Hiking Ice Lakes - Silverton Colorado - San Juan Mountains I Dog Friendly Colorado

Ice Lakes a hike made of dreams!

This hike has been 5 years in the making for me! Ice Lakes has been on my hiking bucket list since the first time I saw it.

This gem of a hike is located in the San Juan Mountain range just outside of Silverton.

The Deets:
Ice Lakes trail is about 8~9 miles miles with around 2,500-2,700 ft of elevation gain. This is dependent upon which lakes you vist as there are several lakes you can access from this trails. The elevation gain/loss and distance all vary depending on the route you take.

We stuck with visiting Ice Lakes only as I suffered from altitude sickness once I reached the lake. Visiting just one lake is well worth the trek and a dream.

The trail can be backpacked, and you can camp at the lakes themselves. Personally, I would probably camp in the tree line at Lower Ice Lake Basin, those late afternoon monsoons are no joke.

No permits are required, but the trail is busy. Get there early. There is also car camping allowed off the road to the trailhead which makes it easy. The road to the trailhead is passenger car friendly.

This trail is tough. Come trained up and prepared. The first mile for me was pretty easy but then it all shifted. Steep grades, rocky climbs covered in water.....but oh is it worth it. There are so many places to stop and take in the view that you get lots of times to catch your breath!

This hike is super dog friendly. Lots of shade and water. I was super proud to not see one poop bag on trail! Yay fellow dog mamas and dads! It does gets busy later in the day so keep that in mind if you are hiking with a dog.

This trail was everything I could imagine and so much more! I highly highly recommend....Oh and go say hi to my friends at Golden Block Brewery for the best post hike pizza and beer.....I recommend the Mountain Climber!