Ice Lake Trip Planning
Ice Lake Trail leads to an iconic high-alpine basin in the San Juan National Forest containing a stunning, turquoise blue lake nestled beneath 13,000 foot peaks. This trail is known as one of the top alpine lake hiking destinations in all of Colorado, climbing through a recent burn area (2020) to subalpine meadows, to alpine tundra. The hardy hiker will pass through two basins, each with its own ecosystem, and will be treated to waterfalls, wildflowers (usually mid July to early August), beautiful rock formations, alpine tundra and, of course, spectacular snow-fed lakes.
Due to popularity of Ice Lake Trail, planning ahead is necessary to minimize your impact and ensure you have the best experience once you arrive. During summer, finding parking and backcountry campsites can be very difficult and solitude near to impossible.
Ice Lake Trail Description
Stats
Distance, Round Trip: 7 miles to Upper Basin
Elevation Gain: 2420′
Start Elevation: 9840′
Elevation at Lower Ice Lake: 11,510′ (2 miles from trailhead)
Elevation at Ice Lake: 12,260′
Elevation at Island Lake: 12,392′
Elevation at Fuller Lake: 12, 605′ (largest and highest lake)
Trail rating: Most difficult
There is currently no permit system for the Ice Lake Basin area, so do your part to ensure this area stays beautiful for future generations!
Ice Lake Trail is known as one of the top alpine lake hiking destinations in all of Colorado so be prepared for limited parking and large crowds, especially during the summer. The peak period of visitation is July 4th through Labor Day Weekend. Crowding during these times can be a problem, making parking and campsites very limited and finding solitude nearly impossible. Therefore, planning ahead is necessary to minimize your impact and ensure you have the best experience once you arrive.
The trail begins by climbing past an old mine off to the left and Clear Creek waterfall on the right. You will pass through the remnants of the Ice Fire that occurred in mid-October 2020. The fire (which was not caused by lightning) ripped through the bottom portion of the Ice Lake Trail, as well as areas east of the trail. After two miles of climbing, the trail traverses through the lower basin. Note of caution: When leaving the lower basin, the trail crosses a creek which usually leaves the hiker with wet feet during high waters (spring run off, summer thunderstorms, etc.). After crossing the creek, the trail encounters a rocky section with a steep drop off that could be challenging for some. The upper Ice Lake basin is normally snow-free from late June to mid September. The trail concludes at Ice Lake.
Ice Lakes Highlights
- From late July through August, the wildflowers are spectacular, with sub-alpine species in the Lower Basin and alpine species in the upper basin.
- Ice Lake is a brilliant ice blue color and is in a cirque under 13,767-foot US Grant Peak.
- In the Lower Basin, there is a shallow lake to the south of the trail. In the Upper Basin there are 3 large lakes including Ice Lake, Island Lake and Fuller Lake (the largest), as well as numerous smaller lakes.
- The jagged 13,000+ peaks surrounding Upper Ice Lake Basin include (from north to south):
- U.S. Grant Peak 13,767′
- Pilot Knob 13,738′
- Golden Horn 13,780′
- Vermillion Peak 13,894′
- Fuller Peak 13,761′
Side Trip Options
If you have the time and energy to explore more of the upper basin area before returning to the trailhead, two popular side trips are to Island Lake and Fuller Lake. These are non-system trails that are not maintained by the San Juan National Forest. Please use caution and travel at your own risk.
- A side trip to Island Lake to the northeast adds about 1.12 miles round trip and 130′ elevation gain. This lake has a unique island and is in its own cirque surrounded by U.S. Grant Peak and its ridges. Remember, this is a user made trail that is unmaintained. It has a couple sketchy spots and hikers are and encouraged to take the high line where the trail is braided through the black rock section and the old mining tailings.
- A side trip to Fuller Lake to the south adds about 1.75 miles round trip and 335′ elevation gain. An old collapsed metal-sided mining cabin with an adjacent picnic table stands beside the lake.
Trail Tips to Minimize Impact
The Ice Lake area is a very heavily used area with 100-600 visitors per day during July and August, resulting in numerous management issues and concerns. In addition, the area isn’t designated as wilderness but is included in the San Juan Wilderness Act to be considered for inclusion in the Sheep Mountain Special Management Area. It is extremely important that visitors do their part to minimize their impacts so the beauty of Ice Lakes Basin will remain for others to enjoy now and forever.
During summer months, stop by the SJMA’s Ice Lakes Educational Basecamp at the Ice Lake trailhead. Our friendly staff/volunteers provide trail information and recommendations on how to recreate responsibly.
Here is a list of simple actions we can all take to help protect this iconic area:
- Review all San Juan National Forest Regulations and Recommended Practices before your trip.
- Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles to minimize your environmental impact.
- Stay on the trail –
- Trail braiding (unsightly web of trails) occurs when visitors avoid seasonal mud and the occasional downed tree by walking around the obstructions, therefore trampling vegetation. Wear footwear that you don’t mind getting muddy or wet.
- To avoid trail erosion, do not cut switchbacks.
- When yielding to others, look for a good rocky surface just off the trail.
- Do not litter –
- Bring bags for packing out trash, including orange peels, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products.
- Don’t forget your dog poop bags. They are often left behind, presumably by people who plan on picking them up on the way down and forget.
- Leave what you find –
- Wildflowers wilt quickly. Please, leave them for others to enjoy by not picking or trampling these beauties.
- Do not disturb or remove any of the historical artifacts in the area.
- Respect wildlife –
- Do not feed wildlife. This includes chipmunks, pikas, birds, etc.
- Dogs must be on a leash or under voice control at all time. Dogs not under control can potentially frighten or injure wildlife, disturb other forest visitors, and create negative impacts on the natural resources. Check out the San Juan National Forest page on Hiking with dogs on the National Forest for more information.
- If you are afraid of heights or unsteady, be aware that there is a steep climb just before the upper basin that may require extra caution and the use of your hands as you navigate over the rocks.
- In mid-July, the Hardrock 100 race course crosses the Ice Lake Trail and it can be extra busy around race time.
Backpacking Information
There is still no permit system for the Ice Lake Basin area, so do your part to ensure this area stays beautiful for future generations!
Where to Camp
- Leave No Trace Principles recommend that you camp at least 200′ from lakes and streams.
- Camp out of sight from trails and high-use areas, such as lakes.
- Camping in the Lower Ice Lake Basin is strongly encouraged for the following reasons:
- There are a number of campsites across the wide creek and tucked into the trees to the south of the basin.
- The lower basin has trees for protection and hanging food.
- The alpine vegetation in the upper basin is fragile and easily damaged by tents.
- Digging a cat hole is very difficult in the alpine tundra and there’s very little privacy.
- Fires in the upper basin’s alpine zone are highly discouraged for several reasons:
- There is little or no wood there for a fire, so you would have to pack it in.
- Fire scars out in the open are unsightly and may take years to revegetate.
- You will be exposed to storms and strong winds in the upper basin.
Campfires
- If you camp in the upper basin, which is an alpine area with no wood, it’s definitely not recommended to have a fire. Consider bringing a camp stove and fuel instead. Campfires in the upper basin cause fire scars in the sensitive alpine area, which are unsightly and can last for years. In addition, there is no wood to burn up at 12,000 feet. Using wood from historic structures is prohibited as outlined in the Antiquities Act.
- If you camp in the lower basin and want to have a fire, use an existing fire ring, keep your fire small and be sure to put it out. Consider not having a fire at all. If you miss having fire for ambiance, pack in a backpack lantern or make a lantern with a headlamp and a water bottle.
- Before your trip be sure to check if there are any Fire Restrictions in effect and prepare accordingly.
Proper Disposal of Human Waste
Evidence of inexperience regarding proper disposal of human waste abounds in Ice Lake area. It’s unbelievable, but some people actually just poop on the ground and leave their toilet paper in a heap on top of it. Others put rocks or sticks on top of their deposit. Some leave their deposits in the crevices of logs. Some bury their poop and TP in a cathole, but don’t dig the hole deep enough to properly cover it. Animals dig up catholes and bring the contents to the surface. Can you imagine the impact that all of these issues have on the next visitor? Ugh!!
- Dig a cathole. The Leave No Trace practice for proper disposal of human waste is to bury one’s poop in a 6-8″ deep cathole at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails.
- Pack out the toilet paper and hygiene products.
- Use a Pact Kit, an all-in-one backroom kit which includes the toilet paper and fast break-down tablets.
- Use a human waste bag. Yes, that means to carry out your poop as well as your TP and hygiene products. Since Ice Lake Basin is a heavy use area, it is challenged to naturally dispose of 10,000 human defecations per year.
- Check out our human waste bag page for helpful videos on how to pack and how to use these bags.
- These bags are easy to use – easier than digging a cathole – and one bag per person has sufficient capacity for a multi-day trip.
- Do not put the waste bag in port-a-potties at the trailhead!
Access / Camping
Access to Ice Lake Trailhead
The Ice Lake Trailhead is located near Silverton, Colorado, within the Columbine Ranger District of San Juan National Forest. The trailhead begins from the dirt parking lot across the road from South Mineral Campground (N 37 48.394, W 107 46.428).
- Parking: The parking lot fills very quickly during the summer months. Be sure to plan ahead so you do not feel the need to park illegally, double park other visitors or increase ecological damage by parking on surrounding vegetation.
- There are port-a-potties at the trailhead. PLEASE, do not dump trash down the toilet! Campground toilets are for campers only.
- There are no trash containers or potable water at the trailhead.
- Nearest trash containers are located at the Silverton Visitor Center.
From Silverton: To reach the trailhead from the intersection of Highway 550 and the turnoff into Silverton (Highway 110), drive 2 miles north toward Ouray on Highway 550. Turn left on Forest Road 585 (also called County Road 7 or South Mineral Road), located between mile markers 72 and 73. Follow the good gravel road for 4.4 miles to the trailhead parking area on the right (North) side of the road, just across from the South Mineral Campground. This road is suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, though there may be some potholes to avoid. Also, be aware that shortly after the campground the road becomes only 4WD accessible.
From Ouray: Follow Highway 550 south from Ouray for about 20 miles to the turn off to South Mineral Campground. Make a sharp right onto County Road 7 and follow the gravel road for 4.4 miles to the trailhead parking area on the north side of the road across from the South Mineral Campground.
Note: South Mineral road (FR585/County Road 7) is not plowed in winter, so if you plan on doing a winter trip, add 4.4 miles each way to your hike, snowshoe or ski.
Camping along South Mineral
- Campground camping: South Mineral Campground is located across the road from the Ice Lakes Basin trailhead parking lot. It is a first-come, first-serve campground.
- Dispersed camping: There are 4 camping areas with outhouses in the first 2.6 miles of FS 585. Camp more than 100 feet from streams and lakes (approximately 37 adult steps). Like the trail, these campsites are wildly popular so make sure you have a backup for camping.
- Kendall on the left at 0.6 miles
- Anvil and Sultan on the right at 1 mile
- Golden Horn on the left at 2.6 miles
- About 7 slight pull outs with single camping spaces between 1.4 and 4.6 miles
- Please note: Overnight camping is not allowed at the Ice Lake Trailhead parking lot.
Safety Information
Weather
The San Juan Mountains have a summer monsoon season that generally begins in early July and lasts until late August or early September. Afternoon thunderstorms are almost a daily occurrence in the mountains during this period. At times, it can rain continuously for days. Check NOAA’s pinpoint forecasts before you leave. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Take rain gear even if the skies are bright blue in Silverton. During the summer monsoon season, storms can suddenly appear, bringing cold winds, rain, flurries, sleet, or all of the above.
Lightning
If lightning is present, the higher you are the more vulnerable you are. Head to lower ground for safety. Check out San Juan National Forest Lightning Safety page for more information.
Altitude
Visitors from lower elevations often underestimate the effects of altitude on their health and physical abilities. Keep in mind that physical fitness affords no protection against altitude sickness. Pace yourself, drink water, and eat snacks to help prevent altitude sickness. Become familiar with the symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, loss of appetite, and weakness or drowsiness), as well as its prevention and treatment, prior to your visit. Check out Outdoor Action Guide to High Altitude: Acclimatization and Illnesses for more information.
Water Contamination
Water should be filtered or chemically treated to be sure it’s safe for drinking.
Winter
If you visit the area in winter, FR 585 may be closed, so be prepared to hike, snowshoe or ski nine extra miles roundtrip.
Maps and Guidebooks
If you are in Durango, stop by the SJMA Bookstore, which is teeming with maps, guidebooks, and specialists who are excited to answer your questions. It is located at the San Juan National Forest Headquarters at 15 Burnett Court and open weekdays 8am to 4:30pm. Or our maps are available online. Keep in mind that all proceeds go directly to SJMA’s conservation education and stewardship programs.
For hiking to and around Ice Lake, the following maps are recommended:
What You Can Do To Help: Volunteer!
If you live in the area, consider volunteering at our Ice Lakes Education Basecamp. Help us reduce human impacts to the spectacular Ice Lakes Basin by encouraging visitors to stay on designated trails, pack-out all waste, respect fire restrictions, and adhere to Leave No Trace Principles. Contact SJMA’s Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@sjma.org to find out more about the training and how to apply.
If you are a visitor, you can still help by doing your part to protect this natural beauty for all generations by following simple steps to reduce your impact. See the Trail Tips Section above and/or review out Reduce Your Impact webpage.
LEAVE NO TRACE HOT SPOT TEAM
The Ice Lakes Basin and trail were designated a Leave No Trace Hot Spot in 2016. A Leave No Trace Traveling Team evaluated the area for a week in 2016 and made recommendations for preserving the area. As part of their visit the trailhead sign was installed and some trail work was done. Check out the Ice Lakes Basin Leave No Trace Hot Spot Video below for more information.