Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach Trek
A bus-supported traverse over Champlain Mountain from Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach.
Route overview
Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach Trek in Mount Desert Island and Down East Maine.
This official trek links Jesup or Wild Gardens Path, Beachcroft Path, Champlain South Ridge and Bowl Trail. The defining section is a steep stone-step ascent of roughly 900 ft / 274 m in 1.2 miles / 1.9 km to Champlain Mountain, followed by a longer exposed descent toward the Bowl and Sand Beach.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Mount Desert Island and Down East Maine
- Distance
- 6.6 km one way
- Typical duration
- 2–4 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Not published by official source
- Best season
- Mid-June through mid-October when Island Explorer supports the point-to-point plan
- Trail type
- Point to point
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Park entrance pass; no hiking permit
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Sustained steep climb, exposed granite, fog, heat, thunderstorms, boulder field, missed last bus and road crossing
Highlights
Acadia National Park, Champlain Mountain, Beachcroft Path, Island Explorer, point-to-point hike
Why find a buddy
Point-to-point logistics, summit weather and last-bus timing are substantially safer with a partner.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.