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. Columbine Ranger District 367 Pearl Street P.O. Island Lake surely got its name from the flat-topped rock that is visible whenever water levels ebb. Camp at South Mineral Campground. Hike into the Holy Cross and Mount Massive wilderness areas, or on the Colorado … Camping away from the shores of Ice Lake is just one of the many ways you can protect this gorgeous, yet fragile area. padding: 5px; Matching unparalleled scenery with relative easy access make this 3-day backpacking excursion a perfect trip for families, or those new to wilderness travel. Box 310 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 (970) 264-2268. 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. When you choose to yield to others, look for a good rocky surface just off the trail to step off. Durango, CO 81301 (970) 247-4874. Multiple airline options exist, and most connections originate from Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas. A short drive from Denver and Colorado Springs, we welcome all visitors looking for a … 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. 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. 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 … 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. The lower Ice Lake Basin is clearly separated from the upper basin by a massive 400-ft granite wall. The explosive display captivates many viewers during this short summer spectacle. pack up to 7 miles a day, endurance is key. Dolores Ranger District 29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323 (970) 882-7296. box-sizing: border-box; Aaron Hussmann. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Cardiovascular activities such as running, swimming, and cycling are great to build heart and lung endurance. Camping amid this juxtaposition is simply an incredible experience. All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver and agree to our. For the more adventurous we’ll make a summit attempt of 13,780-foot Golden Horn – a non-technical Class 2 walkup mountain peak. When backpacking in the region, a few simple steps can go a long way toward protecting this fragile land. This hike is as gorgeous as everyone says. Pagosa Ranger District 180 Pagosa Street P.O. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and backpacking and is best used from April until September. 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. 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 not much to burn up at 12,000 feet, and yet some folks still find a way. When you’re all set, pack out your toilet paper in a ziplock bag. The mountains are so majestic that they absolutely blow your mind and the endless greenery is … As a general guideline, hikers huffing and puffing uphill have the right of way. 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. 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. May Queen is the only campground at the west end of Turquoise Lake, at about 10,000 feet. 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. 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. The wildflowers that grace the lower Ice Lake Basin are the tallest, and among the most densely packed we have ever seen in Colorado. "Ice Lake, Colorado" by snowpeak is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Perfect for dayhikers and backpackers alike, this 7.6-mile out-and-back in the San Juans features alpine tarns, waterfalls, and … If you are seeking the best of what the San Juan Mountains have to offer, do not let this trip slip off your list. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. Take the initiative to learn more about Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics and pass the knowledge on to friends, family, and other hikers. Rising early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, we’ll have two choices of day hikes. img.sc_image_wrap { 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. Live like a Denver local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. June 2012. Backpacking Ice Lakes Basin: Big Views, Low Impact. There's also a campground to make a long weekend of it. It is an absolutely amazing sight! Yet the lack of nutrients and short growing season at this elevation mean those campfire scars will likely be around for years. 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. is_redirect && ! During winter months, the fun continues with ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. In Ice Lakes Basin, the soil below the alpine tundra is so rocky and firm that waste disposal can be tricky. 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. 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, …