2 weeks ago I backpacked the Ice Lakes Basin in the Weminuche Wilderness of Colorado. This is a spectacular basin with climbs for pretty much all levels (Fuller Peak Peak, Vermillion, Golden Horn, and US Grant–in order of difficulty). The colors in the basin are spectacular.
Most people camp in the lower Basin where there are trees (shelter from the weather) and places to hang food, but with the good forecast I felt fine camping in the Upper Basin.
I was very happy with my choice to camp in Upper Ice Lake Basin because it is so much prettier in Upper Ice Lake Basin (only one other group of campers) and the views I woke up to were just amazing.
1st day, I backpacked in, 2nd day I climbed Vermillion Pk. And I fished Fuller Lake and explored the area. 3rd day, I backpacked out via the Island Lake Trail on a dark and rainy day. The fishing in Fuller Lake is great with lots of action with small fish and enough decent ones to keep things interesting. They are very eager to hit on the surface large surface flies. I took shelter and cleaned my fish in this cabin as it hailed.
Fish tacos are always a welcome break to the standard backpacking food and energy bars.
I had planned on hiking Golden Horn on my 3rd Day, but it stormed all morning, so I hiked out via the Island Lake Trail to see new territory, which eventually connects to the main Ice Lake Trail.
On my climb of Vermillion I make two very silly choices which got me off route on this class 2+ climb and briefly into some more exposed and harder climbing. When I look at the video I shake my head at how obvious the mistakes look. I could have edited it out, but I thought that people may be entertained by the stupidity and possibly learn from it. You should just stay west of the ridge to avoid the loose and steep stuff. The climbers path avoids most of the difficulties.
You can also hear my heavy breathing on the Vermillion climb b/c my asthma sometimes acts up at higher altitudes until I adjust (usually after 3-4 days), but I never felt at “risk” or had to use my inhaler……good times!
Here is the youtube video of the hike, fishing, and climbing. (you can see me get off route at 4.33 and 8.55)
Ice Lake Video
