Sand Mountain

Total Miles 10.5
Technical Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time Summer
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Sand Mountain trail photo

Trail Overview

This is a loop that features an optional hike to the very top of Sand Mountain at 10,863 feet. It's worth the extra effort. You'll love the panoramic views. There are some nice spots to camp along the trail, but you may just want to stay at Steamboat Lake State Park. Be sure to make a reservation if you plan on staying there. Trail is open July 1 to December 1.

Photos of Sand Mountain

Difficulty

Moderate. Mostly easy with one steep, rocky spot between Wpts. 04 & 02. This spot is more difficult going uphill, especially for long vehicles. An aggressive, high-clearance SUV with a skilled driver can manage this trail in the direction described here.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

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Brad Christian
Jul 30, 2025
Open
Did the loop counter clockwise. Pretty easy for an F-150. Just have to go slow as there are a lot of small rocks. 10 miles in about 2 hours.
Colter M
Jul 15, 2025
Open
Fairly easy trail in a stock high clearance 4x4. Clockwise uphill to the top is the worst part. There is a small ledge/wall at the beginning that a RAV4/Subaru will probably not get by. The rest of the trail could be done in one, but it will be an extremely uncomfortable ride. This section of the trail is also much narrower than the rest and the trees are pretty overgrown. Expect some pinstripes. I would rate it a high easy/low moderate difficulty due to a few small sections where tire placement is key.
Brian Gibson
Sep 11, 2023
Open
Keaton Skudneski
Jul 16, 2023
Open
Kenneth Burgener
Jul 02, 2023
Open
Keith Nordell
May 29, 2023
Open

Sand Mountain Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Sand Mountain Map

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