,060 ft
• High Point: 10,283 ft

• Land Manager: National Park Service
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fees
• Recommended Party Size: 8
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12