Beginners Guide for Backpacking — A Hike in the Rockies to Sandbeach Lake

Ready to work a bit for a beautiful lake?

The answer to all of your hopes and dreams = Sand Beach Lake in the great Rocky Mountain National Park.

You do have to work for this hike a bit. My boyfriend and I just recently moved to Colorado and decided we wanted to do a backpacking trip. After completing this trip I can say this was one of the most rewarding backpacking trips I’ve ever done.

Here are my tips, tricks, and hacks if you’d like to take this trip and take in some stellar views!

1. Be prepared for some amazing views

I had never been to Rocky Mountain National Park or even hiked in the Rocky Mountains. Needless to say they were absolutely beautiful. Along the way there aren’t many landmark spots to stop and chill at — there are some creeks that you pass but for the most part it’s a decent uphill walk. Once you get to the end of the hike you’ll be blown away by a beautiful lake and mountains that magically appear out of nowhere.

2. Take frequent breaks

As I mentioned there aren’t many viewpoints or landmarks to see along the way. Just enjoy your time hiking, maybe play a game with your hiking mates, and be present. Take lots of breaks along the way too, we were pretty winded making our way up the mountain but a quick break did the trick and kept us going. The hike is about 4.4 miles to the lake, and back to the car, making a round trip total of 8.6 miles.

3. Pack an easy meal to make

Our main meal was Peanut Noodles, they were so simple, delicious, and well-deserved after a 4.4 mile hike.

Peanut Noodles:

• Box of noodles
• Jar of Peanut Sauce (we bought ours from Whole Foods, this made our meal even easier as we didn’t have any preparing to do)
• Peppers and Onions (we chopped up a pepper and an onion to throw in with the cooked pasta, this was a delicious touch and something that didn’t add too much weight)

4. Bear cans — GET ONE!

In case you weren’t aware bear canisters are NECESSARY in Rocky Mountain National Park. It can get pretty serious if a bear (or any other animal) smells your food so be smart and follow the rules. ANYTHING scented needs to go into the bear canister as well. The ranger at the office told us they had a black bear break into a tent a few weeks back for someones hand-sanitizer. Don’t be the person that lets this happen. Protect yourself and the bears and buy a bear canister!!!!

5. Be ready to pay for your time in the Rocky Mountain National Park

There are a few fees to be prepared for, but they are all worth it!

Camping pass fee: $26.00

National Park entry fee: $35.00 (this pass is good for an entire week!)

Amazing views and an unforgettable time = Priceless :)

6. You’ll probably see some cool wildlife (WE SAW A MOOSE)

I’ve always wanted to see a moose and heard that Colorado has a few of them :)

I went in thinking I wouldn’t get that lucky BUT we actually did end up seeing a moose, not sure if this was beginners luck but there’s a chance you might see one of these majestic creatures on your travels :) We also saw horned sheep which was pretty cool too.

7. Pack for all types of weather

We hiked in on the first day of fall. The weather was beautiful, sunny, and warm, it was HOT during the day but was surprisingly freezing at night. Camping near the lake on top of a mountain gets cold at night no matter what time of year. Make sure to pack light but for all weather types. I found this great resource for items to pack for camping/backpacking to make sure you stay dry, protected and happy.

8. Have fun, enjoy nature and be present.

One reason I love hiking is it brings me into the present moment. I can’t check my Facebook, or get a phone call. It is beautiful to disconnect for a while and enjoy the pure beauty of the world. If you’re looking for a beginners trip consider this hike to Sandbeach Lake.