A Complete Guide to Hiking to Ice Lake and Island Lake

Karen Israel

Jul 16

5 min read

Updated: Sep 3

If you love hiking and breathtaking mountain views, the Ice Lake Trail near Silverton, Colorado offers one of the most rewarding experiences in the San Juan Mountains. This trail leads you through wildflower-filled meadows, past alpine lakes, and up to stunning vistas that make every step worth the effort. This guide will walk you through the hike step by step, suggest the gear you need to be prepared, and share ideas for other activities in the area.

Wildflowers bloom beside a still alpine lake, reflecting rugged snow-dusted mountains under a partly cloudy blue sky. — Ice Lake

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Preparing for the Ice Lake Trail Hike

Before you hit the trail, preparation is key. Ice Lake Trail is a strenuous hike, about 7.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of a little over 2,500 feet. The trail climbs steadily through forests and meadows before reaching the alpine lake at around 12,000 feet.

Essential Gear for the Hike

Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and traction are a must. The trail can be rocky and uneven. There are several water crossings so I'd recommend something waterproof. These are the boots I wore on this hike and I absolutely love them: The North Face Vectiv Hiking Boots
Clothing: Dress in layers. Weather can change quickly at high elevation. Include a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof shell.
Backpack: A daypack with enough room for water, snacks, extra clothing, and safety gear.
Water: Bring at least 2 liters per person. There are no reliable water sources on the trail.
Food: Pack energy-rich snacks like nuts, trail mix, and energy bars.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are essential due to strong mountain sun.
Bug Spray: You'll be glad you have some while you're still below treeline.
Trekking Poles: Optional but helpful for stability on steep or rocky sections. I've been using my Black Diamon Distance Z Trekking Poles for several years now and I love them.
Navigation: A trail map or GPS device. Cell service is spotty.
Emergency Kit: Basic first aid supplies, whistle, and a headlamp or flashlight.

Hikers cross a rocky mountain stream on a lush green trail, using trekking poles in a rugged, cloudy alpine setting. — Waterproof shoes and poles help with the water crossings

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiking Ice Lake Trail

You can hike up to Ice Lake and back but I highly recommend including Island Lake to make it into a loop. I hiked the loop counterclockwise and felt it was the the ideal route. However, half of the group I was with went clockwise and they said they preferred their route. I'll be writing this in the perspective of going counterclockwise but either way you'll have a steep climb but it will be worth the effort.

Here is the AllTrails link to the Island Lake and Ice Lake via Ice Lakes Trail

Topographic map with a thick green hiking route winding across mountains, contour lines, small lakes, and dashed trails. — Island Lake and Ice Lake via Ice Lakes Trail

Starting Point

The trailhead is located about 25 miles from Ouray. To get there, you'll go south on the Million Dollar Highway, U.S. Route 550. The drive is beautiful but the drop off are steep if you're weary of heights. You could also stay in Silverton, Ridgeway, Durango, or you can find several campgrounds nearby. Parking is limited, so arrive early, especially on weekends.

Wooden ICE LAKE TRAIL sign in a green mountain valley at dusk, with hikers and a trailhead tent below. — Ice Lake Trailhead

Early Trail

The first mile is a gentle climb through pine forests (at least it's gentle compared to the later inclines). You will hear the sound of nearby streams and see wildflowers in season. This section is a good warm-up. Take breaks as you need them and enjoy the views. Have your bug spray handy, you'll likely need it on this section of the trail

Sunlit mountain valley with pine-covered slopes, green shrubs, and a bright blue sky with clouds.

Mid-Trail: Meadows and Views

After about 2 miles, the trail opens into wide meadows filled with colorful wildflowers during summer and you will start to see views of the surrounding peaks. If you're planning to complete the loop to Ice Lake and Island Lake, this is where the trail will split. Keep an eye out for marmots and mountain goats that sometimes appear near the trail.

Smiling hiker stands on a mountain trail in a wildflower meadow with pine trees and rocky green peaks under a cloudy sky. — Karen taking a break among the wildflowers

Final Ascent to Island Lake

The next mile to Island Lake is much steeper and rockier. Take your time and use trekking poles if you have them. Don't forget to stop and look behind you from time to time. The views are amazing and it's a good excuse to catch your breathe. Remember you're at high elevation here so drink lots of water, have some salty snacks, and listen to your body and what it needs.

Turquoise alpine lake with a rocky islet below steep gray mountains and a clear blue sky. — Island Lake

On to Ice Lake

From Island Lake, it's a little less than a mile downhill to Ice Lake. There is one section that is a little sketchy and will have you scrambling a bit but it's a manageable scramble. Seeing Ice Lake from above as you decent down to the basin is part of why I preferred taking the loop counter clockwise.

Hiker with purple backpack on a wildflower-lined trail above a lake, with snowy mountain peaks under dramatic clouds. — Karen descending down to Ice Lake

Returning to the Trailhead

Take some time at Ice Lake to have a snack, refuel, and enjoy the views. You earned them! When you're ready to head back to the trailhead, be prepared for a steep decent. Poles will save your knees here if you have them. I still fell going down even with the poles! I was glad I had them to help me from slipping more than I did. This trail is no walk in the park but it is 100% the effort.

Wide mountain valley with a winding stream, dark pine forest, green meadows, and a cloudy sky over rugged peaks. — Mountain views and a valley on the trek down

Purple and white columbine flowers bloom densely in a sunny garden bed with lush green foliage. — We spotted SO many columbines (Colorado's state flower) on this hike

Other Things to Do in Ouray

Ouray is known as the "Switzerland of America" for its dramatic mountain scenery and outdoor activities. If you can, give yourself a few days here to explore.

Woman sits on guardrail at Ouray Look Out Point sign, smiling, with mountain cliffs and forest under a cloudy blue sky. — Switzerland of America sign

Hot Springs

Relax your muscles after hiking at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. The natural mineral water soothes tired legs and offers a great way to unwind.

Jeep Tours

Explore rugged backcountry roads with a guided Jeep tour. These trips offer unique views of the San Juan Mountains and access to remote areas.

Hike the Perimeter Trail

The Ouray Perimeter Trail goes all the way around Ouray and offers great views and several waterfalls along the way. Box Canyon falls is a very unique falls you'll find on this trail (or you can visit it directly via a short hike). You'll walk along an elevated walkway to where the falls plummets through a very narrow quartzite gorge. There is a small entrance fee to visit the falls (the perimeter trail is free).

Ice Climbing (Winter)

If you visit in winter, Ouray is famous for ice climbing. The Ouray Ice Park attracts climbers from around the world.

Dramatic mountain valley with pine-covered rocky slopes under a cloudy sky, creating a rugged, serene landscape

Final Thoughts from Hiking the Ice Lakes Trail

This was undoubtedly one of my favorite hikes in Colorado! Although it was challenging, the views made all the effort worthwhile. The mountain views, stunning lakes, and vibrant wildflowers created a tapestry of natural beauty that made this a memorable hike I won't forget anytime soon. Each moment spent immersed in the serene wilderness reminded me that the most rewarding experiences often come from overcoming obstacles.