Of the many hikes enjoyed from the Canadian Rockies, Sierra Nevada range, to AZ, NM, UT, and beyond, most are wonderful, and a few remain outstanding and part of a memory of the heart. Ice Lake is one of those. On a mid August day when alpine wild flowers were dazzling the peaks, we took on this beautiful experience.
The 2500 gain 7 mile round trip hike is steep for sure but shaded much of the way with refreshing stream crossings.
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| First stream crossing ICE LAKE trail |
The morning was bright and sunny as is often the way of the Rockies and San Juans with accumulating clouds as the day moves into late afternoon.
The first 3 miles or so are a challenging climb, but the astounding beauty of the peaks in red/green to the east and granite to the west make for moments of awe and silence spurring one on to the next vista.
It was a warm day with mountain breezes to ameliorate the constant climbing and the increasing wild flowers gave us pause for rest and photos.
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| Lizard Head |
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| LLama Guanocos being trekked in |
The trail flattens out toward the end with a final stream crossing and steep rocky climb to gorgeous ICE LAKE. As we were approaching our final destination, those returning kept saying the same thing, "Keep going, its worth it!" As if we would even consider not moving forward?! When we arrived, there was a sense of elation and gratitude with others there exclaiming their excitement for the experience of this outstanding grandeur, stating as we felt also that this was a very special place.
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| Columbine |
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| ICE LAKE |
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| Blue Columbine |
Upon arrival and viewing Ice Lake for the first time is a glorious experience. The water is truly a turquoise blue with deeper blue shades as clouds pass over and light changes. The lake area was much cooler than the pass leading there. We wanted to linger, but the winds were whipping up and clouds forming indicating that thunder storms may be on their way. We drank in the gorgeousness and headed back. Of course the walk back down was more cooling and easier to savor the views, and stayed clear of rain. The lightning caught us though after just getting back on the paved road safely in the car with our memories of a spectacular experience intact.
More detailed information can be found at www.hikingwalking.com reference Ice Lake
