This has to be one of the most difficult trails I ever hike, as I had to climb 5 miles one way with a 3000’ of elevation gain to this 12,200’ elevation lake. It took me 4 hours to hike up to the Upper Ice Lake Basin and the last mile was a grueling 1000′ of elevation gain. If I had to do this over, I would have backpack up there like I originally planned because the hike down in the dark I nearly collapsed from exhaustion. The combination of lack of sleep, air, and water made it even more difficult, but I think it is all worth it for this single snapshot alone.
Reflection Sunset – Upper Ice Lake Basin, San Juan Mountains CO
