The Ice Lake Trail near Silverton, Colorado is one of the dreamiest hikes we have ever done. This hike is the type that makes your jaw drop and gives you the undeniable urge to frolic. With mirror-like lakes, summertime wildflowers, and unbelievable mountain scenery, Ice Lake Trail is my favorite day hike in Colorado.
Ice Lake Trail Guide
Mileage: 8.7 mile loop for all three lakes – Ice Lake, Fuller Lake, and Island Lake
Elevation Gain: ~3,000 feet
Peak Elevation: ~12,500 feet
Ice Lake Trail crosses through a lush green lower basin carpeted with summer wildflowers. Waterfalls cascade down the mountainsides into crystal clear creeks. As we hiked along the flora, we fantasized about living here and picked out the perfect spot for our imaginary cabin.
When we hiked over the ridge of the basin and up to Ice Lake, we were awestruck. Ice Lake was the brightest blue, the kind that looks unnatural in photos but is actually real. The air was still, and the lake was a pristine mirror of the mountaintops and sky.
As though there isn’t already enough beauty on this hike, Ice Lake isn’t the only lake along the trail – there are two more! In addition to going to Ice Lake, hikers can also continue along Ice Lake Trail to Fuller Lake and Island Lake. If you are short on time, the spur to Fuller Lake can be skipped, however, the views looking back at Ice Lake from the Fuller Lake spur trail are beautiful. Island Lake is along the Ice Lake Trail loop and is a stunner.
The peak elevation for Ice Lake Trail is over 12,500 feet so take breaks along your hike as needed, especially if you are coming from a hometown at lower elevation. As a rule of thumb, start your hike early and plan to be off the peak and below the treeline before noon due to afternoon thunderstorms that frequently roll in during the summer months.
Ice Lake Trail becomes more and more popular each year, and for good reason! Remember to leave no trace and keep this gem beautiful.
Getting Here
The road to the Ice Lake Basin Trailhead is a gravel road suitable for 2WD vehicles. There is a fairly large parking lot at the trailhead, however, it quickly fills up so plan to arrive early. Parking is not allowed across the street in South Mineral Campground unless you are camping there.
Camping near Ice Lake Trailhead
South Mineral Campground is conveniently located right across from the Ice Lake Basin Trailhead and has clean vault toilets, drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables. There is a fee to camp here. The trees are perfect for hanging a hammock.
Another option is to camp at a free dispersed campsite along South Mineral Road/FR-585 leading up to South Mineral Campground and the Ice Lake trailhead. Each site is marked by a parking spot on the side of the road and has a rock fire ring. Camping is only allowed at the designated camping areas.
Secret Waterfall
There is a secret waterfall hidden just outside South Mineral Campground called South Mineral Creek Falls (as though there weren’t enough reasons to love this area!). With a little exploration, we found an unmarked trail that led to this incredible spot.
What to Pack
- Day Hiking Pack
- Hydration Bladder filled with plenty of water
- Trekking Poles: The hike can be steep in some spots. My knees were thankful for my trekking poles during the hike down.
- Sunscreen: In addition to body sunscreen, I always bring my SPF lip balm along to keep my lips from getting burnt and dry. I love Jack Black Lip Balm because I don’t have to worry about it melting all over the place. I’ve lost many a lip balm to the Texas heat before Jack Black Lip Balm came into my life. I’ll never look back.
- Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes
- Bug Spray
- Layers of Clothing: The weather can be chilly when you’re standing around but once you start hiking up the trail, you’ll warm up quickly.
- Rain Jacket: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer.
- High Energy Food
- Trail Map: There are a few spurs so it’s a good idea to have a trail map on hand.
For more hiking inspiration and guides like this, check out our Colorado travel guide page.