If you’re looking for one of the most jaw-dropping backcountry camping spots in Colorado, Ice Lake Basin is as good as it gets. Truly heaven on earth. Tucked high in the San Juan Mountains near Silverton, this vibrant backcountry basin is ringed by 13,000-foot peaks, filled with gorgeous turquoise lakes, and dotted with the remnants of old mining operations- making every turn of the trail feel like you're stepping into the past.
The area boasts several stunning alpine lakes, each with its own unique features but all extraordinarily beautiful. Lower Ice Lake is beautiful, but the real showstopper is Ice Lake itself with unreal electric-blue water thanks to the minerals that the glacial basin is full of. (As you'll notice when taking in the bright oranges and reds of the peaks and even the trail itself.) A short but steep hike beyond takes you to Island Lake that has the most stunning deep green hue and a tiny island in the middle.
Exploring the area, you’ll stumble upon abandoned mines and rusting equipment, eerie reminders of the boom-and-bust gold rush days. I highly recommend summitting the near by peaks- like Fuller, Vermilion, and Golden Horn. You'll find a myriad of treasures that strangely feel like those who had been there so long ago just packed up and left hours before. There's even old shoes.
The whole experience is just incredible. Whether you make it a day hike, or a several day backcountry excursion, you absolutely will not regret your time there. Pro tip- plan your trip around a meteor shower for a show like you've never seen!
If you’ve camped here, you know—there’s nothing like watching the sun rise over these brightly colored mountains or admiring the reflection of the stars twinkling in these beautiful alpine lakes. Who else has made the trek?
