Ice Lakes (in the cold, cold rain)...

The Ice Lakes is one our absolute favorite hikes in all of Colorado. It is on the longer side (between 8 and 12 miles roundtrip depending on which ice lake you are shooting for), so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. I'd also suggest packing several layers. As you will see in the photos, it started out sunny and warm at the base of the mountain (just north of Silverton), but turned rainy, windy and cold by the time we reached Fuller Lake cabin. Seriously. At one point it was sleeting. In August. Be prepared!

Trevor and I have completed this hike several times before. It is where THIS PICTURE was taken back in 2004, and is the infamous hike where Trevor (finally) swore off smoking for good back in 2003. In fact, the only reason the 2004 photo was taken was because Trevor was unable to make it to that same point the year before! I have THIS great shot of Trevor in almost the same place with his arms outspread – like he was conquering the mountain. Very inspirational!

The following pictures are only in a loose order, but I don’t think it makes them any less dramatic. Trevor and I completed this hike twice this year, so you’ll be seeing more images from this area (but a different lake) later on. Enjoy!