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Description

Added by Sheena Neese

Just a couple more miles upward from the spectacular Ice Lakes basinEasily attainable high-thirteenerTurn your day hike into an epic weekend backpacking excursionEscape the crowdsEarn some breathtaking views of the majestic San Juan's

Starting at an elevation of 9,500 feet at South Mineral Campground, most hikers easily make a day hike to the Ice Lakes at 12,000+ feet. For a little off-the-beaten-track action, set your gaze to the more symmetrical of the two prominent peaks that soar above the basins.

From Ice Lake, continue on the trail towards Fuller Lake (south/left of Ice Lake) and ascend up the basin wall. Instead of continuing to the lake, make a sharp right after the first snow bridge up to the ridge (which is more like a hump), where you will see a highroad towards a giant snow field. You can see zig-zags in the red rock above, which is the trail to both Vermilion and Fuller Peaks.

DO NOT try to ascend to the abandoned shelter and find the trail from there. We saw another group that attempted this, and they lost an hour backtracking. Continue on the trail towards the basin, following the cairns until you reach the snow. We did not have crampons or yaktraks in July, and it was just fine. After the snow field, you will have to traverse to the scree that you saw from below. Ten or so careful switchbacks will get you to the saddle and to some breathtaking views. Make a left and keep going up another 15 minutes to reach the summit.

In July, wildflowers are unbelievable, and, yes, there are lots of day hikers at Ice and Fuller Lakes. But you will have Fuller Peak to yourselves. If you do this earlier in the summer or from the other side of the saddle, you will likely need better snow traction. Oh, and a little afraid to admit this, but we actually "sledded" on our backsides on the way down. It was fun.

You can camp at the lower basin to complete Ice and Island Lake on the first day and summit on the second. It is nice to have a night to acclimatize to the altitude; it made it a breeze to reach 13,700. You could pick off a few more peaks over the course of a long weekend. Temperatures range a lot on this hike, and it takes about 2-3 hours from the lower basin, so be sure to pack accordingly.

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Features

Backpacking
Hiking
Lake
Scenic
Wildflowers

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Nearby

Camp at South Mineral Campground

Climb Fuller Peak

Upper Ice Lake

Backpack to Island Lake

Explore Clear Lake

Drive Ophir Pass