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Ice Lakes Basin Backpacking
Cascading waterfalls, brilliant wildflower displays and turquoise lakes permeate the landscape of Ice Lakes Basin. Matching unparalleled scenery with relative easy access make this 3-day backpacking excursion a perfect trip for families, or those new to wilderness travel. If you are seeking the best of what the San Juan Mountains have to offer, do not let this trip slip off your list.
The lower Ice Lake Basin is clearly separated from the upper basin by a massive 400-ft granite wall. The upper and lower Ice Lake Basins differ greatly from one another and make for contrasting ecosystems. The wildflowers that grace the lower Ice Lake Basin are the tallest, and among the most densely packed we have ever seen in Colorado. The upper basin is comprised of small tarns (mountain lakes), smooth granite domes, miles of alpine tundra and wildflowers and of course four magnificent peaks - Fuller Peak, Vermillion Peak, Golden Horn and Pilot Knob.
Want Custom Dates?
We can schedule any of our Ice Lakes Basin Backpacking trips according to you or your group's schedule needs or requirements. With 3 or more participants the standard group rate is applicable, and with 4 or more people we offer a 10% discount!
Day 0: Arrive to Durango and stay in a hotel. We will meet in the evening to do a gear check and ensure that you're packed and ready for the trip.
Day 1: In the morning starting from Durango, we'll drive to Silverton and the beginning of our hike from the South Mineral Creek Trailhead. Today’s backpack into Ice Lakes Basin and our base camp is not terribly long at under 4 miles, but is steep enough that we’ll want an early start.
Day 2: Rising early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, we'll have two choices of day hikes. For the more adventurous we’ll make a summit attempt of 13,780-foot Golden Horn – a non-technical Class 2 walkup mountain peak. For those who desire a bit less challenge, we’ll traverse up to Island Lake Basin, a beautiful mountain lake situated under the shadow of Ulysses S. Grant Peak.
Day 3: A leisurely morning allows us to pack our camp and head back down to the South Mineral Creek Trailhead at a reasonable pace. We’ll be back to Durango by mid-afternoon with plenty of time to catch a shower and enjoy a celebratory dinner! This is also an alternate summit day in case of poor weather.
Trip Cost Includes: Backpacking and climbing guides for the duration of the trip. All group technical equipment required for the climbs. Tents, food (breakfasts & dinners), cooking gear, and transportation to and from Silverton.
Not Included: Hotel costs before, during, or after the courses. 3% land use surcharge, $3 Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue card (required), trip cancellation insurance, personal climbing/camping equipment and gear, or guide gratuities. Trail lunches.
Prerequisites: No prior experience is required. Participants are encouraged to be in relatively good physical condition.
Reservation and Cancellation Policy: A 50% deposit is required for all reservations. The balance will be due on the 30 days prior to the start date of the trip. Cancellation must be made 60 days before first day of trip or course, otherwise your deposit will be forfeited. You can apply your trip deposit or fee toward a future trip or course that takes place within one year for a 15% fee. No credits or refunds for no shows or those leaving early. Please click on our Registration link to access the required registration forms.
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