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Lower Sand Creek Lake Trail
A trail to a high alpine lake beneath the summit of Tijeras Peak.
Plan Around Lower Sand Creek Lake Trail
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Lower Sand Creek Lake Trail Details
Lower Sand Creek Lake is located near the small town of Westcliffe and is reached by a moderately difficult 3.8-mile hike. The trail is not heavily used, so expect lots of solitude and serenity. Both Upper Sand Creek Lake and Lower Sand Creek Lake are accessed from the Music Pass trailhead. From the parking lot, the trail immediately climbs through dense woods before reaching a scenic high-alpine meadow. You'll reach the lake shortly thereafter. The Lower Sand Creek Lake Trail offers incredible views of Tijeras Peak, Music Mountain, Milwaukee Peak, and Marble Mountain. There is also fishing at both upper and lower Sand Creek lakes (catch and release only), so if you're an angler, don't forget your rod in the car.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
7.6 miles
Estimated time
6 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Lower Sand Creek Lake Trail
Compare nearby parks around Lower Sand Creek Lake Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Lower Sand Creek Lake Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Lower Sand Creek Lake Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Music Pass Trailhead
The trailhead for Music Pass is a 2.5-hour drive from the park visitor center.
0.0 mi away
Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail
A .7 mile hike from Lower Sand Creek Lake.
0.0 mi away
Music Pass Trail
Visit a picturesque lake in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve.
1.1 mi away
Music Pass
A high alpine valley with incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
3.8 mi away
Milwaukee Peak
A non-technical but strenuous hike can take you to the summit of Milwaukee Peak, a short distance away from the Sand Creek Lakes.
