Sandbeach Lake Trail, Part I

I made grand plans to hike to Lion Lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park this past summer -- 12 miles roundtrip, 3,000 feet of elevation gain -- take the whole day and really push myself.

Alas, this one sign changed that plan.  Fortunately, the Sandbeach Lake Trail was still an available option instead.

A nice early start and overcast skies made for excellent conditions.  I made good time, even stopping to shoot mushrooms like this American Fly Agaric.

The first mile and a half went quickly ...

... as the trail grew stepper and rockier.

I reached Campers Creek at a wonderfully opportune time, as rangers led a team of pack llamas back down the trail.

Personally, I preferred to take the log bridge.

I didn't mind stopping halfway across the bridge for a shot of the creek.

Interesting fungi dotted the trail in numerous spots, like this Butter Bolete.

The lake itself is certainly aptly named.  That's a sand beach, all right.

One little bird enjoyed the lake with me -- a Spotted Sandpiper.

One of my favorite wildflowers -- Elephant's Head -- grew on the shore.

The lake is beautiful, but what alpine lake isn't?

A short stay, a bite to eat, a few photos, and it was time for the return trip!