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The run up to Ice Lake and Island Lake in Colorado's San Juan Mountains is truly an amazing one.


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Map Key

7.7

Miles

12.3

KM

68%

Runnable

12,445' 3,793 m

High

9,841' 3,000 m

Low

2,770' 844 m

Up

2,771' 845 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

52%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

It is moderately difficult, clocking in right at 8 miles with a total 3,000 feet of elevation gain, but the waterfalls, fantastic lakes, and wonderful views below and above the tree line are absolutely fantastic.

-Route Submitted by Outdoor Project contributor, Fernando Boza.

Description

The trailhead and parking lot are just across the street from South Mineral Campground. There is a book to sign in at the trailhead, which is a good idea, especially weekdays when there aren't usually many people on the trail. The first mile proceeds through subalpine forest and crosses Clear Creek a couple of times. A wonderful waterfall can be seen around 0.9 miles from the trailhead (watch for slippery rocks).

After passing an aspen grove, which looks great in early fall, there is a fork on the trail 2.2 miles from the trailhead. Stay on the left to get to Ice Lake. The trail continues on the first step of this double basin, and a beautiful meadow opens up, surrounded by almost vertical cliffs and a towering waterfall on the right. The run is steep to the second step of the basin where Ice Lake is located, but it is well worth it as the deep blue of the lake is unparalleled. Glaciers eroded rocks in the area thousands of years ago, leaving a fine rock powder suspended in the water. This is a great place to camp or pass some time admiring the view. A run around the lake is very rewarding as well, providing different views of the spires behind the lake and the silver-like runoff creek.

The view alone is worth the run, but continuing the loop to the nearby Island Lake is hard to miss. The run to the Island Lake lake is just over half a mile and gains some 200 feet of elevation. It is a beautiful green lake with a rock island in the middle, which gives the lake its name.

From there the trail loops around the basin and returns back to the main trail. The trailhead parking and campground lot are also visible some 2,300 feet below.

Note that the running trail to Ice Lake and Island Lake is not very well marked. Take a map and compass or a GPS unit to help you stay on track. 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.

History & Background

Along the way there is some evidence of old mining activity, including mine tailings.

Shared By:

Trail Run Project Staff

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#2251

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  5.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#381

in Colorado

#2,251

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Photos

Ice Lake Vista taken from Island Lake Trail
May 12, 2018 near Silverton, CO
Island Lake
Aug 25, 2017 near Silverton, CO
Tundra in the Ice Lake Basin with permission from David Broome
Mar 19, 2016 near Silverton, CO
The Trail Between Ice Lake and Island Lake
Jul 11, 2020 near Silverton, CO
Looking back towards the lower basin from 11,700'
Aug 20, 2017 near Silverton, CO
Descending though fall colored scrub.
Sep 30, 2023 near Silverton, CO

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