Detailed Info. Stay on the trail to Ice Lake at 3.1 miles, elevation 12,280 feet. Ice Lake Basin. The upper half of the trail switchbacks up a cliff and then levels out when it reaches the basin. Photos of Ice Lake Basin [CLOSED] Ice Lake Basin [CLOSED] 1246 Reviews. Continue on a secondary trail toward Fuller Lake. The tundra is a fragile place, so set up your tent in an established place to protect the area. Lower Camp Location by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr. Sneffels, so I figured a quick day hike was good. Trail Guide: Ice Lake Basin, Colorado Trail Details: Ice Lake Basin. Which is about 360 miles and takes about 6.5 hours. Peaks: US Grant Peak, Vermilion Peak, Golden Horn, Fuller Peak (sorted/filed as Usgrant, Vermilion, Goldenhorn, Fuller) ; Place: Colorado Difficulty: rope and rappel gear, class 2, class 3, class 4, helmet . Ice Lake Basin. It was the last group of trees in the lower basin before the trail climbed steeply to the upper basin. Lower Ice Lake is slightly below timberline, at the base of a towering ridgeline. More drone practice. I climbed Vermillion Peak and I fished Fuller Lake. It is one of 637 Colorado peaks above 13,000 feet. Ophir 7 1/2" Directions are not available at this time. There is an excellent Ice Lake Trail (great for trail running) starting from the campground, which gradually leads into the lower Ice Lake Basin, and then reaches Ice Lake. Following the trail into Lower Ice Lake Basin. I originally wanted to backpack here, but I was quite sore from backpacking Blue Lakes and summiting Mt. I setup my camp in that group of trees in the background. The trail starts below treeline near the South Mineral Campground at an elevation of ~9,800 feet. Trail to the Ice Lake and along the lake 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. Credit: Will Swope | KUSA. 699 Reviews . Million Dollar Highway. Camping: There is paid camping nest to the Ice Lake Basin Trailhead at the South Mineral Campground. This basin is surrounded on 3 sides by sheer rock walls with multiple waterfalls draining the upper basins - there are several pleasant stream crossings while traversing the basin. Ice Lake Basin Falls is the Unofficial name of this waterfall.. Forest Rangers do recommend camping in the lower Ice Lake Basin to help preserve the tundra in the Upper Ice Lake Basin. 14-16 Aug 2004 - by Mary Gilbert. The lower Ice Lake Basin is clearly separated from the upper basin by a massive 400-ft granite wall. Once you reach the lower basin, the fields open and while the hike gets harder, it’s easier because you can see all the wonderful views! The trek up to Ice Lake Basin is short, steep, but not technical. How long does the hike around the Ice Lake Basin take? Ice Lakes Trail. Backpacking Ice Lake Basin is in another class in terms of beauty, difficulty, and pure determination required to reach it. The trail is a short drive south from the town of Ouray with a small parking lot at the base. The upper and lower Ice Lake Basins differ greatly from one another and make for contrasting ecosystems. While there is little reprieve from the steady uphill nature of this hike, both the journey and destination make every step worthwhile. Port basin with entering ferry and ice floes in the evening light, Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance, Bodenseekreis district California, Sierra Nevada Mountains, Hoover Wilderness area in Inyo National Forest, Twenty Lakes Basin, A small stream cuts through an ice cave near Conness Glacier. I almost didn’t make it, but as I was so close, I figured I should knock it out. With 35+ pounds on your back, and every step taking you higher and higher, it’s truly a spot for serious adventurers. No permit required. Looking back to Ice Lake basin, Ice Lake is hidden behind the ridge at the bottom. Backpacked into Ice Lake Basin for 3 days. Dec 21, 2013 - Beautiful Alpine basin in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, with three pretty lakes - Ice, Fuller and Island. Follow the well groomed Ice Lake Trail all the way to the Upper Basin. The Ice Lake trail head is located right next to the South Mineral Campground in the San Juan National Forest. The Hike. History and Naming. No detailed information is currently available. The alpine wonderland around the lake invites exploration, with routes heading toward Island Lake, Fuller Lake and beyond. We did not make it to Island Lake but I heard Ice Lake is the real eye catcher. [Backpacking] Ice Lake Basin Southern Colorado has been on my “wish list” of trips for a long time now, and I decided that it was finally time for Ryan and I to make it happen! Hiking Ice Lakes Basin with Kids – Ice Lake and Island Lake Loop in Colorado This past weekend we spent time in the San Juan Mountains skiing—a much different experience than in the summer. 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 … The alpine vegetation in the Upper Basin is fragile and easily damaged by tents. The wildflowers that grace the lower Ice Lake Basin are the tallest, and among the most densely packed we have ever seen in Colorado. Localities in the Area. Report inappropriate content . An air attack and type-2 helicopter were on site as of 3:10 p.m. Climb northwest to the Vermilion-Golden Horn saddle and then northeast to the peak. It is 3.5 miles to the Ice Lake, and 2,500 feet of elevation gain. Ascend onto the bench north of the lake and utilize it to gain the Fuller/Vermilion/Golden Horn basin. Switchbacks, wildflowers, meadows, and more, read more about this absolutely essential trail and all it has to offer. A steep climb to the upper basin leads to the turquoise blue waters of Ice Lake nestled in a magnificent cirque of sculpted ridges and peaks soaring well above 13,000-ft. The views along the hike are amazing. Top Attractions (16) See all. Since I was solo, this is a summit selfie: Island Lake from above: Mt. The incredible Island Lake. 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. See more ideas about ice lake, southwest colorado, san juan mountains. Typically the basin is covered by wildflowers in late July and August. The Ice Lake Trail takes hikers into one of the most spectacular areas of the San Juan Mountains after a steep but relatively short journey of 3 miles, gaining 2,600 feet. I mainly just want to see the Ice Lakes, are there different hiking trails that take you to different lakes that are different lengths? Vermilion Peak is a mountain in Colorado. Ice Lake Basin Trail Video of the lower basin area before the final ascent to the main ice lake. The historic mining town of Ophir is a Home … Of all the mountains along the basin's arc, summiting V2 requires the least effort in distance and elevation gain, accessible for any strong trail hiker. Coming from Denver this is the route we took. From there it is a steady uphill climb to the Lower Ice Lake Basin and then to the Upper Ice Lake Basin. Location & Directions. We are truly lucky to live in a place like Colorado where we can drive for a day and get to places like Ice Lake Basin....and we're also so lucky to have friends and family that continue to take us up on our offer to get out and see it. Lower Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr. Ice Lake Basin. After .5 - .75 miles of easy walking the trail steepens again as it heads up towards the upper Ice Lake basin and the terrain is … Coordinates: Unknown Elevation: 11675 feet USGS Map:. Wilson, Gladstone Peak, and Wilson Peak (L to R) A loose-looking sub-peak NW of US Grant: Relaxing, Colorado style at Island Lake: Show more photos Ice Lake Basin was my final stop on my Colorado road trip. After a long first day hiking up to the Upper Ice Lake Basin, we decided to head out to Island Lake. Ice Lake is located in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton, Colorado. Sharon and I visited scenic Ice Lake Basin as part of an extensive mountaineering trip to the San Juans in Colorado. The trail is just a short 20 minute hike from Upper Ice Lake, unfortunately there's a couple spots that are slippery and have some exposure. Until next time and hope you enjoy the pictures. Ice Lake Basin Notable Places in the Area. In Ice Lakes Basin, the soil below the alpine tundra is so rocky and firm that waste disposal can be tricky. Route: From Ice Lake Trailhead, elevation 9,840 feet, take the standard trail to Ice Lake. Leave No Trace. Scenic Drives. Perhaps the most consistent bite throughout the winter months occurs in the main basin of lake. You’ll pass through aspen, conifers, and into two distinct basins above the … I decided to keep our destination a secret– only telling Ryan to take Friday off from work, what to … From the trailhead the trail climbs steeply through a long series of switchbacks, reaching Lower Ice Lake Basin at 2.0 miles, elevation 11,400 feet. The Durango Herald reports the fire started about a quarter-mile from the Ice Lake Basin trailhead about 2:30 p.m. Monday. V2 (Peak 13,309'), Ice Lake Basin Series Essence: V2 is the northeast eminence of a series of sky-cleaving peaks encircling the Ice Lake Basin. 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