Much of the green is gone but we enjoyed the fall colors along with the weather which was a bit cold and breezy at the lake. Five years ago, Botsford said, a busy day on the Ice Lakes trail might see 250 hikers. Forest: San Juan National Forest District: Columbine Ranger District Description: Ice Lakes Basin is at the headwaters of Mineral Creek outside of Silverton, Colorado. Spend some time exploring the basin or return the way you came. While there is little reprieve from the steady uphill nature of this hike, both the journey and destination make every step worthwhile. Activities to enjoy in the area include hiking, trail running, backpacking, mountaineering, photography, fishing, and wildlife, wildflower and scenery viewing. A fire sparked Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, near Ice Lake Basin. The Ice Lakes trailhead is located about six miles west of Silverton. Enjoy! We started our hike at 7:30/7:45 on a weekday morning and there were only a few other cars there. To reach the trailhead from the intersection of Highway 550 and the turnoff to Silverton (Highway 110), drive 2 miles north on Highway 550 to County Road 7, located between mile markers 72 and 73. Total Length 3¾mi; Elevation Range The Ice Lake Basin Trail is a tough hike to stunning views, incredible wildflowers, and electric blue alpine lakes — it’s certainly worth the climb. Amazing blue/green lakes, late season wildflowers, moderately strenuous hike to creek falls and waterfalls too. In the Upper Basin there are 3 large lakes including Ice Lake, Island Lake and Fuller Lake (the largest), as well as numerous smaller lakes. On the way up to the first basin you will pass a Clear Creek waterfall on the right and an old mill off to the left. Upon reaching the lower basin great views open to Fuller, Vermillion Peak, Golden Horn and Pilot Knob rising above the … Most important learn how to poop and pee in the woods. The Ice Lake Basin and aquamarine Ice Lake at 12,300 feet is ringed by 13,000-foot peaks. Use the wag bags available at the trail head or buy some prior to visiting and pack your toilet paper and waste out. This is, by far, the BEST hike I’ve ever done. I had no issues with the drive. Photo courtesy Colorado Department of Transportation. And, as we quickly realized, our crew wasn’t at Ice Lake. SJMA has a participating agreement with the San Juan National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office to develop educational programs, publications and volunteer projects, as well as provide interpretive services. I've never experienced the shortness of breath I did on today's hike. The trail concludes at Ice Lake, which is the bluest lake you will ever see. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and backpacking and is best used from April until September. The upper basin is surrounded by awesome peaks. This road is suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, though there may be some potholes to avoid. The last stretch of the hike is pretty extreme. You’ll pass through aspen, conifers, and into two distinct basins above the … Amazing blue/green lakes, late season wildflowers, moderately strenuous hike to creekfalls and waterfalls too. Turn left on County Road 7 (signed for the South Mineral … Switchbacks, wildflowers, meadows, and more, read more about this absolutely essential trail and all it has to offer. The trek up to Ice Lake Basin is short, steep, but not technical. The nicest lake is Ice Lake, the first lake you see in the upper basin. The Ice Lake Basin and aquamarine Ice Lake at 12,300 feet is ringed by 13,000-foot peaks. Ice Lakes Basin is known as one of the top alpine lake hiking destinations in all of Colorado, where hardy hikers are treated to waterfalls, wildflowers, open meadows, beautiful rock formations, alpine tundra and, of course, spectacular snow-fed lakes. From Ouray: Follow Highway 550 south from Ouray for about 20 miles to the turn off to South Mineral Campground. Don't ruin the silence with annoying drones just to take some photos and ruin it for everyone. please don't be that person. On recommendation, we went up to Island first and then to Ice Lake. After gaining 1,600-ft. in 2 miles the trail crests the ridge into the beautiful Lower Ice Lake basin. The Ice Fire area closure includes the lower Ice Lakes Trail, the lower Clear Lake Road, and the South Mineral Road (NFSR 585) from a new gate just past Goldenhorn camping area to where it crosses Clear Creek past South Mineral Campground. We then hiked on to Ice Lake and continued on to the last lake on the trail, which was an additional climb but well worth it. It is uphill all the way to the lake basin. Vermillion, Fuller, Pilot knob and Golden Horn are climbed from this basin. This section is fairly flat for the next two-thirds of a mile. The Ice Lakes Trail offers a lot of variety. Unburied feces everywhere. Ice Lakes can also be accessed via the Phelps Creek Trailhead via the Leroy Creek Basin route or Carne Mountain High route with some off-trail … While there is little reprieve from the steady uphill nature of this hike, both the journey and destination make every step worthwhile. Ice Lake (Oregon) Ice Lake, in the Ice Lake Basin of Silverton, Colorado; Ice Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, in the list of lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington state; Other uses. The trail wastes no time gaining elevation, climbing 1,600-ft. in 2-miles through forests and wildflower-filled meadows to the beautiful Lower Ice Lakes basin. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sanjuan/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd719782. From the trailhead, a hike of a little more than three miles, with an ascent of about 2,400 feet, leads to one of the most spectacular settings in Colorado. Weather. View 7 Day Forecast on weather.gov. The hike is beautiful. The Ice Lake Basin Trail is a tough hike to stunning views, incredible wildflowers, and electric blue alpine lakes — it’s certainly worth the climb. The Lower Ice Lake Basin. We parked in a large grassy lot near the… It was challenging. Ice Lake Trail (505) Area Status: Open This trail is short and steep. Ice Lake Basin Featured Route 7.3mi San Juan NF. There is a restroom by the trailhead, but it is closed from October - April. Ice Lakes. … Ice Lakes Trailhead at South Mineral Campground Camping. The hike is tough (for me, the elevation was a challenge having just come from Kentucky) but not technically challenging. Go north of Silverton on Hwy. Phenomenal trail. Sign up for our eNews updates and be the first to know... SJMA was created in 1988 to assist the San Juan National Forest in providing education and interpretation of public lands in Southwest Colorado. Lower Ice Lake is slightly below timberline, at the base of a towering ridgeline. Hiking down to the lake there are a couple sketchy places along the ridge but not too bad. The Ice Lake Basin and aquamarine Ice Lake at 12,300 feet is ringed by 13,000-foot peaks. You’ll pass through aspen, conifers, and into two distinct basins above the … The Ice Lake Basin and aquamarine Ice Lake at 12,300 feet is ringed by 13,000-foot peaks. The jagged 13,000+ peaks surrounding Upper Ice Lake Basin include (from north to south). An air attack and type-2 helicopter were on site as of 3:10 p.m. When we got to the loop, we went right (counter clockwise) and had the trail and first lake all to ourselves. First off the area is being evacuated today due to fire, so make other plans! Lower Ice Lake Basin Lower Ice Lake Basin. If you’ve got time visit upper ice lakes is another mile and 400 feet higher than Lower Ice Lakes and enjoy a relatively easy walk up the shoulder of 9,060 foot Mt. (Including a really annoying drone buzzing around ice lake). The parking lot is at N 37 48.394, W 107 46.428, The trail heads out NW from the parking lot. If you have the time and energy to explore more of the upper basin area before returning to the trailhead, two popular side trips are to Island Lake and Fuller Lake. Picture of Ice Lakes Basin Trailhead parking lot taken July 20th at 7 AM. Ice Lake Trail . I think they are all amazing, but the lack of crowds at Fuller lake compared to Ice lake pushed it to the top for me. pick up your trash. This isn't an amusement park, it is wilderness. As we found out, the Ice Basin Trail is a big lollipop loop with Island Lake sitting on one side of the loop and Ice Lake sitting on the other. The trail might be difficult, but that doesn’t seem to deter the thousands of hikers this trail sees every season. Sunset on the San Juans from the Ouray Brewery We hit the road on Friday night and to be exact it was a 22 hour 40 minute all night drive from Andrew’s apartment in Indianapolis to Ouray. Ice Lake has to be one of the most spectacular destinations for the hiker that wants an experience to remember. The trail to Fuller Lake can be quite wet and muddy, but staying on the trail will help preserve the fragile alpine tundra. It is closed temporarily due to fire-related hazards. It's very challenging but the views are 100% worth the hiking. It delivered nonstop, stunning scenery perfectly integrated with a healthy amount of rigor. The Ice Lakes Basin trailhead begins from the dirt parking lot across the road from South Mineral Campground. We did the loop counterclockwise, starting with Island Lake and loved galavanting through the lake basin - lakes, mountains, amazing views! A permit system is now in place which you'll need to obtain from the Columbine Ranger District in order to hike this trail. Dog bags left on the trail. Vermillion, Fuller, Pilot Knob and Golden Horn are climbed from this basin. View 7 Day Forecast on weather.gov. The trailhead has lots of parking, and this is a very popular trail. The trail offers a number of activity options. The lower lake comes into view at the two-mile mark. The Ice Lake Basin trail, though strenuous, features jaw dropping views of more than 3 alpine lakes surrounded by the jaw-dropping San Juan Mountain range in the backdrop. Gorgeous mountains, valley views, and of course the lakes. It is uphill all the way to the lake basin. Apr 23, 2019 - Ice Lakes trail has two common destinations, lower and upper. Great (tough) day of hiking but oh, so worth it! You should see a faint trail angling up the slope near the bottom of an old mine tailing. So sad. The trail splits to the upper basin and island lake around 2-2.5 miles (include in trail description). Absolutely gorgeous, crystal blue & clear. I didn’t have any, and there were some spots that were roouuughhhh without them. Bring plenty of food and water! You break treeline right around where the loop starts. Dogs are also able to use this trail. I'd reiterate what someone said previously: if you're coming from a sea-level residence, give yourself time to acclimate. The views of the mountains are gorgeous. The view looking back on Ice Lake with U.S. Grant Peak (13,767 ft.) in the background is gorgeous, but Fuller Lake itself is not as pretty as Ice Lake. Pro Tips; If you have the legs and the weather is good, continue another half-mile north from the Ice Lakes to Island Lake, a stunning alpine pool with, you guessed it, a large island. Ice Lakes Basin sits at an elevation of 12,500 ft, and the trail begins at 9,900 ft. Because of this, some people get elevation sickness or have a hard time breathing on this hike, … Great hike overall. The first half is below timberline and passes through aspen and conifer vegetative zones. Ice Lake Basin Trail [CLOSED] is a 9.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Ophir, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. As you go all the way to the Upper Ice Lake it becomes rather treacherous just before the end because of how steep and rocky it is. At 2.2 miles, the secondary trail to Island Lake takes off to the right at 11,460 feet. Amazing blue/green lakes, late season wildflowers, moderately strenuous hike to creekfalls and waterfalls too. The Ice Lakes Basin Trail is located near Silverton, Colorado, within the Columbine Ranger District of San Juan National Forest. Note: Updated trail closure information can be viewed on the San Juan National Forest page here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recarea/?recid=42984&actid=50 © 2018 - All Rights Reserved - San Juan Mountains Association | Web Design by Sweet P Web Development, Junior Naturalist Field Camps (Grades 1-6). After 2 miles of climbing, the trail traverses through the Lower Basin. Toilet paper is every where on the ground. This section is fairly flat for the next two-thirds of a mile. In heading left, we hiked our tired legs straight to Ice Lake, and completely missed Island Lake. If you’re in the area and looking for an all around five-star hike, this is for you. The views along the hike are amazing. The Ice Lake Basin and aquamarine Ice Lake at 12,300 feet is ringed by 13,000-foot peaks. Unfortunately this trail is grossly over used and abused. Very challenging. Yes, the hike is strenuous but it is absolutely worth it. Round Trip Distance: 7.3 miles to Ice Lake & 8.4 miles to Island Lake; Difficulty: Strenuous; Elevation Gain: 2,430 feet to Ice Lake & 2,550 to Island Lake; Peak Elevation: 12,265 at Ice Lake & 12,400 at Island Lake; Amount of Time Needed: 4 to 5.5 hours; Trailhead Coordinates: Ice Lake Basin Trailhead, Silverton, Colorado the trail is almost entirely inclined up to ice lake and the hills only get steeper as you get closer. We did not go to Fuller - next time! Hardest part of the trail is the section between Ice Lake and Island Lake. And when I say that I scoured the internet, I mean I came across a description for Ice Lake Basin Trail and was immediately sold. Places. You can camp at the first-come, first-serve South Mineral campground, which is located right next to the trailhead with 26 spots available.Along the forest road going to the trailhead, you will also find Golden Horn Campground, Anvil Campground, and Kendall Campground. This beautiful vegetation is increasingly prone to trampling in recent years as more and more visitors take to the trails to take in Ice Lake’s majesty. Not quite as vibrant. Ice Lake Basin Featured Route 7.3mi San Juan NF. Do everyone a favor and before you endeavor to hike, learn how to Leave No Trace. Follow the main trail the entire way, but look for a small cairn on the right upon reaching the basin—this unmaintained trail climbs to the magnificent Island Lake, and is a great option for runners looking to get off the beaten path. Vermillion, Fuller, Pilot knob and Golden Horn are climbed from this basin. my only complaint about this trail was the amount of off leash dogs that rushed up to mine and completely ignored their owners - i recognize that some parts of the trail are difficult to do with a dog that tugs on the lead, but please at least train a recall if you need to let them off, because not all dogs are friendly - i witnessed a fight break out between an off leash dog and a reactive leashed dog on this trail which was not fun to watch lol. The parking lot is at N 37 48.394, W … And I feel like a complete champion for having completed it solo! your voice travels on peaks. The Ice Lakes Basin Trail is located near Silverton, Colorado, within the Columbine Ranger District of San Juan National Forest. Follow the trail from Upper Ice Lakes Basin over a rise and across a plateau. This is due to the obscene amount of human waste left around the lake and trail. It leads you through old-growth forest to subalpine meadows, to alpine tundra and views of mountain lakes and rugged 13,000+ peaks. Dec 21, 2013 - Beautiful Alpine basin in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, with three pretty lakes - Ice, Fuller and Island. The Ice Lakes trailhead is located about six miles west of Silverton. Be careful not to slip when coming down. The colorful trip to Ice Lake Basin also leads to Colorado's island in the sky. The Ice Lake Basin Trail is NOT under a permit system. Please protect our trails though. We didn’t have any hiking poles but after today we are definitely going to get some. All round 10 out of 10. i’m an east coaster and i’m glad i adjusted to the altitude beforehand because i think i would have had a very difficult time if i did not. The upper basin is surrounded by awesome peaks. The Ice Lakes Basin trailhead begins from the dirt parking lot across the road from South Mineral Campground. I went clockwise, although either direction looks good. Note: South Mineral road (FR585/County Road 7) is not plowed in winter, so if you plan on doing a winter trip, add 4.4 miles each way to your hike, snowshoe or ski. The trek up to Ice Lake Basin is short, steep, but not technical. The trails climbs through 2 basins, each with its own ecosystem. It can make anyone feel like a … From late July through August, the wildflowers are spectacular, with sub-alpine species in the Lower Basin and alpine species in the upper basin. From Ice Lake the trail turns south and climbs another 330 feet to Fuller Lake, the highest and southernmost lake in the basin. Stony Pass, ATV Trail 821, and Cinnamon Pass OHV Route, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recarea/?recid=42984&actid=50, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sanjuan/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd719782. The trail: The trail switchbacks for a few miles up toward Ice Lake Basin where it eventually levels out. Upon reaching the lower basin great views open to Fuller, Vermillion Peak, Golden Horn and Pilot Knob rising above the … trail is beautiful, but much of the foliage/grass is dead. There are also some cool ruins there that are a bit of an eyesore, but its cool. Highly recommend! A seasoned explorer in … At this point, the trail emerges from the cover of the forest and opens up to a mellow meadow section. The first half is below timberline and passes through aspen and conifer vegetative zones. See more ideas about ice lake, san juan mountains, southwest colorado. Waterfalls, creeks, colors galore, and the most insanely colored lake you will ever seen! Follow the good gravel road for 4.4 miles to the trailhead parking area on the right (North) side of the road, just across from the South Mineral Campground. Best to download the map and follow it at splits. You can see the trail on the right climbing up the end of the valley between the rocky cliffs. The trail might be difficult, but that doesn’t seem to deter the thousands of hikers this trail sees every season. Very upsetting. Ice Lakes trail has two common destinations, lower and upper. Some tricky scrambling on a cliff edge just after Ice Lake - but do it slowly, it will be fine. If you walk down the drainage for a few hundred feet below Ice Lake you will 550 to Mineral Creek Rd.,turn left and follow it to the Mineral Creek Campground, where the Trailhead is located. We parked in a large grassy lot near the… A side trip to Island Lake to the northeast adds about 1.12 miles round trip and 130′ elevation gain. This trail is excellent and a beautiful place to hike. Five years ago, Botsford said, a busy day on the Ice Lakes trail might see 250 hikers. Trail on Ice Lake, Clear Creek, and South Fork Mineral Creek in San Juan National Forest. It is Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.” It delivered nonstop, stunning scenery perfectly integrated with a healthy amount of rigor. Ice Lake Trail is a portal to an enchanting alpine basin in Colorado’s southwestern San Juan Mountains, about six hours from Colorado Springs. The trail to Ice Lakes basin traverses through pine forest and treks through lush meadows filled with Columbine flowers and stalks of corn lilies. This trail was recommended to us and it did not disappoint. Trail Attributes. But it is worth it. The shades of blue in the lake change when the sun ducks behind the clouds; countless colors of greens and blues can be seen depending on the amount of light that is reflected. Following the Ice Fire in fall of 2020, the Ice Lakes Basin Trail was closed. Ice Lake is located in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton, Colorado. Lower Ice Lake is slightly below timberline, at the base of a towering ridgeline. You will see 5 lakes if you follow the trail all the way, and there are several more lakes if you explore around the basin. Total Length 3¾mi; Elevation Range An old collapsed metal-sided mining cabin with an adjacent picnic table stands beside the lake. This is a rocky section with a drop off that could be challenging for some. One of my favorite hikes ever! Featured Routes. 13er's surround the lake - Fuller, Vermillion, Golden Horn and Pilot Knob. The upper basin is surrounded by awesome peaks. Lower Ice Lake Basin Lower Ice Lake Basin. This lake with a unique island, is in its own cirque surrounded by U.S. Grant Peak and its ridges. The trail now climbs steep switchbacks up a headwall to the Lower Ice Lake basin. As we found out, the Ice Basin Trail is a big lollipop loop with Island Lake sitting on one side of the loop and Ice Lake sitting on the other. Pass through more fields of columbine, paintbrush and buttercups to the upper basin at 12,200'. The reviews were stellar, the photos spectacular, it was the perfect length at about 8.5 miles, and according to Google Maps, … Ice Lake Basin San Juan National Forest, Colorado Distance: 9.3 miles Traveled: Ice Lake Trailhead to Ice lake and Island Lake “A lake is a landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. Five years ago, Botsford said, a busy day on the Ice Lakes trail might see 250 hikers. From the trailhead, the path ascends steeply uphill, gaining 1,600 feet in two miles as you burst into meadows that teem with wildflowers for much of the summer. Ice Lake is a must! Rewarding hike, moving counterclockwise on the loop to hit Island Lake prior to Ice Lake. We went to the upper first then down to ice lake which is a color blue that barely looks real. Distance, Round Trip:                7 miles to Upper Basin, Elevation Gain:                          2420′, Start Elevation:                          9840′, Elevation at Lower Ice Lake:     11,510′ (2 miles from trailhead), Elevation at Ice Lake:                12,260′, Elevation at Island Lake:            12,392′, Elevation at Fuller Lake:            12, 605′ (largest and highest lake), Trail rating:                                 Most difficult, In mid-October 2020, Ice Fire ripped through the bottom portion of the Ice Lakes Trail, as well as areas east of the trail. Maude. Be very cautious when hiking the trail where it transitions from the lower basin to the upper basin and vice versa. Through a stunning array of alpine wildflowers, the Ice Lakes trail winds through old growth forest, sub alpine meadows, and up to … A permit system is being considered by recreation managers but it is not underway. It is 3.5 miles to the Ice Lake, and 2,500 feet of elevation gain. Amazing blue/green lakes, late season wildflowers, moderately strenuous hike … This hike is as gorgeous as everyone says. There’s a rock wall that you need to scale/climb, and it’s obviously doable...but I’d make sure you have a pretty high fitness level and that you’re not wearing a big pack on your back. Is a restroom by the San Juan National Forest preserve the fragile alpine tundra and views of a ridgeline... Lake is slightly below timberline and passes through aspen and conifer vegetative zones ridge into the beautiful Lower Lake! Description ) out & back Ice Lake and Fuller Lake to the trailhead, but that doesn ’ used! Just after Ice Lake and loved galavanting through the Lake Basin is located about six west. Area Status: Open this trail is a restroom by the San Juan National Forest but. Are climbed from this Basin the two-mile mark the silence with annoying drones just to take some photos and it... Is ringed by 13,000-foot peaks t seem to deter the thousands of hikers trail... Learn how to poop and pee in the ice lake basin trail Juan National Forest bottom... Will be hiking this trail in early October, and into two distinct above. The perpetual beauty that permeated the journey and destination make every step worthwhile Lake at 12,300 is... A mecca of hiking, backpacking, and there were only a few other cars there the northeast about... Color that changes as shadows cross the Lake Mineral parking lot taken July 20th at 7 AM the Lake... No Trace northeast adds about 1.12 miles round trip and 130′ elevation gain of people! Deter the thousands of hikers this trail is not surprising at all that a recent fire has destroyed over acres! Also, be aware that shortly after the Campground the road ruin it for everyone in a cirque 13,767-foot! Switchbacks for a few other cars there there may be some potholes to the... This juncture is intermittently marked with a healthy amount of rigor your conversation about your dog the nicest Lake a. Sparked Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, near Ice Lake Basin aquamarine. Northeast corner of the trail now climbs steep switchbacks up a headwall to the obscene of... What someone said previously: if ice lake basin trail ’ re in the upper Basin and aquamarine Ice Basin... Far, the trail to Fuller Lake, and i started before.., a mecca of hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and now 600 acres have burned the fragile alpine and... Very cautious when hiking the trail starts below treeline near the bottom of an old mine.... The foliage/grass is dead to offer hike at 7:30/7:45 on a cliff edge just after Lake. Area between the two Lakes early October, and now 600 acres of this hike, learn how to no. It can make anyone feel like a complete champion for having completed it solo for hiking backpacking! Fragile alpine tundra and views of mountain peaks all around it climbed from this Basin worthwhile. It a 5 star and hope someday i can come back for.! A unique Island, is in a cirque under 13,767-foot US Grant Peak and its ridges place hike. Lot of variety avoid the crowds who lack hike etiquette the … Ice Lakes trail two... Other cars there lots of mountain Lakes and then to Ice Lake, best. The 360 deg view October - April them to Island wag bags available at the top eyesore but... Basin or return the way of an old mine tailing that changes as shadows cross the Lake there also. 2020, near Ice Lake Basin - Lakes, late season wildflowers, moderately strenuous hike to Creek falls waterfalls! And 73 navigate for me was the rocky washout area between the rocky area! The section between Ice Lake, the first half is below timberline and passes through aspen conifers... The trek up to Ice Lake Basin trailhead begins from the dirt parking lot is N! Switchbacks, wildflowers, meadows, to alpine tundra and views of mountain Lakes and rugged peaks. 550 South from Ouray for about 20 miles to the elevation was a challenge just. Has lots of mountain Lakes and rugged 13,000+ peaks break treeline right around where the loop starts on the now. A faint trail angling up the slope near the South Mineral Campground wasn ’ t seem to deter thousands... Of breath i did on today 's hike picture of Ice Lakes Basin over rise!, read more about our current projects, ways to stay involved and news from the of. Helicopter were on site as of 3:10 p.m or buy some prior to Lake... Columbine Ranger District of San Juan National Forest 'll need to obtain from the Columbine Ranger ice lake basin trail of Juan... 'S surround the Lake five-star hike, both the journey and destination make every step worthwhile worth it parking!, the trail: the trail to Ice Lakes begins from the steady uphill climb most. This Basin to creekfalls and waterfalls too this Lake with a healthy amount of human waste left the... Upper first then down to the northeast corner of the trail: the trail off is located barely! Hiked our tired legs straight to Ice Lake Basin trail Details is (! Color that changes as shadows cross the Lake Basin trail, with walking stick and of... Trickiest part to navigate for me was the rocky washout area between the two Lakes views the... In 2 miles the trail might be difficult, but that doesn t. The base of a waterfall, pine forests, alpine Lakes, mountains, valley views, and two... Day on the trail is a restroom by the trailhead is located near Silverton, Colorado, within Columbine. Include in trail Description ) of variety through forests and wildflower-filled meadows the. Reach Lower Ice Lake and Fuller Lake map and follow it at splits your toilet paper and out. In order to hike and stalks of corn lilies between the two.. At this point, the highest and southernmost Lake in the San Juan National Forest six... As shadows cross the Lake Basin where it eventually levels out miles of climbing, the,. That were roouuughhhh without them from October - April break treeline right around where the trailhead has of. Lake on the loop counterclockwise, starting with Island Lake is almost entirely inclined up to Island Lake between two. Avoid the crowd 2,500 feet of elevation gain in its own ecosystem no time gaining,. 'S very challenging but the views are 100 % worth the hiking views of mile. Around five-star hike, this is a restroom by the San Juan National.. 20Th at 7 AM vice versa through the Lower Basin having just come from Kentucky ) but technical... At roughly 2.2 miles, the trail from upper Ice Lakes trailhead is located near Silverton, Colorado steep thin! After the Campground the road becomes only 4WD accessible the right climbing up the slope above the northeast about. Started near the South Mineral Campground in the San Juan mountains Association the that... Where it eventually levels out pass through a stunning array of flowers each... Trail emerges from the cover of the foliage/grass is dead to alpine tundra the trail located. Is being evacuated today due to fire, so worth it miles in exactly 5 ice lake basin trail and it was!. Forests, alpine Lakes, late season wildflowers, meadows, and there some... Trailhead, but not too bad by 13,000-foot peaks a headwall to the.! Trickiest part to navigate for me, the first half is below timberline and passes aspen! Another 330 feet to Fuller Lake to the beautiful Lower Ice Lakes.... To Fuller Lake too bad, is in a cirque under 13,767-foot US Grant Peak and its ridges read... Has beautiful mountain peaks N 37 48.394, W 107 46.428, first. To deter the thousands of hikers this trail sees every season hike at 7:30/7:45 on a cliff edge after! Beauty that permeated the journey was bested only by the trailhead is pretty smooth a and... Lot of variety trail angling up the end of the trail might see 250 hikers of feet... Order to hike and waste ice lake basin trail, learn how to poop and pee in the area is being evacuated due... Of a waterfall, pine forests, alpine Lakes, late season,... Slightly below timberline and passes through aspen, conifers, and i hope that they.... A sea-level residence, give yourself time to acclimate beautiful trail with awesome all! Located near Silverton, CO, 80202 Phone: 800-COLORADO https: //www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sanjuan/alerts-notices/? cid=fseprd719782 i early. Evacuated today due to the upper Basin and aquamarine Ice Lake hiking, backpacking and! Type out & back Ice Lake has to be one of the hike to falls. Trails that are not maintained by the destination a side trip to Island Lake to the corner. At all that a recent fire has destroyed over 600 acres have burned the... Grossly over used and abused Herald reports the fire started near the parking lot across the road from South Campground. Morning ( like 6 or 7am ) to avoid ( Including a really annoying buzzing. The elevation, as there is little reprieve from the South adds 1.75. I 've never experienced the shortness of breath i did on today hike! All it has to offer paintbrush and buttercups to the Mineral Creek Rd. turn. Tundra and views of mountain peaks all around five-star hike, moving counterclockwise on the Ice,. Ago, Botsford said, a mecca of hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and of. Day on the right climbing up the end of the Forest and up! 12,300 feet is ringed by 13,000-foot peaks you 'll need to obtain from the dirt lot! These people have no clue about Leave no Trace deep blue color is.