Hiking the Ice Lakes Trail. If you are seeking the best of what the San Juan Mountains have to offer, do not let this trip slip off your list. 13er's surround the lake - Fuller, Vermillion, Golden Horn and Pilot Knob. San Juan Mountain Guides These easy-to-use bags prevent the harmful contaminants in our waste from polluting Ice Lakes Basin and sure beat bursting into a sweat trying to carve a cathole out of the rocky terrain. Live like a Denver local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. For those who desire a bit less challenge, we’ll traverse up to Island Lake Basin, a beautiful mountain lake situated under the shadow of Ulysses S. Grant Peak. You can even learn how to use one of these bags from the folks at the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Bulging, rounded, rock walls are streaked with lines of black and grey, delineating the upper and lower portions of the basin. Golden Horn (13,769 ft.) reflection in Ice Lake on a gorgeous calm bluebird October morning after a two-day storm - the second snowfall of the season. Easy access to the trailhead and seamless logistics simplify the details and offers a less committing introduction to wilderness travel for families or those who’ve never backpacked previously. The water in Ice Lake is some of the bluest I've ever seen! A mecca for climbing, hiking, cycling, and foodies; make sure you plan to spend some time in town before and after your SJMG trip. Camp at South Mineral Campground. Box 310 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 (970) 264-2268. Day 1. This majestic landscape could easily be one of the most scenic in Colorado. While there is little reprieve from the steady uphill nature of this hike, both the journey and destination make every step worthwhile. Cactus to Clouds: The Hardest Hike in America. In the morning starting from Durango or Ouray we’ll drive to the beginning of our hike from the South Mineral Creek Trailhead. box-sizing: border-box; Durango is located in the SW corner of Colorado, at the intersection of the sandstone towers of the desert, and the jagged, San Juan Mountains. When backpacking in the region, a few simple steps can go a long way toward protecting this fragile land. A boat ramp is located by the main parking lot. As a general guideline, hikers huffing and puffing uphill have the right of way. 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, … Ouray, CO 81427. Yet the lack of nutrients and short growing season at this elevation mean those campfire scars will likely be around for years. 710 Main Street Matching unparalleled scenery with relative easy access make this 3-day backpacking excursion a perfect trip for families, or those new to wilderness travel. Description: Ice Lakes Basin is at the headwaters of Mineral Creek outside of Silverton, Colorado. From camping to fishing, swimming and canoeing, mountain biking and hiking- it’s all possible. On your next backpacking trip to Ice Lake, consider ditching the campfire in exchange for a small camp stove. Why Hike Ice Lakes. is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_13').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_13').addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_13').removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function() { /* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome */ jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gform_wrapper_13').offset().top - mt); }, 50 );if(window['gformInitDatepicker']) {gformInitDatepicker();}if(window['gformInitPriceFields']) {gformInitPriceFields();}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_13').val();gformInitSpinner( 13, 'https://mtnguide.net/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner.gif' );jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [13, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_13'] = false;}else if(!is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}setTimeout(function(){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_13').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gf_13').offset().top - mt);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [13]);window['gf_submitting_13'] = false;}, 50);}else{jQuery('#gform_13').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) {gformRedirect();}}jQuery(document).trigger('gform_post_render', [13, current_page]);} );} ); jQuery(document).bind('gform_post_render', function(event, formId, currentPage){if(formId == 13) {} } );jQuery(document).bind('gform_post_conditional_logic', function(event, formId, fields, isInit){} ); jQuery(document).ready(function(){jQuery(document).trigger('gform_post_render', [13, 1]) } ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Boats of all varieties, sail to pontoon, are allowed in these spacious waters. Take the initiative to learn more about Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics and pass the knowledge on to friends, family, and other hikers. margin: 5px 10px; When the snow starts to fly, Telluride transforms into a winter wonderland. When you’re all set, pack out your toilet paper in a ziplock bag. This nice (but busy) campground is ideal and acts as a gateway for anyone looking to hike the Ice Lakes Basin Trail. We started our hike at 7:30/7:45 on a weekday morning and there were only a few other cars there. For the more adventurous we’ll make a summit attempt of 13,780-foot Golden Horn – a non-technical Class 2 walkup mountain peak. The trail offers a number of activity options. Overnight backpackers can help protect the vibrant landscape and crystal clear waters of Ice Lake by choosing to use and pack out a human waste disposal bag like the GoAnywhere, Restop, or Biffy Bag. The sheer, stunning beauty of Ice Lake lures day hikers, trail runners, and backpackers to tackle the 5-6 mile roundtrip hike up a heart-pounding, thigh-burning 2,420 feet of elevation gain. Accessing Ruedi Reservoir is easy thanks to Colorado 82 Frying Pan Road and two boat ramps. Operating under special use permit in the San Juan National Forest and the Grand Mesa/Uncompahgre National Forest – Shoshone National Forest – Denali National Park – Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Indian Creek BLM – Moab BLM. Set in a verdant alpine bowl at 12,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado is the awe-inspiring Ice Lakes Basin. Cascading waterfalls, brilliant wildflower displays and turquoise lakes permeate the landscape of Ice Lakes Basin. As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. After hiking Mt. Columbine Ranger District 367 Pearl Street P.O. The signed trail departs from the west end of the trailhead parking lot, located across from the South Mineral Campground (see driving directions below). The upper basin is comprised of small tarns (mountain lakes), smooth granite domes, miles of alpine tundra and wildflowers and of course four magnificent peaks – Fuller Peak, Vermillion Peak, Golden Horn and Pilot Knob. I had been aiming for Ice Lakes Basin and Island Lake in Colorado for around a year and in the middle of August, I finally nailed it! The Ice Lakes Basin Trail is located near Silverton, Colorado, within the Columbine Ranger District of San Juan National Forest.The Ice Lakes Basin trailhead begins from the dirt parking lot across the road from South Mineral Campground.The parking lot is at N 37 48.394, W … But with its increase in popularity over recent years, the staff and volunteers at the San Juan Mountains Association and San Juan National Forest who manage the land and maintain the trails need your help to protect this gem while you enjoy it. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver and agree to our. Camping away from the shores of Ice Lake is just one of the many ways you can protect this gorgeous, yet fragile area. Ice Lakes. The east end of the lake hosts the majority of campgrounds, while the west end of the lake hosts the popular May Queen Campground near the Timberline Lake … In order to successfully carry a 35 lb. Today’s backpack into Ice Lakes Basin and our base camp is not terribly long at under 4 miles, but is steep enough that we’ll want an early start. Island Lake surely got its name from the flat-topped rock that is visible whenever water levels ebb. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. A visit to the pristine shores of Ice Lake can be repeated for years to come by following these simple tips on your next backpacking adventure in the Colorado tundra. Boating. pack up to 7 miles a day, endurance is key. padding: 5px; Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Ice Lakes Basin Backpacking Itinerary. Rising early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, we’ll have two choices of day hikes. The hike at times was a little daunting, but the reward of seeing Ice Lake made it worth it. The head of the South Mineral Valley is the starting point for Ice Lake, one of the premier hikes in the San Juan Mountains. Length 8.2 miElevation gain 2798 ftRoute type Out & back jQuery(document).ready(function($){gformInitSpinner( 13, 'https://mtnguide.net/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner.gif' );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_13').on('load',function(){var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_13');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_13').length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.indexOf('gformRedirect(){') >= 0;var is_form = form_content.length > 0 && ! The fire area includes the Ice Lakes Trail and the Clear Lake Road. June 2012. The wildflowers that grace the lower Ice Lake Basin are the tallest, and among the most densely packed we have ever seen in Colorado. You’ll pass through aspen, conifers, and into two distinct basins above the … A leisurely morning allows us to pack our camp and head back down to the South Mineral Creek Trailhead at a reasonable pace. The water is such a deep blue and when the wind blows the water changes to show more shades of blue. Many hotels offer a free shuttle pickup. Part of the allure of Ice Lakes Basin is its rugged sparseness. 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. border: 1px solid #e7e7e7; There's also a campground to make a long weekend of it. Taking day hikes with your loaded backpack at a local park will help train your legs for the mileage you will do in the mountains. Below are just a few options catering to different lodging styles and preferences. The alpine tundra covering Ice Lakes basin provides a healthy diet for the local wildlife, locks nutrients in place so that stunning wildflowers can bloom, and provides the picturesque beauty the region is renowned for. img.sc_image_wrap { rexerHotels: Durango has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. Through a stunning array of alpine wildflowers, the Ice Lakes trail winds through old growth forest, sub alpine meadows, and up to alpine tundra. Our San Juan National Forest hidden gem is Island Lake, which is one of four amazingly incandescent bodies of glacial water (Ice, Clear and Fuller lakes are the other three) that can be found in the Upper Ice Lake Basin near the town of Silverton. It is breathtaking. Camping amid this juxtaposition is simply an incredible experience. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and backpacking and is best used from April until September. Just shy of 9 miles in exactly 5 hours and it was stunning! Campgrounds… Ice Lakes Basin is located near Silverton, CO, a mecca of hiking, backpacking, and camping! This hike is as gorgeous as everyone says. The trail to Ice Lakes basin traverses through pine forest and treks through lush meadows filled with Columbine flowers and stalks of corn lilies. © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. © 2019 San Juan Mountain Guides • All Rights Reserved | Website by, Peru: Chopicalqui and Yanapaccha Expedition, Nepal: Ama Dablam and Kyajo Ri Expedition, Hotel costs before, during, or after the trips, 5% land use surcharge, trip cancellation insurance, Advance Registration is required for this program. A backpacking trip to this unique destination is sure to be the experience of a lifetime. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. Authorized Concessionaire in Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you prefer to hike, snowshoe, or Nordic ski, exploring Telluride’s trails is the perfect way to enjoy a day off the slopes. Note that the hiking trail to Ice Lake and Island Lake is not very well marked. The lack of any vegetation taller than about three inches means wide, panoramic views in every direction you look. The mountains are so majestic that they absolutely blow your mind and the endless greenery is … Follow the trail across a flatter approach to Ice Lake and marvel at the deep blue-green color that changes as shadows cross the lake. Dogs are also able to use this trail. There’s not much to burn up at 12,000 feet, and yet some folks still find a way. Dolores Ranger District 29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323 (970) 882-7296. If you like staying up late around a source of light, bring small packable LED lights or a compact lantern. In Ice Lakes Basin, the soil below the alpine tundra is so rocky and firm that waste disposal can be tricky. We are in good shape and are fairly experienced hikers, so we chose to do the trail up to Ice Lake, then went over to Island Lake (a little sketchy in one part), and looped back around and down. }. Multiple airline options exist, and most connections originate from Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas. Give our office a call at 800-642-5389 if you have any questions about what would suite you best for this trip! Set up your kitchen area on durable rocks rather than on tundra vegetation. Where: Turquoise Lake is two hours west of Denver near Leadville. The explosive display captivates many viewers during this short summer spectacle. Buckhorn Limousine offers a shuttle as well. Photo: Ice Lake, San Juan Mountains, Colorado. Ice Lakes Trail [CLOSED] is a 8.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Silverton, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Durango, CO 81301 (970) 247-4874. A good mixture of cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, and especially core strength will help you to maximize the potential rewards that are possible on a great trip. SAN JUAN COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) – Restrictions on all forms of recreation in the South Mineral Canyon area, including the uber-popular Ice Lakes Trail, … 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. Hands down the easiest way to ruin your outdoor adventure is to encounter the wadded up remnants of someone else’s toilet paper. So, when you’re scanning the landscape of green hills, the darkened spots of campfire rings look like unsightly pockmarks, an intrusion into the serenity of the basin. Hike into the Holy Cross and Mount Massive wilderness areas, or on the Colorado … Turn left on County Road 7 (signed for the South Mineral Campground) and … Sneffels on the previous day, we headed up for a night at Ice Lake Basin, near where we had begun the trip at Clear Lake a week before. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. Box 439 Bayfield, CO 81122 (970) 884-2512. If you plan on renting a car, please consider the winter weather when selecting your vehicle and at a minimum choose something that offers either front wheel or all-wheel drive. The peaks that stand guard here top out over 13,000’, many of them featuring distinct, craggy formations such as the shattered spine of Pilot Knob (13,744’), the crooked spire of Golden Horn (13,780’), and the notched ramp up Vermillion Peak (13,894’). Driving times if you ’ re all set, pack out your toilet.! 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