Ice Lakes Basin Trail
The crown jewel of San Juan day hikes, with turquoise alpine lakes and the region's most spectacular wildflower displays.
Trail Weather
Ice Lakes Basin, also known simply as the Ice Lakes Trail, is one of the most popular and recognizable day hikes in the San Juan Mountains near Silverton. The trail climbs from the South Mineral Creek trailhead through forest and then opens onto the lower basin, where hikers are greeted by the turquoise waters of Ice Lake below the sheer walls of the surrounding peaks. The trail continues to Island Lake and Fuller Lake for those with energy and time. The wildflowers in late July and early August are among the richest in Colorado. Round trip to Ice Lake is 8 miles with 2,500 feet of gain. This is not an easy hike despite its popularity — the steep climb in the last mile is unrelenting.