Every native outdoor enthusiast has their favorite trail/area to explore. Which one is yours? Devil’s Thumb? Boulder Creek? Garden of the Gods? While all of these fairly well-known trails are beautiful, they may be a bit congested due to their popularity. The virtually unknown, hidden gem of a trail known as Ice Lake, however, may just be one of the quietest, most gorgeous, yet underrated hikes of them all.

Flickr/Jocelyn Catterson

Flickr/Adam Baker

Flickr/Mor

Located near Silverton in the San Juan National Forest, the Ice Lakes Trail features jaw-dropping views of lush meadows, colorful peaks, and the pristine waters of the Island, Clear, Fuller, and Ice Lakes.

Flickr/Jocelyn Catterson

Flickr/Adam Baker

Flickr/Mor

Flickr/Steven Bratman

Flickr/Adam Baker

TripAdvisor

No matter your skill level or desired length of hike, Ice Lake and its surrounding trailheads has something for everyone. For a full list of these trailheads, distances, and locations, check out this handy guide from Hiking & Walking.

Flickr/Steven Bratman

TripAdvisor

Flickr/Adam Baker

Flickr/Ryan Fonkert

Flickr/Adam Baker

Have you had the opportunity to hike this gorgeous trail?

Flickr/Ryan Fonkert

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