Ice Lakes conditions

[Breadloaf]

Hello and apologies in advance if this is silly. We will be in Ouray in ten days and have enjoyed hiking to the Ice Lakes in the past. Would the trailhead even be accessible at that time and would it be a major posthole session to lakes still covered in ice and snow? Any thoughts or advice on good hikes of 2-6 hours RT in the area appreciated. Or, we can always sit in hot springs and drink beer. Thank you kindly.

[Chicago Transplant]

The trailhead was open two weeks ago when we were in the area. There was plowed through snow banks in a few places that were narrow and muddy any may make a 2WD nervous. The campground was closed, and the lower campgrounds had patchy snow in some sites.

We didn't hike the trail to Ice Lakes at all. Recently saw a post (maybe 3 weeks ago) where a person buried his 3 meter avy probe in the snow at Island Lake and didn't hit ground. Last year (a historically low snow year) there was still significant amount of snow in the upper basin Memorial Day when the rest of the state was mostly melted out, so that area tends to hold snow. I needed an axe to climb Vermilion once in mid-July, but forget what year that was. I would expect a lot of snow, and frozen lakes if you went in 10 days.

For dry hikes in the area, and especially if you are staying in Ouray, consider the hike up to the Chief Ouray Mine or Twin Peaks from town. Both get you over 10k with good views and both are a steep workout. Bear Creek is a fun trail too, class 1 with exposure. There is a mine around 10,400 that makes a good turnaround and at that elevation would probably be dry when you are there.

[two lunches]

can anyone bump a suggestion for a lower elevation lake near Ouray/Telluride? I'm really skeptical about anything above 11K clearing up when i'm there, as well, and my roommate was wanting to fish

[drewharrellrtr]

Another possible option to look into is Blue Lakes. I don't know what the conditions are like, but it is also a beautiful lake that probably doesn't get quite the attention that Ice Lakes Basin does. If I remember right it's right about 3 miles to the lower lake. The first mile is fairly steep but after that it levels out a bit. Probably doesn't have quite the elevation gain that Ice Lakes Basin does.

[two lunches]

Another possible option to look into is Blue Lakes. I don't know what the conditions are like, but it is also a beautiful lake that probably doesn't get quite the attention that Ice Lakes Basin does. If I remember right it's right about 3 miles to the lower lake. The first mile is fairly steep but after that it levels out a bit. Probably doesn't have quite the elevation gain that Ice Lakes Basin does.

blue lakes is still sitting above 12,000', but it looks like it might get more sun to thaw out because the angle isn't as steep on the southern aspect?

[drewharrellrtr]

blue lakes is still sitting above 12,000', but it looks like it might get more sun to thaw out because the angle isn't as steep on the southern aspect?

I actually didn't see your post when I posted about blue lakes. As far as lakes at a lower elevation in that area, I am not sure. All of the ones I have been to are up high. Blue Lake may be the lowest I know of.

[GK83]

I would guess Woods lake would be ice free, as would Buckhorn lakes over toward Montrose, Blue lakes as of last week still had patchy snow at the trailhead, probably 2-3' in the trees around the lower lake, part of it may be melted by now but the whole thing is probably a ways out...

[Breadloaf]

The trailhead was open two weeks ago when we were in the area. There was plowed through snow banks in a few places that were narrow and muddy any may make a 2WD nervous. The campground was closed, and the lower campgrounds had patchy snow in some sites.

We didn't hike the trail to Ice Lakes at all. Recently saw a post (maybe 3 weeks ago) where a person buried his 3 meter avy probe in the snow at Island Lake and didn't hit ground. Last year (a historically low snow year) there was still significant amount of snow in the upper basin Memorial Day when the rest of the state was mostly melted out, so that area tends to hold snow. I needed an axe to climb Vermilion once in mid-July, but forget what year that was. I would expect a lot of snow, and frozen lakes if you went in 10 days.

For dry hikes in the area, and especially if you are staying in Ouray, consider the hike up to the Chief Ouray Mine or Twin Peaks from town. Both get you over 10k with good views and both are a steep workout. Bear Creek is a fun trail too, class 1 with exposure. There is a mine around 10,400 that makes a good turnaround and at that elevation would probably be dry when you are there.

Thank you so much- the Chief Ouray Mine hike looks perfect for the time we have. Appreciate the feedback!

[ltlFish99]

II am going to lower Blue lake tomorrow and will report what I find.
It's at 11,000 feet and last year it was mostly frozen on 05/26, but it's always a fun hike. 6.6miles RT.
Of course there is more snow this year, but I waited 3 more weeks hoping for a somewhat dry trail.

[drewharrellrtr]

II am going to lower Blue lake tomorrow and will report what I find.
It's at 11,000 feet and last year it was mostly frozen on 05/26, but it's always a fun hike. 6.6miles RT.
Of course there is more snow this year, but I waited 3 more weeks hoping for a somewhat dry trail.

Have you posted those conditions yet anywhere? Do you have any pictures?

[ltlFish99]

On june 15th:
Road to blue lakes trailhead is dry all the way.
Trail to lower blue lake is dry for 1.5 miles.
Patchy snow for next .25 mile.
Constant snow after that.
At approx. 2 miles, there is a stream to cross and it is running more than usual.
Everyone was turning around a little past the stream due to a rather large amount of Avalanche debris over the trail.
This area is 1.25 miles below the lower lake.
I would estimate at least 3 more weeks until the trail is dry to the lake. Really warm temps could make that shorter.
I probably will return around July 5th, or sooner if it gets hotter.

[Indigomountain]

I am not sure what exactly this work day will entail but thought it may be helpful information for some.


“On Sunday, June 23rd, OTG (Ouray Trails Group) crews will be out on the Blue Lakes Trail clearing downed trees and vegetation and repairing tread. Interested volunteers should contact John Hulburd at 360-643-1593 or wholebird@gmail.com to participate. Please bring lunch, water, rain gear, work gloves, sunscreen and sturdy shoes. Crews will meet at Cimarron Coffee at 8:00 a.m. before heading to the trailhead on County Road 7.”