Posted by Rajeev Thomas on August 11, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Hi everyone... I know Ice Lake Basin questions have been asked many times. So please don't be tired of it... Is the trial head to Ice Lake Basin accessible by 2WD vehicle? Thank you in advance... regards, Rajeev.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 11, 2008 at 3:29 PM
Yes. I think you could access the trail head in a lowrider.
And I saw a Honda minivan about 1 mile from the American Basin trailhead.
Posted by Jody Grigg on August 11, 2008 at 3:30 PM
There are two places to start, either at the bottom of the valley or up the road, both accessible by car.
Posted by Rajeev Thomas on August 11, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Thank you Mel and Jody. I am going to do my first real hike in to a beautiful place like Ice Lake Basin. I am a bit overly curious and nervous about it. Some trail reports suggest that hike is very tough but some say it is long but an easy one..... Any suggestions will help...
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on August 11, 2008 at 4:36 PM
When are you going, Rajeev ?
The trail is steep, but relatively short. If you are just on a day hike, you should have no problems. You can always just hike to the lower basin.
I'd higly recommend starting from the trailhead at the campground. Although the one up the road will save some elevation gain, you have to cross a waterfall that can be nasty depending on the water flow. On my last trip, the water flow was fine going up, but after a 2 hour downpour, the stream was raging and the crossing was dicey. A few years ago a teen was swept to his death while trying to cross on a hike with his family.
Start as early as you can. There is plenty to explore.
Posted by Jack Brauer on August 11, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Hi Rajeev,
Like Bill said, the trail is fairly short but steep. If you are going on a dayhike, I would strongly recommend starting VERY early, like at sunrise or before. The reason is because the Upper basin is the most spectacular part, but there is no tree cover during a lightning storm (which of course usually happens in the afternoon). So it's best to get out of the upper basin by noon or so, depending on the clouds.
Also the basin faces east so the mountains get the best light in the morning. (Though I'm sure you can find good stuff to shoot no matter the time).
Posted by Scott Bacon on August 11, 2008 at 5:43 PM
Here's my Ice Lakes Basin Travelogue from last summer. The hike is about 3 miles with about 2000 feet of elevation gain. So, short and steep as mentioned above. If you have Google Earth installed you can download the KMZ from the travelogue for another look at the trail. Unfortunately, all the Google Earth satellite imagery for the area was shot during winter. I wish they wouldn't do this. It makes it virtually impossible to make out any detail in the geography...
Posted by Jack Brauer on August 11, 2008 at 6:14 PM
Scott - I LOVE the winter G.E. imagery! It's a godsend for us backcountry skiers/snowboarders!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on August 11, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Here's an aerial photo that I took a few years ago at the end of May, during a good snow year.
You can see the parking lot trail head on the South Mineral Creek Road.
The trail steeply ascends through the forest to the lower basin, then another steep glacial step gets you into the upper basin, which is the broad bowl entirely filled with snow in the upper left of this image.
Posted by Rajeev Thomas on August 12, 2008 at 6:39 AM
Wow... I never expected so many responses! Thank you all so much. I am planning to go there on the 14th. Scott...that travelogue is inspiring.Great job there!! Thank you for posting the link. Jack .. as you know I appreciate your comments. Bill that areal photo looks scary!! I see the word steep everywhere!! Is it a precarious climb? Is there any hand-over-hand climb?? Coming from tropical India and from sea level, I admit that I have a little bit of fear of height!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on August 12, 2008 at 10:19 AM
No climbing. The trail,starting at the campground, is family friendly. No drop-offs or exposure.
Just leave as early as possible and, if storm clouds are building, don't wait for the lighting.
Hey Rajeev! My trip up there a couple of weeks ago was our first three generation backpack, I went with my son and five year old grandson, who did great. Parking at the first switchback on the road to Clear Lake eliminates about 500 feet of elevation. Scott's travelogue is very comprehensive, check it out. Have a great time!
Posted by Rajeev Thomas on August 12, 2008 at 2:43 PM
Want to hear something!!?? My work just called to say my long approved vacation is cancelled. "We need you at work" that was the message... . I was planning for an outing for long!!! But thank you thank you....I APPRECIATE ALL THE INFO. I surely will use this info in the future.....
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 12, 2008 at 2:50 PM
Here are a couple trail shots for you Rajeev.
Yes, the trail is relatively steep, but it is a nice trail in good condition.
Start early. 6AM is a good target start time. We started by 7:00, which is still OK, but the earlier, the better. I wouldn't start on the Clear Lake switchback having seen the crossing. I just don't think its worth the risk. Plus there were interesting flowers on the first part of the hike.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 12, 2008 at 2:56 PM
Rajeev,
I'm so sorry to see your new message. You must have sent it while I was typing.
I've been there before. Its absolutely gut wrenching when the company pulls that on you, especially when the vacation is needed, requested well in advance and deserved. I always found that when a employer knew that I was planning a vacation with no perceived cost like a backpacking trip, they were much more likely to do this. If they thought I had airline tickets and hotels booked then they seemed to be more respectful of my vacation. I never really figured out a way around this issue other than to take my vacations away from home. That was one of the many things that lead me to leave the consulting business.
Discussion
14 repliesAnd I saw a Honda minivan about 1 mile from the American Basin trailhead.
The trail is steep, but relatively short. If you are just on a day hike, you should have no problems. You can always just hike to the lower basin.
I'd higly recommend starting from the trailhead at the campground. Although the one up the road will save some elevation gain, you have to cross a waterfall that can be nasty depending on the water flow. On my last trip, the water flow was fine going up, but after a 2 hour downpour, the stream was raging and the crossing was dicey. A few years ago a teen was swept to his death while trying to cross on a hike with his family.
Start as early as you can. There is plenty to explore.
Like Bill said, the trail is fairly short but steep. If you are going on a dayhike, I would strongly recommend starting VERY early, like at sunrise or before. The reason is because the Upper basin is the most spectacular part, but there is no tree cover during a lightning storm (which of course usually happens in the afternoon). So it's best to get out of the upper basin by noon or so, depending on the clouds.
Also the basin faces east so the mountains get the best light in the morning. (Though I'm sure you can find good stuff to shoot no matter the time).
You can see the parking lot trail head on the South Mineral Creek Road.
The trail steeply ascends through the forest to the lower basin, then another steep glacial step gets you into the upper basin, which is the broad bowl entirely filled with snow in the upper left of this image.
http://pelzmann.smugmug.com/photos/220425421_KaH9f-O.jpg
Just leave as early as possible and, if storm clouds are building, don't wait for the lighting.
Yes, the trail is relatively steep, but it is a nice trail in good condition.
Start early. 6AM is a good target start time. We started by 7:00, which is still OK, but the earlier, the better. I wouldn't start on the Clear Lake switchback having seen the crossing. I just don't think its worth the risk. Plus there were interesting flowers on the first part of the hike.
The majority of the trail involves hiking through the forest at various rates of climb. There are lots of switchbacks so its never too steep.
http://www.ladewigs.com/Gallery/v/Colorado/Silverton/ICELAKE/ILB_4191.jpg.html
Eventually you reach the lower basin. You'll see this view as you look to the next section of climb. The climb to the upper basin goes on a nice grassy ramp between the cliff bands. There is no technical climbing on this trail.
http://www.ladewigs.com/Gallery/v/Colorado/Silverton/ICELAKE/ILB_4203-Edit.jpg.html
From the top of the ramps you'll start to see this view looking down on the last photo.
http://www.ladewigs.com/Gallery/v/Colorado/Silverton/ICELAKE/ILB_4220-Edit.jpg.html
The very last section of climb to Ice Lake is STEEP, but its so worth it.
http://www.ladewigs.com/Gallery/v/Colorado/Silverton/ICELAKE/ILB_4221.jpg.html
I'm so sorry to see your new message. You must have sent it while I was typing.
I've been there before. Its absolutely gut wrenching when the company pulls that on you, especially when the vacation is needed, requested well in advance and deserved. I always found that when a employer knew that I was planning a vacation with no perceived cost like a backpacking trip, they were much more likely to do this. If they thought I had airline tickets and hotels booked then they seemed to be more respectful of my vacation. I never really figured out a way around this issue other than to take my vacations away from home. That was one of the many things that lead me to leave the consulting business.