Mar 14, 2018 - Note: As of October 20, 2020, this trail is currently CLOSED as Ice Fire Starts Near Ice Lakes Trailhead. Amazing views, the lakes are beautiful colors! Absolutely stunning hike. Took us about 8 hours to complete the hike. But worth the hike to get to see the blue lake. Awesome trail! We clocked 4.4 miles to island lake - about 3/4 of a mile more from ice lake to island lake and not nearly as many people. Head to Silverton over Red Mountain Pass, before you reach the town, there is a turn off for South Mineral Campground. A great choice is crossing the outflow stream from Ice Lake - there are several places to cross and an obvious trail heading back out of the basin to the left of where you entered - follow this path up another 250' and .5 mile to a smaller basin and the beautiful Island Lake at 12,400'. You need a jacket once you make it to the lakes, as there is some wind-chill if you're not moving around. Few people on weekdays. Two Delta County men died when they drove a 15,000 pound snowcat onto a frozen lake and the machine plunged through the ice into the frigid water. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Without snow present, you can gain this bench on mostly tundra. Go RIGHT where the trailhead first splits off (there is no sign) as it is the best way to go (so you are heading to Island lake). I will pay a reward if found and returned with memory card. Trail Description: The hike to Ice Lakes begins from the South Mineral Campground in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton, Colorado. From the Ice Lakes basin Trailhead, this 8 mile round trip trail with 3000 feet of elevation gain will bring you to the Ice Lakes Basin with an abundance of beautiful lakes, especially Island Lake and Ice Lake. Distance: 8.1 miles Elevation: 3,093 feet Difficulty: Difficult The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and fishing. There were tons of people coming down but after awhile it seemed like we almost had the area to ourselves. Also make sure you have sunglasses and layers. While there is little reprieve from the steady uphill nature of this hike, both the journey and destination make every step worthwhile. Probably about half with masks. Distance: 7 miles out and back Difficulty: Challenging Elevation Gain: 2,562 Ft Time: 5 hours. I’m guessing we spent a solid 20-30 minutes waiting on the side of the trail for those coming up to pass. Tucked away in the San Juan National Forest, Island Lake is one of four bright blue lakes that hikers trek to in the Upper Ice Lake Basin. Hike to the west end of Island Lake on the south side. Hope to do it again someday. High in the mountains of southwest Colorado sit a pair of alpine lakes. Did this hike on Saturday 9/26. For all the lakes, the green or blue waters make a striking contrast with the grey-red rocks of the enclosing peaks, and the pure white of residual snow. It’s a little rocky and may be crouching down to get to the next foot hold but it’s lasts less than 5 minutes. The hike up to Ice Lake and Island Lake in Colorado's San Juan Mountains is truly an amazing one. We finished around 730 pm. Directions: Hiked this trail on Monday 09/21/2020 and lost my DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone. While there is little reprieve from the steady uphill nature of this hike, both the journey and destination make every step worthwhile. Very few snow patches. Must do this hike! This past February, two men died in an accident when the 15,000-pound Sno-Cat they were driving on a frozen Island Lake crashed through the ice. Waterfalls, creeks, colors galore, and the most insanely colored lake you will ever seen! Bring lots of water and snacks, it is uphill the whole way! 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