Ice Lakes Basin in late July is arguably the most fantastic place in Colorado to shoot wildflowers in an alpine environment. Upper Ice Lakes requires a 6 mile round trip hike with about 2,300-ft to 12,300-ft, while Lower Ice Lakes needs about 5 miles RT and 1600-ft of vertical gain. I’ve been to Ice Lakes for 5 consecutive years and have no issues returning to a place that keeps on satisfying my longing for stunning wildflower scenery. Some years are better than others, but even the bad years are worth the visit. The San Juans actually got some snow this season so I expect a strong wildflower season.
Because Ice Lakes is no secret, it can be a busy place, especially on the weekend. Getting a late start ensures a start at the Mineral Creek Campground where the true Ice Lake Basin Trailhead resides. There is an upper trailhead that saves a ½ mile and 600-ft of vertical gain. With a EARLY, before sunrise start we can ensure parking at the upper trailhead which has about 6-8 parking spots and saves 600-ft of elevation gain. Well worth it, when you consider the benefits of early lighting for photography. Expect about 3 hrs to make the upper lake area.
If we go, I’ll likely backpack up, and stay that night to shoot two consecutive mornings including a sunrise at Ice Lake. I would love for some of us to stay that night in the lower basin because sunrise at Ice Lake is special, to say the least. Plus we can shoot crazy wildflowers all night long just yards from our campsites as well as talk photography until we are blue in the face!
We could also have two groups, one that starts early and one that starts later, it all depends I suppose on how much interests this idea generates.
-Lower Ice Lakes-2 to 2.5 miles and 1,700-ft of vertical gain.
-Upper Ice Lakes-another ¾ mile and 800-ft
-Island Lake (from upper Ice Lake) another ½ mile and 300-ft.
The following is a excerpt from one of my journal entries from a few years back. Read further if you feel so inclined.
The Ice Lakes Basin is a popular place however it’s easily one of the most magical places in Colorado. The area is known for its wildflower supremacy during the 3rd to 4th week of July.
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 most densely packed I have ever seen. Columbines tower at waist level and Monkshood/delphiniums often brush your face. These plants seem to be genetically superior in every way compared to flowers in other mountain ranges. Think wildflowers on steroids.
The upper basin is comprised of small tarns, a few stunning lakes, smooth granite domes, and miles of open alpine tundra laden with more wildflowers. The four magnificent peaks residing here are Fuller Peak, Vermillion Peak, Golden Horn and Pilot Knob.
Above and beyond Upper Ice Lakes resides the Island Lake Basin; an intimate, quite place showcasing even more stunning alpine beauty. From Ice Lake expect about 900-ft of gain on a perfect single track trail that escorts you to the Island Lake basin. Somewhat of a secret place, Island Lake Basin harbors possibly the coolest alpine lake in all of Colorado. The small lake is a cross between emerald green and deep teal blue water that encompass a small rock island. Towering above the lake are great peaks called US Grant Peak, V2 and V4. BTW, the view from V2 is one of favorite views I’ve seen.
There are two starting points for the Ice Lake Basin area. The more popular Ice Lake Basin Trailhead begins at the South Mineral Creek Campground where there is ample parking. The second trailhead is an unmarked trailhead that starts at the first switchback on the dirt Clear Lake Road. This TH saves you about a half mile and 600-ft of gain.
South Mineral Creek Campground- Ice Lake Basin Trailhead- Take Highway 550 north from Silverton about 2 miles and locate the well signed turnoff for the South Mineral Campground. Turn (left) and follow the improved dirt road for 4 miles, passing 3 massive flat areas for free group camping and another 10-12 primitive campsites along the creek to the South Mineral Campground’ which has about 20 sites and runs about $14.00 a night. There is parking on the right side of the road and this is the trailhead and the start of the approach to Ice Lakes Basin. Camping in the South Mineral Creek area is popular so do what you can to arrive earlier in the week preferably on a weekday.
Upper unmarked Ice Lake Basin Trailhead- High clearance vehicles can shorten the approach to Ice Lakes by using this trailhead. After leaving Hwy 550 go 3.5 miles to the signed Clear Lake road on the right. Drive the unimproved road a quarter mile to the first swtchback and park. There is room for maybe 5-6 vehicles. Some may have to park on the road. Locate the faint trail in the trees, it will first take you to an impressive water fall before intersecting the Ice Lake Basin Trail that starts at the S Mineral Creek Campground.
The lower basin is a wonderful place for backcountry camping. The area is extensive so take your time locating the best place for you and you’re overnight needs. The upper basin is certainly an option for camping and many do camp on the tundra, however the area is completely exposed to the elements which can get a little spicy during the San Juans wicked monsoon season. If a storm rolls in, it is a long retreat to the lower basin.
This area was on my hit list for this year, I've never been there yet. I'm very interested. Sadly I'll have to probably drive like mad Friday after work, hike in and shoot Saturday, shoot Sunday morning, hike out and drive home. I have all of my vacation planned out on other trips.
hmmm...if i stop eating ice cream and drinking beer, and if they pull the pins out of my hand the week before, i just might be ready in time... ill work on it...
What?!?!? You gotta stop drinking beer to do this hike? Count me out.
Actually though, I better start the cardio a bit more. I hiked with just my camera bag (no tent etc) from 12k to 13k not long ago and it kicked my butt pretty good.
Certainly wouldn't be a race to get up there. The best way to get that sunrise is to take your time with a pack up to Lower Ice Lake area and set up your tent. the next morning get the sunrise. Its about a 30-40 min hike from lower to upper.
I might be interested as well, but it's a bit too early for a firm confirmation. Thank you for posting an open invitation.
I love that macro image!!
Last time I went up to Clear Lake, I saw about a dozen cars awkwardly parked at that first switchback and couldn't figure out why they were there. Now I know.
Can you provide any more details on that waterfall?
Hi John, if you're referring to the waterfall that resides on the trail about 100-yards from the upper area parking, there isn't much photographic interest. It's more impressive in a “oh..we have to cross that?” way, where one must negotiate it's roar, apron and mist for about 10-ft to reach the continuing trail. The trail traverses a cliffy slope when it meets the waterfall. To be clear, the upper trail is by far the best option, and the waterfall crossing isn’t more than an exciting and quick few jumps across some well placed logs and rocks.
The bigger problem is.. on occasion if the temps drop to the 30-40's at night, and you get that before sunrise start, the logs ice up. As you know, there's not much worse than sporting wet feet 100 yards into an all day hike!
The Ice Lake area has at least 4-5 cascading waterfalls. Every time I've been up there I don’t pay much attention to the 4-5 cascading waterfall because I'm soaking up the wildflower action. If I prioritized differently I bet there's some decent waterfall composition to be had but it seems one would have to work for it.
I'm interested, but still planning out my summer schedule. If I can make it down there, I'm likely to stay longer and also backpack in to spend one or more nights. I'd love to get a "grand scenic" from above the lake showing the color of the water.
I'll need a raincheck this year :) I normally am in the San Juans that very week every year. This year I have to host a golden anniversary. But next year if you arrange a meet, I'll be there!
I would agree with all of Kane's superlative descriptions of the Ice Lakes area. David Kingham and I are planning a trip to the area, but I don't think either of the dates we are looking at will match up (looking at midweek). I have only done one day tip up to the upper basin, but it remains burned into my brain as the best place that I have ever been! John, here is a pic of that waterfall on the shortcut trailhead. Not the most photogenic, but pretty nice. It is a rather hair raising crossing, as the terrain to the left of this shot falls steeply for several hundred feet and the logs are rather mossy, slick and tilt toward the dropoff. Probably better waterfall/cascade action at the base of the headwall from the lower to upper basin.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on June 4, 2012 at 10:14 PM
Is the log crossing something doable by a dog? If not, how deep is the edge of the pool at the base of the falls and is the log crossing skirtable that way?
Hi Doug, I'm 12 for 12 crossing the waterfall section without getting my feet wet. I'm also assuming that most people would prefer taking on this interesting piece of the hike to the alternative, an additional 600-ft of vertical gain and another mile of hiking. The minimal parking spaces for the upper trailhead go fast daily.
Trekking Poles will make this crossing doable, if not easy for most. If needed, I'll wade in- to secure the crossing for anyone that needs assistance. No problem for me at all. I just want others to feel comfortable.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on June 4, 2012 at 11:19 PM
Kane, the crossing would not bother me, but wondering about my four-legged wirehaired pointer if she would need to walk on one log beam. Is this the creek coming down from Clear Lake?
If I'm in Colorado, I would certainly enjoy joining the group for an overnight. I've never spent the night there, always done day hikes. Last year's wildflowers were over the top !
Regarding the waterfall shortcut - I agree it is the preferred option. Carpooling from the regular trailhead would help with the very limited parking.
In general, I find the waterfall crossing is easy. However, some common sense is required. A few years ago, there was a tragic accident where a boy was swept over the edge while on a family outing, during a heavy runoff. Randy's photo shows a typical flow - no problem.
Even later in the season, the monsoon storms can create dangerous conditions. I was there once with my family during August. An intense thunderstorm drove us out of the basin, and when we got to the falls the water flow level was incredible ! Crossing at that time was not an option.
>>Even later in the season, the monsoon storms can create dangerous conditions. I was there once with my family during August. An intense thunderstorm drove us out of the basin, and when we got to the falls the water flow level was incredible ! Crossing at that time was not an option.<<
I know that all too well. Two years ago, late July, my offroad group was exploring Poughkeepsie on a very cloudy afternoon - when the thunder began. We rolled down to Mineral Creek and were making our way past the Breen Mine westward when the sky opened up. Got past the shelf, but as we made our way into the switchbacks down to the highway - the mountain started coming down on us. Video - I am the lead Gray Touareg "KF6VOM" plates, and when I got down to the debris flow on the second video, it was just a trickle - I hesitated - and then here it came, trees, boulders, and all. Glad I did! You can get a glimpse on the left side.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z1eRETwIfM (first switchback)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfT97f1t8Bk (after second switchback)
It took us a couple hours with help from the other half of our group in Ouray to walk down to the highway. Vehicles left for the night. Ouray itself was a mess - and so was the highway. Lots of boulder slides and broken glass / dented vehicles.
Geez...I'd LOVE to do this trip, but I'll be on my own trip that entire week! But, I may visit there in early August, so I'll watch here for developments.
I will be in the area during that time frame, however I am already locked into a couple other backpacking destinations. I was up there last year around the same time and its awesome, I would definitely return. I highly recommend the trip up to Island Lake as well -- amazing. As far as the waterfalls in the lower basin -- lots of options, I shot this only 50 yards from my tent:
I would love to come but as of right now I have a class field-trip on that Saturday (21st) to RMNP. If you decide on sometime between the 26th-30th I'm definitely down for backpacking in.
Mark, I sent you an email a week ago concerning some high alpine stuff. I went through this NPN website. I'm certain i deleted your email from our trip to Zion last season so if you still have mine, email me quickly. Between the two of us I bet we can narrow down our ideas and get some great shots.
Posted by Jack Garrett on June 10, 2012 at 6:01 PM
You're still planning on doing this, right? I'm interested in going if I can figure out the logistics. I will be in Ouray the week before and have to bring my wife back up here so I will most likely be cash poor and may need to see if anyone is interested in car pooling to saw a few bucks.
I'll add that I have a fair amount of backpacking gear if anyone would like to join us that doesn't have their own. I'd need to know in advance, and I'd ask that borrowers be responsible for repair or replacement costs in the unlikely event that anything happened to it. I have extra sleeping bags. ground pads, a spare tent or two... And extra backpacks, but they'll only fit if you're tall...
I'm now in the 'maybe' camp. I wont really know until fairly close to the date.
Posted by John Leonard on June 29, 2012 at 1:33 PM
Been there, love it, will be there and would like to camp Sunday and Monday nights. There's a nice spot below the upper falls, but not many camping spots below timberline.
It appears the wildflower season is running almost two weeks ahead of schedule this year down in the San Juans. I have a few places to gather information in the next few weeks before the outing to understand the wildflower conditions up in Ice Lake. If the monsoonal track stays alive and well then I'm thinking the flower display should still be pretty darn good up in the lower and upper basin. My fantastic outing last year into Ice Lakes was on Aug 3rd.
Our plans have shifted for that week and we are not going to be able to make it. Our friends who live in Colombia will be here for that weekend and we haven't seen them in ages! I will be anxiously waiting to see images!
This is not much notice, but if anyone's interested in taking me up on borrowing gear, I need to know by Thursday morning (7/12), as I may take off then to backpack and road trip the following week. I'm happy to throw extra gear in the back of the Subaru; I just need to know.
Enjoy,
Mark.
Posted by Jack Garrett on July 11, 2012 at 5:25 PM
I think a lot of folks are waiting to hear from Kane. He has his "feelers" out there checking on conditions. I would think we need to hear yay or nay by early next week though.
Overall I'm not too worried about flower conditions considering my epic trip up there last year happened on Aug 8th and way passed everyone's "peak" comments. Everyones definition of Peak color regarding fall color or wildflowers can vary greatly. I'll check into my sources later today .
I'm actually more interested in others confirming if they will be there or not, and whose gonna spend the night on Sun. That way I can start planning ahead to lock down some camping space in the lower basin.
Posted by Jack Garrett on July 12, 2012 at 8:16 PM
I plan on coming and spending the night...it'll probably take me all night to get up there...lol.
Hey Gang,
I am no longer able to make the Ice Lakes trip. A couple of items arose yesterday that require I bow out of this trip. Was really looking forward to the trip. :(
Kane,
Well, with a wildflower teaser experienced in the Rawah Wildnerness the last few days, I am curious what the San Juans have to offer. So, count me in for the overnighter. Coming from Wellington, I suspect I will make the long trip worthwhile by taking some additonal days off either before or after the scheduled rendezvous.
Some friends were just in the upper basin yesterday; it's at "peak" with lots of paintbrush. They said some flowers are starting to burn because of the dry and hot conditions.
Ok gang, we've got four committed. I have to admit I was a expecting a few more NPN members after the initial Ice Lakes roll out. The early wildflower season seems to have dampened the excitement level, which I completely understand. I think we need a few more to make it worth a 12 hr rt drive IMO. I'm gonna hold tight and see what happens but I'm leaving on weds to the mountains. Not sure what mountains, but something less expensive if it's not the San Juan's.
I'm still on the fence about going. I really want to make it but my back has been seriously jacked up for a few weeks, I don't know if I could make the hike with a full pack or not. If I start seeing rapid improvement I'd love to join in.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on July 15, 2012 at 5:01 PM
Due to the early blooms, I took vacation 2 weeks early and thus will not be making the ILB trip.
Sadly I'm not going to make it this year. On top of my back problems, I have managed to break a toe. I'm in no kind of form for hiking much of anywhere. :(
Posted by John Leonard on July 17, 2012 at 9:47 AM
Kane: I have not been able to arrange my schedule to go. Have a great trip
I think I am too a no-go. Every bit of me says salvage what I can of the summer; my normal 4x4 group was unable to do our week-long Ouray trip this year + I lost my dad last month. So I should really take a few days off for a quickie loop to Colorado - but I think I'll bank it.
I do plan extensive time in Colorado and Utah during the fall.
And I absolutely expect 2013 to be much more normal - so I'll be all over an Ice Lakes trip next July! Would like to hike more - away from the 4x4 trails.
Hi Karl, thanks for the response. Im beginning to think I may just move the idea to next season. The reports are coming in saying the lower basin is cooked. I honestly wanted to shoot the lower basin as much or more than the upper. The upper basin would likely be in OK wildflower shape next mon, but I'm interested in sharing an excellent experience with a bunch of NPN members with excellent wildflower conditions.
Kane,
I would second your thoughts of moving it to next year. Considering the distant to travel, I'm sure we all would like great shooting conditions which doesn't seem the case this year
Posted by Doug Koepsel on July 18, 2012 at 11:20 AM
Kane, while in CO at Porphyry, I talked with a lady who also said that the lower ice basin was not good and upper was only fair.
Posted by Jack Garrett on July 18, 2012 at 11:25 AM
I just got email from Kane..we have been going back and forth and it looks like we are gonna cancel due to not so good flower reports and not enough people wanting to go.. One of us will post an update in the next hour or so.
Discussion
59 repliesMore logistics to come.
Ice Lakes Basin in late July is arguably the most fantastic place in Colorado to shoot wildflowers in an alpine environment. Upper Ice Lakes requires a 6 mile round trip hike with about 2,300-ft to 12,300-ft, while Lower Ice Lakes needs about 5 miles RT and 1600-ft of vertical gain. I’ve been to Ice Lakes for 5 consecutive years and have no issues returning to a place that keeps on satisfying my longing for stunning wildflower scenery. Some years are better than others, but even the bad years are worth the visit. The San Juans actually got some snow this season so I expect a strong wildflower season.
Because Ice Lakes is no secret, it can be a busy place, especially on the weekend. Getting a late start ensures a start at the Mineral Creek Campground where the true Ice Lake Basin Trailhead resides. There is an upper trailhead that saves a ½ mile and 600-ft of vertical gain. With a EARLY, before sunrise start we can ensure parking at the upper trailhead which has about 6-8 parking spots and saves 600-ft of elevation gain. Well worth it, when you consider the benefits of early lighting for photography. Expect about 3 hrs to make the upper lake area.
If we go, I’ll likely backpack up, and stay that night to shoot two consecutive mornings including a sunrise at Ice Lake. I would love for some of us to stay that night in the lower basin because sunrise at Ice Lake is special, to say the least. Plus we can shoot crazy wildflowers all night long just yards from our campsites as well as talk photography until we are blue in the face!
We could also have two groups, one that starts early and one that starts later, it all depends I suppose on how much interests this idea generates.
-Lower Ice Lakes-2 to 2.5 miles and 1,700-ft of vertical gain.
-Upper Ice Lakes-another ¾ mile and 800-ft
-Island Lake (from upper Ice Lake) another ½ mile and 300-ft.
The following is a excerpt from one of my journal entries from a few years back. Read further if you feel so inclined.
The Ice Lakes Basin is a popular place however it’s easily one of the most magical places in Colorado. The area is known for its wildflower supremacy during the 3rd to 4th week of July.
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 most densely packed I have ever seen. Columbines tower at waist level and Monkshood/delphiniums often brush your face. These plants seem to be genetically superior in every way compared to flowers in other mountain ranges. Think wildflowers on steroids.
The upper basin is comprised of small tarns, a few stunning lakes, smooth granite domes, and miles of open alpine tundra laden with more wildflowers. The four magnificent peaks residing here are Fuller Peak, Vermillion Peak, Golden Horn and Pilot Knob.
Above and beyond Upper Ice Lakes resides the Island Lake Basin; an intimate, quite place showcasing even more stunning alpine beauty. From Ice Lake expect about 900-ft of gain on a perfect single track trail that escorts you to the Island Lake basin. Somewhat of a secret place, Island Lake Basin harbors possibly the coolest alpine lake in all of Colorado. The small lake is a cross between emerald green and deep teal blue water that encompass a small rock island. Towering above the lake are great peaks called US Grant Peak, V2 and V4. BTW, the view from V2 is one of favorite views I’ve seen.
There are two starting points for the Ice Lake Basin area. The more popular Ice Lake Basin Trailhead begins at the South Mineral Creek Campground where there is ample parking. The second trailhead is an unmarked trailhead that starts at the first switchback on the dirt Clear Lake Road. This TH saves you about a half mile and 600-ft of gain.
South Mineral Creek Campground- Ice Lake Basin Trailhead- Take Highway 550 north from Silverton about 2 miles and locate the well signed turnoff for the South Mineral Campground. Turn (left) and follow the improved dirt road for 4 miles, passing 3 massive flat areas for free group camping and another 10-12 primitive campsites along the creek to the South Mineral Campground’ which has about 20 sites and runs about $14.00 a night. There is parking on the right side of the road and this is the trailhead and the start of the approach to Ice Lakes Basin. Camping in the South Mineral Creek area is popular so do what you can to arrive earlier in the week preferably on a weekday.
Upper unmarked Ice Lake Basin Trailhead- High clearance vehicles can shorten the approach to Ice Lakes by using this trailhead. After leaving Hwy 550 go 3.5 miles to the signed Clear Lake road on the right. Drive the unimproved road a quarter mile to the first swtchback and park. There is room for maybe 5-6 vehicles. Some may have to park on the road. Locate the faint trail in the trees, it will first take you to an impressive water fall before intersecting the Ice Lake Basin Trail that starts at the S Mineral Creek Campground.
An excellent link to all Silverton Lodging.
http://www.silvertonmountain.com/page/town/lodging
Backcountry Camping
The lower basin is a wonderful place for backcountry camping. The area is extensive so take your time locating the best place for you and you’re overnight needs. The upper basin is certainly an option for camping and many do camp on the tundra, however the area is completely exposed to the elements which can get a little spicy during the San Juans wicked monsoon season. If a storm rolls in, it is a long retreat to the lower basin.
I forgot to add that we can only do 7/22-23. The following weekend we will be unable to get away. :)
Actually though, I better start the cardio a bit more. I hiked with just my camera bag (no tent etc) from 12k to 13k not long ago and it kicked my butt pretty good.
I love that macro image!!
Last time I went up to Clear Lake, I saw about a dozen cars awkwardly parked at that first switchback and couldn't figure out why they were there. Now I know.
Can you provide any more details on that waterfall?
The bigger problem is.. on occasion if the temps drop to the 30-40's at night, and you get that before sunrise start, the logs ice up. As you know, there's not much worse than sporting wet feet 100 yards into an all day hike!
The Ice Lake area has at least 4-5 cascading waterfalls. Every time I've been up there I don’t pay much attention to the 4-5 cascading waterfall because I'm soaking up the wildflower action. If I prioritized differently I bet there's some decent waterfall composition to be had but it seems one would have to work for it.
I'm interested, but still planning out my summer schedule. If I can make it down there, I'm likely to stay longer and also backpack in to spend one or more nights. I'd love to get a "grand scenic" from above the lake showing the color of the water.
Thanks,
Mark.
Kane,
I'll need a raincheck this year :) I normally am in the San Juans that very week every year. This year I have to host a golden anniversary. But next year if you arrange a meet, I'll be there!
Trekking Poles will make this crossing doable, if not easy for most. If needed, I'll wade in- to secure the crossing for anyone that needs assistance. No problem for me at all. I just want others to feel comfortable.
Maybe someone here has taken a dog via this route?
Regarding the waterfall shortcut - I agree it is the preferred option. Carpooling from the regular trailhead would help with the very limited parking.
In general, I find the waterfall crossing is easy. However, some common sense is required. A few years ago, there was a tragic accident where a boy was swept over the edge while on a family outing, during a heavy runoff. Randy's photo shows a typical flow - no problem.
Even later in the season, the monsoon storms can create dangerous conditions. I was there once with my family during August. An intense thunderstorm drove us out of the basin, and when we got to the falls the water flow level was incredible ! Crossing at that time was not an option.
I know that all too well. Two years ago, late July, my offroad group was exploring Poughkeepsie on a very cloudy afternoon - when the thunder began. We rolled down to Mineral Creek and were making our way past the Breen Mine westward when the sky opened up. Got past the shelf, but as we made our way into the switchbacks down to the highway - the mountain started coming down on us. Video - I am the lead Gray Touareg "KF6VOM" plates, and when I got down to the debris flow on the second video, it was just a trickle - I hesitated - and then here it came, trees, boulders, and all. Glad I did! You can get a glimpse on the left side.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z1eRETwIfM (first switchback)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfT97f1t8Bk (after second switchback)
It took us a couple hours with help from the other half of our group in Ouray to walk down to the highway. Vehicles left for the night. Ouray itself was a mess - and so was the highway. Lots of boulder slides and broken glass / dented vehicles.
Be careful out there during monsoon season!
I think our planned hike has potential to be a very nice trip. I will jumpstart the thread in a few weeks.
Enjoy,
Mark.
I'm actually more interested in others confirming if they will be there or not, and whose gonna spend the night on Sun. That way I can start planning ahead to lock down some camping space in the lower basin.
I am no longer able to make the Ice Lakes trip. A couple of items arose yesterday that require I bow out of this trip. Was really looking forward to the trip. :(
http://www.14ers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=36113
Well, with a wildflower teaser experienced in the Rawah Wildnerness the last few days, I am curious what the San Juans have to offer. So, count me in for the overnighter. Coming from Wellington, I suspect I will make the long trip worthwhile by taking some additonal days off either before or after the scheduled rendezvous.
I think I am too a no-go. Every bit of me says salvage what I can of the summer; my normal 4x4 group was unable to do our week-long Ouray trip this year + I lost my dad last month. So I should really take a few days off for a quickie loop to Colorado - but I think I'll bank it.
I do plan extensive time in Colorado and Utah during the fall.
And I absolutely expect 2013 to be much more normal - so I'll be all over an Ice Lakes trip next July! Would like to hike more - away from the 4x4 trails.
Right now we have 4-5.
Kane
I would second your thoughts of moving it to next year. Considering the distant to travel, I'm sure we all would like great shooting conditions which doesn't seem the case this year