fbpx
single-t2k_trails.php

Ice Lakes Trail HikingTrail Running

Difficulty
,
Condition
Poor
Trail Length
7 miles
Distance from Durango
54 miles
Directions
Gain
2430 ft
Rating
0 Loves (log in or register to love this trail!)

Ice Lakes Trail

Hiking, Trail Running
Durango to TH

54 Miles

Gain

2430 Feet

Condition

Poor

Trail Length

7 Miles

Ice Lakes Trail

A fire was reported on the afternoon of October 19, 2020, west of Silverton, CO on the north side of the South Mineral Creek Road (FS585). The fire area included the Ice Lakes Trail and the Clear Lake Road.
Fire crews report numerous fire-weakened trees on the lower sections of Ice Lakes Trail and the Clear Lake Road. Soils saturated by rain and snow and loosened by freezing and thawing will be even more unstable. Please watch for unstable rocks, trees and soil!

The Ice Lakes trail wastes no time gaining elevation, climbing 1,600-ft. in 2-miles through forests and wildflower-filled meadows to the beautiful Lower Ice Lakes basin. Upon reaching the lower basin great views open to Fuller, Vermillion Peak, Golden Horn and Pilot Knob rising above the ridge at the head of the basin.

As you wander up the lower basin waterfalls emanating from unseen alpine lakes and snowfields tumble down clefts in the rocky hillside watering a breathtaking array of wildflowers. A sea of columbine, larkspur, aspen daisies, chiming bells and cow parsnips blankets both sides of the trail.

But the best is yet to come. 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 alpine wonderland around the lake invites exploration, with routes heading toward Island Lake, Fuller Lake and beyond.

Distance, round trip to Ice Lake is 7.0 miles with 2,430 ft of elevation gain; round trip to Island Lake is 8.4 miles with 2,552 ft of elevation gain.

Map & Directions

Map Coordinates: 37.82502018438983, -107.77970367481034

Where's the Trailhead?

dIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD

Ice Lakes Trailhead

Take Hwy 550 North for 47 miles, then stay left upon entering Silverton to stay on Hwy 550 North. After 2 miles, turn left onto County Rd 7/Forest Rd 585. The trailhead is approximately 4 miles up the road on your right.

Trailwork

help build our trails!

No upcoming trailwork events are currently scheduled.

Support the trails that connect you to the outdoors

Trails are the cornerstone of our community and the gateway to the outdoors.

Help support our work so you can continue to connect to the outdoors by giving to Durango Trails!