Upper Sand Creek Lake - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Upper Sand Creek Lake, is a beautiful recreation area that offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and picnicking in the summer months, and in the winter, the lake is a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There are also several designated camping areas around the lake, making it the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or an adventure, Upper Sand Creek Lake is sure to provide it.

Upper Sand Creek Lake is a man-made reservoir in Saguache County, Colorado. The lake was created in the early 1960s by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. The purpose of the project was to provide irrigation water for crops and to generate hydroelectric power. The dam that impounds Upper Sand Creek Lake is located about eight miles upstream from the town of Saguache. The lake has a capacity of about 77,000 acre-feet, and it covers a surface area of approximately 1,600 acres. Upper Sand Creek Lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. It is home to a variety of fish species, including trout, catfish, and bass. The lake is also a popular stopover for migrating birds. In the fall and winter, bald eagles can often be seen perching in the trees along the shoreline.

The best time to visit is from late June to early August, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the temperatures are mild. 

1. Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent. The high altitude means that the sun is extra strong, and the mosquitoes can be persistent. 
2. Bring a fishing rod if you're planning to fish; a valid Colorado fishing license is required. 
3. Be prepared for inclement weather; storms can blow in quickly at high altitudes.
4. Remember that the air is thin at altitude; take it easy if you're not used to high altitudes and drink plenty of water.
5. Swimming is not allowed in the lake, but there is a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing and relaxing. 
6. Leave your pets at home. Pets are not allowed in the park or on the beach.
7. In the evening, take a stroll along the shore or relax under the stars with a campfire. Just be sure to follow all fire restrictions.
8. If you're looking for more of an adventure, there are several options for whitewater rafting and kayaking in the area. Just be sure to go with a reputable outfitter and heed their safety guidelines.
    

1. The lake covers an area of approximately 1 square mile and the maximum depth of the lake is 35 feet.
2. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but there is a 5 MPH speed limit.
3. Fishing is a popular activity on the lake, and common catches include trout, kokanee salmon, and pike.
4. Snowmobiling is allowed on the frozen surface of the lake in winter. 9  In winter, the average ice thickness is 12-14 inches.
5. The lake is also a popular destination for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of waterfowl, including ducks and geese.
6. Upper Sand Creek Lake is located within the Rio Grande National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

The maximum time required to explore the entire lake is 3 hours. This includes time spent walking around the perimeter of the lake, as well as time spent exploring the many trails that lead off from the lake. 

The lake is accessible via a short hike from the nearby trailhead. To reach the trailhead, take Highway 285 to Saguache County Road 8 and turn south. Follow County Road 8 for approximately 3 miles before turning west onto Forest Road 107. After another mile, you will reach the trailhead parking area. From the trailhead, it is a relatively easy 1-mile hike to the lake.

There is no entrance fee to explore Upper Sand Creek Lake, Saguache County, Colorado. However, there is a $5 per person per day fee for camping. All campsites are first-come, first-serve.

The lake is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM.