Back Way to North Sand Hills

Total Miles
23.8

Elevation

3,020.92 ft

Duration

3.5 Hours

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

Avoid the paved road to Walden on this fun back way to North Sand Hills. There are camping sites along the trail, and a good number of side roads to play on. The Old Roach Area is part of the Roosevelt National Forest and is open year-round.

Photos of Back Way to North Sand Hills

Back Way to North Sand Hills
Back Way to North Sand Hills
Back Way to North Sand Hills

Difficulty

Moderate. Most of this route is easy, but F.S. 200 can become a quagmire when wet. The final 3-mile descent to the dunes is narrow, rocky and rough in places. Sandy roads at the bottom near the creek are prone to washouts and difficult conditions are possible here. Carry a tree saw or chain saw as fallen trees are everywhere and sometimes block the trail.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

Cannon L
Apr 06, 2024
1998 Lexus LX
Obstructed
Deep Snow
Patchy snow up until the Grace Creek gate. Heavy snow past then.
Pam Turzanski
Sep 02, 2023
4x4
Open
Dusty
Rough/Deteriorated
Daniel P
Jun 24, 2023
SxS
Open
Normal

Access Description

From Fort Collins: Follow Highway 14 west about 51 miles and turn right on Laramie River Road, C.R.103. Continue north 28 miles to sign for Hohnholz Lake on left. From Red Feather Lakes: Take Deadman Road (Trail #3 described next), west 24 miles and turn left on C.R 80C. You can see Laramie River Road in the valley below. Once on Laramie River Road, go north 6.2 miles to sign for Hohnholz Lake on left.

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