This practice has resulted in the formation of a second trail: one beautifully constructed path with water bars and stairs, and another user-created, parallel trail crumbling and eroding downhill as more and more hikers turn the route into two-way traffic. 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. Columbine Ranger District 367 Pearl Street P.O. Turn left on County Road 7 (signed for the South Mineral Campground) and … When you choose to yield to others, look for a good rocky surface just off the trail to step off. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. May Queen is the only campground at the west end of Turquoise Lake, at about 10,000 feet. Description: Ice Lakes Basin is at the headwaters of Mineral Creek outside of Silverton, Colorado. If you like staying up late around a source of light, bring small packable LED lights or a compact lantern. If you have younger children and are looking to give them a great introduction to multi-day backpacking in a wilderness setting then this is the trip you’ve been looking for! You can even learn how to use one of these bags from the folks at the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. If you’ve enjoyed your visit to Ice Lakes Basin and want to take the next step in protecting this beautiful destination, consider volunteering for or giving to the San Juan Mountains Association. We’ll be back to Durango or Ouray by mid-afternoon with plenty of time to catch a shower and enjoy a celebratory dinner! Dogs are also able to use this trail. Buckhorn Limousine offers a shuttle as well. The Grand Lake entrance on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park and about 10 miles of U.S. 34 from the gate north to the Colorado River trailhead have … border: 1px solid #e7e7e7; Durango, CO 81301 (970) 247-4874. 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. You have the option to either call our office and register via phone, fill out our pdf Registration Form and send it in via fax or email, or utilize our secure Online Reservation System. Hands down the easiest way to ruin your outdoor adventure is to encounter the wadded up remnants of someone else’s toilet paper. This is also an alternate summit day in case of poor weather. All 26 sites are first-come, first-served, so it is recommended to come early or before the weekend Because it’s virtually impossible to avoid camping on the tundra, backpackers staying longer than one night should think about moving their tent each night to let the vegetation underneath recover. The fire area includes the Ice Lakes Trail and the Clear Lake Road. Finally, a place to launch your motor boat! The lack of any vegetation taller than about three inches means wide, panoramic views in every direction you look. The signed trail departs from the west end of the trailhead parking lot, located across from the South Mineral Campground (see driving directions below). It is a common practice for hikers to step off trail to avoid seasonal mud. It is breathtaking. 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. Where: Turquoise Lake is two hours west of Denver near Leadville. Take the initiative to learn more about Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics and pass the knowledge on to friends, family, and other hikers. The hike at times was a little daunting, but the reward of seeing Ice Lake made it worth it. Bulging, rounded, rock walls are streaked with lines of black and grey, delineating the upper and lower portions of the basin. Just take I-70 west till you hit Copper Mountain then follow Colorado 91 till you hit Leadville. There are lots of options here - left and 300' higher in another .75 miles is Fuller Lake. South Mineral Campground, named after South Mineral Creek, is a small, 26-site campground surrounded by beautiful mountains, creeks and waterfalls in Colorado's San Juan Mountains. The wildflowers that grace the lower Ice Lake Basin are the tallest, and among the most densely packed we have ever seen in Colorado. Length 8.2 miElevation gain 2798 ftRoute type Out & back Camping amid this juxtaposition is simply an incredible experience. 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. There’s not much to burn up at 12,000 feet, and yet some folks still find a way. 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. Here you get to sleep in the trees and dream about the turquoise lakes that await you, all from the comfort of your tent, hammock, or RV. Set up your camp at least 200 feet (70 large steps) away from water to prevent erosion into Ice Lake’s crystal waters. Ice Lakes. margin: 5px 10px; Dolores Ranger District 29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323 (970) 882-7296. Boats of all varieties, sail to pontoon, are allowed in these spacious waters. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. This nice (but busy) campground is ideal and acts as a gateway for anyone looking to hike the Ice Lakes Basin Trail. 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 … The mountains are so majestic that they absolutely blow your mind and the endless greenery is … Multiple airline options exist, and most connections originate from Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas. City of Ouray – Ouray Ice Park. A mecca for climbing, hiking, cycling, and foodies; make sure you plan to spend some time in town before and after your SJMG trip. If you do manage to dig a cathole, be sure you are 200 feet (approximately 70-80 large steps) away from any water sources and that your hole is 6-8 inches deep. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. A short drive from Denver and Colorado Springs, we welcome all visitors looking for a … On your next backpacking trip to Ice Lake, consider ditching the campfire in exchange for a small camp stove. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and backpacking and is best used from April until September. 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, … Ice Lakes Basin Backpacking Itinerary. Why Hike Ice Lakes. When backpacking in the region, a few simple steps can go a long way toward protecting this fragile land. The trail to Ice Lakes basin traverses through pine forest and treks through lush meadows filled with Columbine flowers and stalks of corn lilies. Gushing white streams of snowmelt flow through fields of lush alpine tundra and wildflowers, spilling into lakes so blue and irridescent they seem like a dream. © 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 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. This place, it’s absolutely unreal and surreal. © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. Boating. Cactus to Clouds: The Hardest Hike in America. San Juan Mountain Guides LLC provides services and employment opportunities regardless of an individual’s ethnic or cultural heritage, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or physical handicap. rexerHotels: Durango has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. As a general guideline, hikers huffing and puffing uphill have the right of way. 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. Hike into the Holy Cross and Mount Massive wilderness areas, or on the Colorado … Whether you prefer to hike, snowshoe, or Nordic ski, exploring Telluride’s trails is the perfect way to enjoy a day off the slopes. Ouray, CO 81427. Just shy of 9 miles in exactly 5 hours and it was stunning! Note that the hiking trail to Ice Lake and Island Lake is not very well marked. 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. 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. Give our office a call at 800-642-5389 if you have any questions about what would suite you best for this trip! The explosive display captivates many viewers during this short summer spectacle. Photo: Ice Lake, San Juan Mountains, Colorado. Island Lake surely got its name from the flat-topped rock that is visible whenever water levels ebb. 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. Rising early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, we’ll have two choices of day hikes. 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. }. A leisurely morning allows us to pack our camp and head back down to the South Mineral Creek Trailhead at a reasonable pace. Pagosa Ranger District 180 Pagosa Street P.O. Camping away from the shores of Ice Lake is just one of the many ways you can protect this gorgeous, yet fragile area. The head of the South Mineral Valley is the starting point for Ice Lake, one of the premier hikes in the San Juan Mountains. 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. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 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. Ice Lakes Basin is located near Silverton, CO, a mecca of hiking, backpacking, and camping! Cascading waterfalls, brilliant wildflower displays and turquoise lakes permeate the landscape of Ice Lakes Basin. All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver and agree to our. We started our hike at 7:30/7:45 on a weekday morning and there were only a few other cars there. In the morning starting from Durango or Ouray we’ll drive to the beginning of our hike from the South Mineral Creek Trailhead. There's also a campground to make a long weekend of it. Campgrounds… As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. 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. While there is little reprieve from the steady uphill nature of this hike, both the journey and destination make every step worthwhile. Similar to how most house parties result in a crowded kitchen, our camp kitchens also receive the most use. … Box 439 Bayfield, CO 81122 (970) 884-2512. In the morning starting from Durango or Ouray we’ll drive to the beginning of our hike from the South Mineral Creek Trailhead. A backpacking trip to this unique destination is sure to be the experience of a lifetime. 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. The water in Ice Lake is some of the bluest I've ever seen! 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! Below are just a few options catering to different lodging styles and preferences. Set up your kitchen area on durable rocks rather than on tundra vegetation. img.sc_image_wrap { Part of the allure of Ice Lakes Basin is its rugged sparseness. rexerFlights: The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Durango – La Plata County Airport. 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. Also, if you are looking for camping in the area, South Mineral Campground is nearby and an excellent choice for longer stays in this section of the San Juan Mountains. The trek up to Ice Lake Basin is short, steep, but not technical. Through a stunning array of alpine wildflowers, the Ice Lakes trail winds through old growth forest, sub alpine meadows, and up to alpine tundra. The airport is a 20 minute drive from our office. Visitors to Ice Lakes can help prevent this scarring of the landscape and stop this erosion by taking the time to stop and yield. June 2012. During winter months, the fun continues with ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. 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 Box 310 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 (970) 264-2268. 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. A boat ramp is located by the main parking lot. Live like a Denver local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. In order to successfully carry a 35 lb. This hike is as gorgeous as everyone says. 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. The upper and lower Ice Lake Basins differ greatly from one another and make for contrasting ecosystems. Perhaps one of the most breathtaking aspects of visiting Ice Lakes Basin is the stark contrast between the cobalt blue waters of Ice Lake and the brilliant green of the alpine tundra blanketing the hillsides. It is an absolutely amazing sight! 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. This majestic landscape could easily be one of the most scenic in Colorado. Hiking the Ice Lakes Trail. The lower Ice Lake Basin is clearly separated from the upper basin by a massive 400-ft granite wall. The trail offers a number of activity options. All the pictures I had seen of the basin were spectacular, and one of the reasons why I wanted to head to Colorado in the first place. Aaron Hussmann. You’ll pass through aspen, conifers, and into two distinct basins above the … 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. 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. After hiking Mt. From camping to fishing, swimming and canoeing, mountain biking and hiking- it’s all possible. For the more adventurous we’ll make a summit attempt of 13,780-foot Golden Horn – a non-technical Class 2 walkup mountain peak. Perched high in the San Juan Mountains, Silverton, Colorado RV Parks enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery you'll find anywhere. pack up to 7 miles a day, endurance is key. San Juan Mountain Guides Many hotels offer a free shuttle pickup. In Ice Lakes Basin, the soil below the alpine tundra is so rocky and firm that waste disposal can be tricky. When you’re all set, pack out your toilet paper in a ziplock bag. Take a map and compass or a GPS unit to help you stay on track. padding: 5px; 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 … Day 1. 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 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. 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. The water is such a deep blue and when the wind blows the water changes to show more shades of blue. rexerDriving: Below are some approximate driving times if you’d like to drive to Durango. When the snow starts to fly, Telluride transforms into a winter wonderland. Authorized Concessionaire in Rocky Mountain National Park. Matching unparalleled scenery with relative easy access make this 3-day backpacking excursion a perfect trip for families, or those new to wilderness travel. is_redirect && ! box-sizing: border-box; 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. 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