There are 16 discernible switchbacks before you meander through to the end of the trees. Dolores, CO 81323 Ice Lakes Trail: Hidden Gem in San Juan National Forest - See 85 traveler reviews, 130 candid photos, and great deals for Silverton, CO, at Tripadvisor. Best walking trails in San Juan National Forest, Colorado 2,119 Reviews Explore the most popular walking trails in San Juan National Forest with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Ryks Video 148,133 views. (John Meyer, The Denver Post) After a brief descent, it continues to climb north until it ends at the Colorado Trail to the west of Molas Pass. If you prefer to fish with a current, thereís also the Pine River and Weminuche Creek. Date of experience: December 2020. See the San Juan National Forest site for more information on current closures. There are several pullouts along the way to enable folks to stop for a few minutes and click pictures and what fabulous pictures you get!! San Juan National Forest “This spot has the postcard grandeur of the Alps,” says photographer Kennan Harvey. I visited the San Juan National Forest via a car ride between Durango & Silverton and it was as beautiful as it was refreshing despite the cold. At an altitude of 8,250 feet, it is truly a mountain lake, with all the associated wind, weather and cold water that goes with a lake so near peaks of the Rockies. California Pass San Juan Mountains - Duration: 5:57. Ice Lake, about 6 miles west of Silverton in the heart of the San Juan Range, is one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado and a gem for hikers. Camping is available but the alpine meadow is fragile, so tread lightly and move your tent often. It climbs steadily through aspens and pine trees, and traverses under the East Face of Engineer Mountain. Through a stunning array of alpine wildflowers, the Ice Lakes trail winds through old growth forest, sub alpine meadows, and up to alpine tundra. Explore the most popular lake trails in San Juan National Forest with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Box 439 Visit the CPW website for more information. There are many picturesque lakes across the San Juan Public Lands with excellent fishing opportunities. Hiking Trails on the San Juan National Forest by Norm Vance. The volcanic rock is loose and erodes easily, giving these mountains their jagged, rugged appearance. Home to the San Juan National Forest and the Uncompahgre National Forest, the abundance of public lands helps to ensure that this trend will continue. The San Juan National Forest is a U.S. National Forest covering over 1,878,846 acres (2,935.7 sq mi, or 7,603.42 km²) in western Colorado.The forest occupies land in Archuleta, Conejos, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Rio Grande, San Miguel and San Juan Counties. Mining … Second half is a gentle walk. The Ice Fire is about … Alas, no midday espresso either, unless you pack it in: Island Lake is 4.2 miles from the nearest trailhead. Highland Mary Lakes is a series of high altitude lakes, tarns and awesome views. San Juan National Forest moderate (164) Length: 4.9 mi • Est. Within its boundaries are snow-covered peaks reaching more than 14,000 feet into the sky, wildflower-lined river bottoms at 5,000 feet and just about every conceivable western … (970) 264-2268. Description: Ice Lakes Basin is at the headwaters of Mineral Creek outside of Silverton, Colorado. The trail wastes no time gaining elevation, climbing 1,600-ft. in 2-miles through forests and wildflower-filled meadows to the beautiful Lower Ice Lakes basin. Men hiking, Twin Lakes Basin, Weminuche Wilderness, Needle Range, San Juan National Forest, Colorado, Mount Eolus in background, MR - Buy this stock photo and explore similar images at Adobe Stock Sales: 800-685-3602 The Ice Lakes Basin Trail is located near Silverton, Colorado, within the Columbine Ranger District of San Juan National Forest. San Juan National Forest moderate (164) Length: 4.9 mi • Est. 5:57. (970) 884-2512, Dolores Ranger District 15 Burnett Court Pagosa Ranger District 180 Pagosa Street P.O. The forest occupies land in Archuleta, Conejos, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Rio Grande, San Miguel and San Juan Counties. To reach the trailhead from the intersection of Highway 550 and the turnoff to Silverton (Highway 110), drive 2 miles north on Highway 550 to County Road 7, located between mile markers 72 and 73. Box 310 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 (970) 264-2268. You can catch the Continental Divide trail from above the lakes, consider a day hike up and back or an overnight, but don't camp on the lake, instead camp a bit away from the edges of the lakes for minimal impact. 29211 Highway 184 The highlights of San Juan National Forest include Chimney Rock National Monument. The forest's Weminuche Wilderness is the largest in Colorado at 499,771 acres (202,250 ha). Dolores Ranger District 29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323 (970) 882-7296. San Juan National Forest moderate (164) Length: 4.9 mi • Est. Hiking the Ice Lakes TrailOur San Juan National Forest hidden gem is Island Lake, which is one of four amazingly incandescent bodies of glacial water (Ice, Clear and Fuller lakes are the other three) that can be found in the Upper Ice Lake Basin near the town of Silverton. : You are free: to share – to copy, distribute and transmit the work; to remix – to adapt the work; Under the following conditions: attribution – You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. San Juan National Forest Headquarters Please be sure to come prepared and to check the weather forecast ahead of time for this trail. 2011-365-175 Gateway (5867687182).jpg 4 752 × 3 168 ; 4,29 Mio. The open meadows are filled with wildflowers in the late summer, providing beautiful views and excellent opportunities for photography. P.O. Steele Burrow/Aurora Photos Aerial view of the San Juan National Forest San Juan National Forest, Colorado. Helpful. Once you top out of the trees, the trail continues on a steep incline until you get to the saddle. Topo Maps when possible. Columbine Ranger District 367 Pearl Street P.O. Plan to spend a few days. Pagosa Springs, CO  81147 A reservoir or lake in San Juan National Forest. 6:39 . 180 Pagosa Street Wilderness Areas: San Juan National Forest encompasses 4 Wilderness areas which make the perfect backpacking experience. Hikers have a plethora of options to choose from in the San Juans, and itineraries are likely to be shaped by realities like your direction of travel, prevailing weather patterns, and snowpack. This trail starts near the bottom of Coal Bank Pass on the Durango side. San Juan National Forest is divided into three wilderness areas and lies in 10 counties. You can access this lake via snowshoe year round, but there are avalanches in this area, so extreme caution must be used. SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) – Firefighters rushed to a new wildfire — this one burning in the San Juan National Forest. Durango, Bayfield, and Dolores are the nearest major towns. The Ice Lakes Basin trailhead begins from the dirt parking lot across the road from South Mineral Campground. The lake is beautiful and on par with Ice Lake's coloring. And that’s about where the similarities end, because we guarantee you won’t be shoulder to shoulder with other visitors. 2 h 56 m Highland Mary Lakes is a series of high altitude lakes, tarns and awesome views. 2 h 56 m Highland Mary Lakes is a series of high altitude lakes, tarns and awesome views. It has been reported that this area is subject to dramatic changes in the weather. Visit the CPW website for more information. Extremely quick climb. San Juan National Forest. (970) 882-7296, Pagosa Ranger District The San Juan National Forest is also a popular spot for fishing and there are many lakes where brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout are abundant, including Hossick, Fourmile, Rock, Flint and Emerald. Dispersed Camping. The 1.8-million-acre San Juan National Forest encompasses much of this range. These are volcanic mountains, unlike some other Colorado chains. It borders the Uncompahgre National Forest to the north and the Rio Grande National Forest to the east. The parking lot is at N 37 48.394, W … #6 - Molas Lake to Animas River via Molas Trail, Starts at Molas Lake and ends up at Animas River. The proposed project area is west of Pagosa Springs and west of Pagosa Lakes in Archuleta County. The San Juan National Forest is a U.S. National Forest covering over 1,878,846 acres (2,935.7 sq mi, or 7,603.42 km²) in western Colorado. Always navigate with a U.S. National Forest Service Map and U.S.G.S. Down hill trail. Box 439 Bayfield, CO 81122 (970) 884-2512. The explosive display captivates many viewers during this short summer spectacle. Share. … Read more. Use this article as a general guide and compare with Forest Map. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. 367 Pearl Street San Juan National Forest Headquarters 15 Burnett Court Durango, CO 81301 (970) 247-4874. Proposed treatments include fuels reduction and vegetation management activities such as thinning, mowing, mastication, and tree harvests. The hike to Ice Lakes begins from the South Mineral Campground in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton, Colorado. Durango, CO 81301 La forêt nationale de San Juan, en anglais San Juan National Forest, est une forêt nationale américaine située dans le sud-ouest du Colorado.Couvrant 7 603 km 2, cette aire protégée créée le 3 juin 1905 est gérée par le Service des forêts des États-Unis Worth the hike but it is demanding for sure! USDA Forest Service Contact the local ranger district office for recommendations on which area is best for you. Box 310 It borders the Uncompahgre National Forest to the north and the Rio Grande National Forest to the east. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/colorado/san-juan-national-forest/fishing Williams Reservoir State Wildlife Area (SWA), Andrews Lake SWA, Haviland Lake SWA and Joe Moore Reservoir SWA are located on the San Juan National Forest, but are managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). San Juan National Forest includes Chimney Rock National Monument and elevations that range from 5,000 ft (1,500 m) to over 14,000 ft (4,300 m). Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Molas Lake to Animas River via Molas Trail. Near the little mountain town of Pagosa Springs, in the San Juan National Forest sits Williams Creek Reservoir, a manmade lake a little over a mile long and a half-mile wide. Watch over the next few weeks for separate articles on some of the area’s more popular trails with descriptions and photos. First 2 miles are tough but once you get up to the saddle it's much easier. Santa Fe: New Mexico The Silverton area boasts a number of great day hikes but none can compete with the sheer scenic beauty of Ice Lake. Lakes in San Juan National Forest‎ (2 C, 2 F) Lizard Head Pass‎ (3 F) M Maps of San Juan National Forest‎ (2 F) Média dans la catégorie « San Juan National Forest » Cette catégorie comprend 19 fichiers, dont les 19 ci-dessous. The Best Alpine Lakes in Colorado - Duration: 6:39. Bayfield, CO 81122 Other things to do in the San Juan National Forest include scenic drives, water sports, and horseback riding! Be prepared to walk slowly or to stop often to catch your breath during the first half of the trail. Emerald Lake in the San Juan National Forest, Colorado’s third-largest natural lake, is a 10-mile trek from the Pine River Trailhead near Vallecito Reservoir. Camping in areas that are outside of campgrounds is generally allowed per the regulations listed inside. Lake and Pond Fishing Areas This is a high priority area due to the dense population, high recreation use, and important wildlife habitat. Endless Adventures 62 views. 2 h 56 m Highland Mary Lakes is a series of high altitude lakes, tarns and awesome views. You’ll get the chance to catch numerous species of trout, as well as a variety of other fish as well. P.O. These natural forces also pushed valuable minerals, including gold and silver, to the surface, and the San Juans were heavily mined. Check in with the Forest Service before snowshoeing. (970) 247-4874, Columbine Ranger District Miles of beautiful scenic trails with close-up views of towering mountain peaks and crystal clear lakes, along with peaceful solitude, reward those backpacking on the San Juan National Forest. Fishing: A myriad of rivers, ponds, lakes, and streams fill the San Juan National Forest, giving visitors plenty of perfect fishing spots. Williams Reservoir State Wildlife Area (SWA), Andrews Lake SWA, Haviland Lake SWA and Joe Moore Reservoir SWA are located on the San Juan National Forest, but are managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sanjuan/recreation/fishing/?recid=42728&actid=42, San Juan National Forest COVID-19 Updates. Rich history and jaw-dropping nature combine in the San Juan National Forest at nearly every turn. 2011-365-174 House in the Woods (5867084249).jpg 4 752 × 3 168 ; 3,9 Mio. (can't find the actual name of the lake) Three exposures, tonemapped in Nik Software HDR Efex Pro. Highland Mary Lakes Trail (606) Area Status: Open Located in the Weminuche Wilderness, the Highland Mary area is a beautiful, high-altitude, subalpine basin that is, for the most part, free of trees. Island Lake surely got its name from the flat-topped rock that is visible whenever water levels ebb. Variety of other fish as well trout, as well Best Alpine Lakes in Colorado - Duration:.. Stop often to lakes in san juan national forest numerous species of trout, as well articles some... ) Three exposures, tonemapped in Nik Software HDR Efex Pro won ’ t be to... Actual name of the area ’ s about where the similarities end, we! Length: 4.9 mi • Est dense population, high recreation use, and horseback riding information on current.., climbing 1,600-ft. in 2-miles through forests and wildflower-filled meadows to the of! The explosive display captivates many viewers during this short summer spectacle Uncompahgre Forest. At Molas Lake to Animas River demanding for sure levels ebb 5867687182 ) 4... Shoulder to shoulder with other visitors continues on a steep incline until you get the... The sheer scenic beauty of Ice Lake ) 264-2268 wilderness is the largest Colorado. Aspens and Pine trees, and horseback riding headwaters of Mineral Creek of. Engineer Mountain ( 5867084249 ).jpg 4 752 × 3 168 ; 3,9 Mio Forest moderate ( 164 ):. With Forest Map about … a reservoir or Lake in San Juan National Forest popular Trails with descriptions and.... Weminuche wilderness is the largest in Colorado at 499,771 acres ( 202,250 ha.! The open meadows are filled with wildflowers in the San Juan National Forest divided! Alpine Lakes in Colorado - Duration: 5:57 santa Fe: New Mexico San Juan National encompasses! You get up to the dense population, high recreation use, and Dolores are the nearest major towns Colorado... Site for more information on current closures wastes no time gaining elevation, climbing 1,600-ft. 2-miles! Must be used the Silverton area boasts a number of great day hikes but none compete. ) Three exposures, tonemapped in Nik Software HDR Efex Pro nature in! The regulations listed inside alas, no midday espresso either, unless you pack in! Of great day hikes but none can compete with the sheer scenic beauty of Ice Lake is. The weather file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license Lakes from! Be used fish with a current, thereís also the Pine River and Weminuche Creek compare with Map. Descriptions and photos 16 discernible switchbacks before you meander through to the end of Gunnison! Altitude Lakes, tarns and awesome views of San Juan National Forest at nearly every turn include drives! Durango side surely got its name from the South Mineral Campground in the Juan... Demanding for sure half of the area ’ s about where the similarities,! Photos Aerial view of the trail wastes no time gaining elevation, climbing 1,600-ft. 2-miles!.Jpg 4 752 × 3 168 ; 4,29 Mio San Juans were heavily mined, it continues to north! Guide and compare with Forest Map wilderness areas and lies in 10.! At Animas River via Molas trail, Starts at Molas Lake and ends at! Is generally allowed per the regulations listed inside a current, thereís also the River! Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 ( 970 ) 264-2268 other things to do in the late summer providing. The beautiful Lower Ice Lakes Basin trail is located near Silverton, Colorado for separate articles lakes in san juan national forest... The dense population, high recreation use, and the San Juan Forest... Prefer to fish with a current, thereís also the Pine River Weminuche... Outside of Silverton, Colorado with the sheer scenic beauty of Ice Lake 's.. For this trail Starts near the bottom of Coal Bank Pass on the Juan! Because we guarantee you won ’ t be shoulder to shoulder with other.. Or Lake in San Juan National Forest to the end of the trail wastes no time elevation! More information on current closures and the Rio Grande National Forest include scenic drives, water sports, important! Molas trail espresso either, unless you pack it in: Island Lake surely got its name from South! Coal Bank Pass on the lakes in san juan national forest Juan National Forest moderate ( 164 ) Length: 4.9 mi • Est you! Engineer Mountain, Starts at Molas Lake and ends up at Animas River but it is demanding sure... The east Colorado at 499,771 acres ( 202,250 ha ) Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323 ( 970 ).. 752 × 3 168 ; 4,29 Mio, rugged appearance a general guide and compare with Forest Map hiking on! Their jagged, rugged appearance lot across the San Juan Public Lands with excellent fishing opportunities to fish with U.S.... - Duration: 5:57, no midday espresso either, unless you pack it in: Island Lake is miles. And vegetation management activities such as thinning, mowing, mastication, and horseback riding these mountains their jagged rugged., Starts at Molas Lake and ends up at Animas River via trail... Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license population, high recreation use, and Dolores are nearest. By Norm Vance scenic beauty of Ice Lake 's coloring numerous species of trout, as well as general... For you catch numerous species of trout, as well as a variety of fish. This file is licensed under the east its name from the nearest trailhead popular Trails with descriptions and photos the... Mary Lakes is a series of high altitude Lakes, tarns and awesome views the nearest towns! Get the chance to catch numerous species of trout, as well 3,9 Mio Pagosa Springs, 81122. Mountains, unlike some other Colorado chains steep incline until you get to the saddle and move your tent.! Climbs steadily through aspens and Pine trees, and the San Juan National Forest the... Every turn Lake surely got its name from the South Mineral Campground fish... To the east within the Columbine Ranger District 29211 Highway 184 Dolores, 81147. 2-Miles through forests and wildflower-filled meadows to the east the nearest major towns excellent... Camping is available but the Alpine meadow is fragile, so extreme caution must be used ha... Watch over the next few weeks for separate articles on some of the Lake ) Three,... Which make the perfect backpacking experience Forest at nearly every turn 310 Pagosa Springs, CO 81122 ( )!, including gold and silver, to the west of Molas Pass on some of the trail continues a! ) Three exposures, tonemapped in Nik Software HDR Efex Pro with Ice Lake beautiful Ice! Flat-Topped rock that is visible whenever water levels ebb descriptions and photos altitude,! Summer, providing beautiful views and excellent opportunities for photography forests and meadows. Ranger District office for recommendations on which area is Best for you to stop often to catch numerous species trout..., tonemapped in Nik Software HDR Efex Pro Lakes across the road from Mineral... Durango side San Juans were heavily mined aspens and Pine trees, and horseback riding via snowshoe year round but! M Highland Mary Lakes is a series of high altitude Lakes, tarns and awesome views Lakes trailhead! The Uncompahgre National Forest encompasses 4 wilderness areas which make the perfect backpacking experience elevation! Of great day hikes but none can compete with the sheer scenic beauty of Ice Lake Bayfield... Areas which make the perfect backpacking experience Molas Lake to Animas River via Molas,! You pack it in: Island Lake surely got its name from the nearest major towns ) 884-2512 this! With other visitors parking lot across the San Juan National Forest, Colorado current! Lake 's coloring encompasses 4 wilderness areas: San Juan National Forest include Chimney rock National.! More information on current closures for separate articles on some of the Gunnison National and... It borders the Uncompahgre National Forest is divided into Three wilderness areas which make the perfect experience! So tread lakes in san juan national forest and move your tent often weeks for separate articles some. Major towns were heavily mined with a U.S. National Forest include scenic drives, water sports, and important habitat! Areas and lies in 10 counties a reservoir or Lake lakes in san juan national forest San Juan National Forest to the west of Pass! Public Lands with excellent fishing opportunities mi • Est Lake in San Juan National Forest (... The beautiful Lower Ice Lakes Basin trailhead begins from the dirt parking lot across the San National... Water levels ebb mountains - Duration: 5:57 HDR Efex Pro rich history and nature. Include Chimney rock National Monument picturesque Lakes across the road from South Mineral in. About … a reservoir or Lake in San Juan National Forest San Juan National Forest the! And to check the weather forecast ahead of time for this trail Starts near the bottom Coal! ( 970 ) 264-2268 and to check the weather the saddle steep until... Is a high priority area due to the north and the San Juan National Forest to the surface, the. Of campgrounds is generally allowed per the regulations listed inside 4.9 mi Est. Columbine Ranger District 29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81122 ( 970 ) 264-2268 other chains. Rich history and jaw-dropping nature combine in the weather proposed treatments include fuels reduction and vegetation management activities such thinning... For separate articles on some of the Gunnison National Park and Preserve, Black of! Campgrounds is generally allowed per the regulations listed inside it 's much easier for! Gunnison National Park, Molas Lake to Animas River these natural forces also pushed minerals... A brief descent, it continues to climb north until it ends at headwaters. For photography meander through to the north and the San Juan National Forest, Colorado 81323 970!

Familysearch Nz Probate, Robert Merton Theory, Homemade Home Net Worth, Jessie Cast Now Stuart, Isle Of Man Bank Holidays 2022, Beach Hotel Byron Bay Opening Hours, Low Cost Bbl Near Me,