Some lakes look blue. Ice Lake looks almost unreal: a bright turquoise pool sitting in a bowl of red, gray and gold peaks high in the San Juan Mountains. You earn it with a long climb through forest, past waterfalls and wildflower meadows, into thin air above 12,000 feet.
The Ice Lake Basin Trail in Colorado is one of the most famous hikes near Silverton, and one of the toughest popular day hikes in the state. This guide explains it simply: distance and climbing, the route step by step, Island Lake, the trailhead (and a current flood advisory), the best season, altitude and storm safety, and what to pack.
Quick answer
- Distance: about 7.3 miles round trip (out and back).
- Elevation gain: about 2,590 feet, from about 9,800 to over 12,200 feet.
- Time: 5–7 hours.
- Difficulty: difficult: steady climbing at high altitude.
- Trailhead: Ice Lake Basin Trailhead, South Mineral Creek Road (FDR 585), near South Mineral Campground, west of Silverton.
- Best season: July to September, depending on snow.
- Current alert: heavy rain on October 22–25, 2026 flooded roads and trails across Southwest Colorado, and Colorado Trail Explorer lists a flood advisory for this trailhead “until further notice.”
Ice Lake Basin at a Glance
| Location | San Juan National Forest, near Silverton, Colorado |
| Destination | Ice Lake (Upper Ice Lake Basin) |
| Distance | About 7.3 miles round trip |
| Elevation gain | About 2,590 feet |
| High point | About 12,250 feet at the lake |
| Time | 5–7 hours |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Route | Out and back |
| Highlights | Turquoise lake, waterfalls, wildflowers, 13,000-foot peaks |
| Fees/permits | None for day hiking |
| Dogs | Allowed under forest rules; keep them under control |
Where Is Ice Lake Basin?
Ice Lake Basin sits in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, a few miles west of the old mining town of Silverton. Peaks like Vermilion Peak (13,900 feet, the high point of San Juan County), Golden Horn and Fuller Peak ring the basin.
Getting to the trailhead
- From Silverton, drive north on US-550 for about 2 miles.
- Turn left onto South Mineral Creek Road (Forest Road 585).
- Follow the dirt road about 4.5 miles to the trailhead parking, across from South Mineral Campground.
In dry weather, most cars can make it if driven carefully. After storms, the road can be rutted or washed out. Download a map; cell service fades fast.
Current Conditions: October 2026 Flooding
Heavy rain from October 22 to 25, 2026 caused widespread flooding, road and trail damage and downed trees across Southwest Colorado. The San Juan National Forest says full damage assessments may take weeks. Colorado Trail Explorer lists an October 2026 Flooding Event Advisory for the Ice Lake Basin Trailhead, in effect until further notice.
South Mineral Road isn’t gated or regularly monitored, so before you go:
- Check the San Juan National Forest conditions page.
- Call the Columbine Ranger District at (970) 884-2512.
- By November, snow usually ends the hiking season anyway, so most people should plan for next summer.
The area has closed before, too: after a wildfire, the Ice Lakes area stayed closed until mid-September 2021 because of fire-weakened trees. Always check before you drive.
Parking
Parking is limited and fills by early morning on summer weekends. Arrive at sunrise or earlier. Park only in the designated area, never on vegetation or in a way that blocks the road. Car camping is restricted along South Mineral Road; vehicles may not leave the road to reach campsites.
How Hard Is Ice Lake Basin?
It’s difficult, mainly because of altitude. You gain about 2,600 feet in 3.6 miles and end above 12,000 feet, where there’s roughly a third less oxygen than at sea level.
- Steady climbing: very few flat breaks.
- Thin air: even fit hikers slow down.
- Exposure: the upper basin has no trees for shelter from sun, wind or lightning.
No climbing skills are needed; it’s a real trail. If you’re coming from low elevation, spend a day or two in Silverton (9,300 feet) or Ouray before the hike.
Step-by-Step: The Route
1. The forest climb (first 1.5 miles)
The trail leaves the parking area and starts switchbacking up through spruce and fir right away. It’s steep from the start, so set an easy pace you can keep for hours.
2. Clear Creek and the waterfalls
You’ll hear water before you see it. The trail crosses or passes streams and climbs near cascades tumbling off the basin’s edge. Early in summer, expect wet, muddy spots.
3. Lower Ice Lake Basin (about 2 miles in)
The trees open into a broad, flat meadow ringed by cliffs and waterfalls, often carpeted with wildflowers in July and August. This is a great rest stop and turnaround point if you’re tired or the weather looks iffy. Many people say it’s worth the hike on its own.
4. The climb to the upper basin
From the far end of the lower basin, the trail climbs steeply again, switchbacking up beside a waterfall onto open tundra. This is the hardest stretch, so take it slow.
5. Ice Lake
Crest the last rise and the lake appears: an intense turquoise color from fine “rock flour” suspended in the cold water, with tall peaks reflected behind it. Find a rock away from the shore vegetation, eat lunch and soak it in.
6. The descent
Return the same way. Coming down is easier on your lungs but hard on knees, especially on loose rock. Trekking poles help.
Ice Lake vs. Island Lake
Island Lake, with a small rocky island in the middle, sits in a separate bowl about half a mile beyond Ice Lake. A side trail traverses across the slope to reach it.
| Ice Lake | Island Lake | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Wide turquoise lake in a big basin | Deep blue lake with an island, under steep cliffs |
| Extra effort | Main destination | Adds about 1 mile round trip and a bit more climbing |
| Best for | Everyone who makes it up | Strong hikers with time and good weather |
Only add Island Lake if you’re feeling good, it’s still morning and the sky is clear. The traverse is narrow in spots.
Best Time to Hike
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Early July | Snow patches likely up high; waterfalls roaring; first flowers |
| Late July–August | Peak wildflowers; daily afternoon thunderstorms. Start very early. |
| September | Cooler, quieter, golden tundra; possible early snow |
| October–June | Snow, ice and avalanche terrain. Not a normal hike. |
Start time: be walking by 6–7 a.m. in summer so you’re off the upper basin by early afternoon, when storms usually build.
Weather and Safety
- Lightning: the upper basin is fully exposed. If you hear thunder, head down right away.
- Altitude sickness: headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness mean stop and descend.
- Cold: even in August it can be near freezing at the lake. Bring a warm layer and rain jacket.
- Water: carry at least 2–3 liters and a filter. Don’t drink untreated stream water.
- Sun: UV is strong above treeline. Use sunscreen and a hat.
- Turn around if the weather, your body or the trail says so. The lower basin is a fine finish.
Leave No Trace
Ice Lake Basin gets very heavy summer use, and the tundra is fragile.
- Stay on the trail; don’t cut switchbacks or trample flowers.
- The San Juan Mountains Association recommends carrying a human waste bag here to protect the water.
- No soap or sunscreen in the lake; it’s a drinking source downstream.
- Pack out all trash, including food scraps.
Can You Swim in Ice Lake?
People do jump in, but the water is snowmelt-cold year-round and can cause cold shock. It’s not recommended. If you do, keep it brief and stay close to shore.
Photography Tips
- Morning light and calmer winds give the best color and reflections.
- Climb a little above the shore (on rock, not plants) to show the lake’s shape and color.
- A wide lens fits the lake and surrounding peaks.
- Lower basin waterfalls are great on the way down.
What to Pack
- Hiking boots or shoes with good grip
- 2–3 liters of water plus a filter
- Lunch and salty snacks
- Warm layer and rain jacket
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Offline map and charged phone
- First-aid kit and headlamp
- Waste bag and trash bag
- Trekking poles
Where to Stay
- Silverton: closest town, about 20 minutes away. Best for early starts.
- South Mineral Campground: right at the trailhead; reserve ahead on Recreation.gov.
- Ouray: about an hour north over Red Mountain Pass, with hot springs.
- Durango: more hotels, about 1.5 hours away.
More Colorado Alpine Lake Hikes
| Hike | Distance | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Lake Basin | About 7.3 mi | Turquoise lake above 12,000 ft |
| Sky Pond, Rocky Mountain NP | About 9 mi | Waterfall scramble, alpine lakes |
| Blue Lakes, Mount Sneffels Wilderness | About 6.5 mi to the lower lake | Three turquoise lakes under Mount Sneffels, near Ridgway |
| Hanging Lake | About 2.4 mi | Emerald lake and waterfalls (permit required) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Ice Lake Basin Trail?
About 7.3 miles round trip to Ice Lake.
How hard is it?
Difficult, with about 2,590 feet of climbing ending above 12,000 feet.
How long does it take?
Usually 5–7 hours with breaks.
Where is the trailhead?
On South Mineral Creek Road (FDR 585) near South Mineral Campground, west of Silverton.
Do I need a permit?
No permit or fee is needed for day hiking.
When is the best time?
Late July through mid-September, starting early in the day.
Is it open after the October 2026 floods?
A flood advisory is listed for the trailhead. Check with the San Juan National Forest before going.
Can beginners do it?
Fit beginners can if they acclimatize and go slow, but it’s not an ideal first mountain hike.
Is Island Lake worth adding?
Yes, if you have energy, time and clear skies. It adds about a mile.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, under national forest rules. Keep them under control and pack out their waste.
Final Thoughts
Ice Lake Basin is a big effort with a huge reward: waterfalls, flower-filled meadows and a lake so blue it doesn’t look real. Acclimatize, start at dawn, watch the sky, and turn around whenever you need to. The lower basin alone is a great day.
Official info: Colorado Trail Explorer: Ice Lake Basin, San Juan National Forest conditions and San Juan Mountains Association trip planning.