Ice Lakes Basin

For my second hike in Southern Colorado, I tackled another very popular trail into Ice Lakes Basin. It's relatively short, steep climb leads up to the stunningly blue Ice Lake at 12,300ft elevation, surrounded by fields of wildflowers. Half a mile further along the loop is Island Lake, which boasts some of the most surreal alpine water I've ever seen. I hadn't planning to hike past Island Lake, but after realizing it was only 1/4 mile further, I climbed up the pass behind the lake which tops out at 13,000ft. Incredible views both north and south from up there but I was glad I'd brought a can of oxygen! This hike is currently the highest altitude I've ever hiked to.