At a Glance
- Distance: ~8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,600 ft
- Lake Elevation: 12,257 ft
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- From Ouray: ~25 miles / 35 min
- Best Season: July – September
One of Colorado's Iconic Alpine Lakes
Ice Lake Basin sits south of Ouray along US 550, near the Silverton side of Red Mountain Pass. The trailhead is a 35-minute drive from The Lumberyard — making it a perfect full-day excursion from an Ouray base. The hike gains 2,600 feet over roughly 4 miles, climbing through aspen groves, wildflower meadows, and subalpine forest before breaking into the dramatic cirque above treeline.
The lake itself is extraordinary — a deep turquoise pool in a rocky amphitheater surrounded by peaks. The color comes from glacial flour suspended in the water and reflects the sky in a way that photographs don't fully capture. Fuller Lake, accessible via a short spur, adds a second destination for those with energy to spare.
Day Trip Planning from Ouray
Leave The Lumberyard by 7am to reach the trailhead by 7:30–7:45am. This puts you at the basin before most other hikers and well ahead of afternoon thunderstorm risk. The drive south on US 550 through Red Mountain Pass is itself spectacular — the red mineral-stained peaks and abandoned mine structures on either side of the road are among the most dramatic roadside scenery in Colorado.
Bring layers, rain gear, and more water than you think you need. At 12,000+ feet, the sun is intense and exertion feels different than at altitude. The hike is strenuous but not technical — no scrambling required for the main lake. Allow 5–7 hours total for the full excursion.