Late summer wild flowers on the way to Ice LakeSeptember 11
We're still camping at the Amphitheater. Today we headed toward Silverton to catch South Mineral Creek road up to the Ice Lake trail head. The drive gave us a preview of what the San Juan Skyway scenic drive will be like in a few days. We noted several Forest Service campgrounds along the road for future reference. If we had know we might have stayed here. The campsites look RV friendly and the dirt road is in great condition.
The trail up to Ice Lake was... you guessed it steep and winding and rocky. The morning was absolutely breath taking. The views were crystal clear. We got to Ice Lake just in time to take a few pictures before the clouds came in and to have lunch. Ice Lake is a different color blue than the blue color of Lower Blue Lake we had hike previously. Ice Lake is more ocean blue and reminded me of Maui. We decided to continue on up about another mile to Fuller Lake. This lake was not as beautiful, but the views looking back to Ice Lake and another unknown name lake were worth it. There is an old mining shack at Fuller Lake that has been will used and most recently very abused. I image that it was quite a challenge to get all the building materials to the lake to construct the shack.
Falls on the way to Ice Lake
Ice Lake
Ice Lake and unknown name lake
Fuller Lake
Miner's shack at Fuller Lake
Falls out of Ice Lake
Tomorrow we will move and head over the San Juan Skyway which consists of three high elevation passes and stop in Durango for supplies. Our goal is to camp somewhere near Chimney Rock and take a tour of the ruins.
Sounds like you are having a great time. I love that area of Colorado.
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