Large crowds have been trekking through Southwestern Colorado this past summer, leaving behind a trail of destruction in the popular Ice Lakes Basin area. This has managing parties considering a number of options to protect the stunning spot.
According to officials, the fragile shorelines have been polluted by human waste, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products, with damage done to surrounding structures.
"The public is killing the lake itself without paying attention to Leave No Trace practices," stated Jed Botsford, Columbine District Recreation Staff Officer.
Located just a few miles from the small town of Silverton and nestled high up in the San Juan National Forest, these stunning alpine lakes were once a hidden treasure.
The devastation of these fragile areas has prompted officials to explore new restrictions for the South Mineral Canyon area, including concepts such as shuttle services and the implementation of a permitting system for both day hikers and overnight backpackers.
Botsford says not enough people are planning and preparing ahead, parking on either sides of the road and blocking access to emergency vehicles.
Ice Lakes trailhead parking lot can be seen overloaded. Photo courtesy of Priscilla Sherman.
The road was also impassable for emergency vehicles. Photo courtesy of Don Holden.
If parking is full, please choose a different area to explore, or return another time or day when trailhead parking is available. Photo courtesy of Don Holden.
"Hundreds of the doggie bags were found on the edge of the trail," stated Botsford.
Backpackers have also been observed camping in fragile alpine tundra, leaving behind piles of human waste within 100 feet of the shoreline, and even tearing down historical mining structures for firewood.
The number of visitors to the Ice Lakes Trail has nearly tripled. In years past, Botsford recalls about 250 hikers making the trek on a high day. This past summer, amid a pandemic-driven outdoor recreation boom, the trail saw an average of 450 to 650 hikers per day.
“Always have an alternate plan when you arrive," added Botsford. “We are loving these really special places to death.”
The Ice Lake Trail climbs more than 3,000 feet in just over 9 miles, leading hikers to two incredible and often turquoise-colored alpine lakes known as Ice Lake and Island Lake. The trail is so strenuous that it’s been compared to climbing the Empire State Building twice.
While there are still many unknown factors, such as hiker capacity and E. coli levels in nearby water, the forest service will continue working with San Juan County officials and the town of Silverton to determine a solution for protecting these breathtaking and unique natural resources.
The Ice Lakes Trail has been closed since October due to a wildlife. The closure is set to remain in place through at least July 31st, 2021.
Editor’s Note: Leave No Trace! Remember these alpine lakes are incredibly fragile. Do you part by packing out all of your trash (do not burn) and waste. Camp only in established sites located in the lower basin (below treeline).
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