Ice Lakes Basin trails call hikers into a realm where rugged mountain faces stand guard over vivid turquoise waters. Located just under an hour’s drive from Durango, Colorado, this hike rewards adventurers with sweeping alpine views, glacier-fed lakes shimmering with clarity, and the steady pulse of high-elevation wilderness.

The route is a steady climb covering approximately 6.5 miles round-trip with an elevation gain around 1,700 feet. Starting at the Last Dollar Road trailhead, the path threads through dense stands of spruce and fir trees. Their branches lean in as if whispering secrets, shadows shifting with the changing light. Beneathfoot, the trail shifts from packed dirt to rocky steps that challenge both balance and persistence.

Midway, the forest opens into meadows where wildflowers brush ankles and the wind dares you onward. Eventually, the basin unfolds like a hidden chamber—a jewel box of intense blues and greens. Three main lakes catch sunlight differently, each revealing the glacial origins—their waters cold and clear, daring you to pause and appreciate the fierce, untamed nature around you.

The basin is often dotted with marmots and the occasional mountain goat, sizing you up as a temporary visitor. Snowfields linger into summer on northern slopes, demanding cautious footing where the terrain can turn slippery with melting ice.

Plan for variable weather; conditions change quickly at high altitude. Hydration and layered clothing are key. Sturdy boots with solid ankle support will handle uneven stones and occasional stream crossings. Early starts beat both the afternoon storms and crowds, letting you absorb the quiet grandeur before the basin’s energy shifts with more visitors.

This hike asks respect—its alpine environment is fragile, and its challenges real. But in exchange, it gifts a striking encounter with Colorado’s wild heart. Whether you’re aiming for snapshots of striking turquoise waters, soaking in the quiet of mountain solitude, or seeking a practical alpine adventure close to Durango, Ice Lakes Basin delivers an experience that’s both stirring and manageable. Pack smart, hike steady, and let the landscape speak.