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Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail
A .7 mile hike from Lower Sand Creek Lake.
Plan Around Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail
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Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail Details
Upper Sand Creek Lake is located near the small town of Westcliffe, Colo. To get there, you first have to hike to Lower Sand Creek Lake, which is reached by a moderately difficult 3.8-mile hike from the Music Pass trailhead. The trail is not heavily used, so expect lots of solitude and serenity. From the parking lot, the trail immediately climbs through dense woods before reaching a scenic high-alpine meadow. You'll reach the Lower Sand Lake shortly thereafter. From here, it's less than a mile to Upper Sand Lake, but the trail is steep. Backtrack to the junction from Lower Sand Creek lake and turn left to get to the Upper Lake. The trail will then pass through a small stream. Pass the junction where a path continues right to climb over Milwaukee Pass and bear left here. Upper Sand Creek Lake lies shortly after the junction. The upper lake is at the treeline, providing beautiful views with little to block the way. A fair number of bighorn sheep call Upper Sand Lake their home: listen to the occasional sound of rocks falling down the talus slopes that give away their location. Camping is best at the lower lake, as there are more sites to choose from with better shelter.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
9 miles
Estimated time
8 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail
Compare nearby parks around Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Lower Sand Creek Lake Trail
A trail to a high alpine lake beneath the summit of Tijeras Peak.
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
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.
