Spectacular Ice Lakes Trail, closed last October due to wildfire, will reopen Wednesday

The stunning Ice Lake Trail just outside of Silverton in southwest Colorado, one of the most picturesque spots in the state, will reopen Wednesday, 11 months after it was closed due to one of Colorado’s numerous wildfires last year.

Officials of the San Juan National Forest kept the area closed this summer due in part to the risk of debris flows in burn scar areas. Forest service crews cleared 5.2 miles of road and trail from tree snags with assistance from San Juan County.

When the Ice Fire broke out on Oct. 19, 23 people and three dogs were stranded on the Ice Lake Trail and had to be evacuated by helicopter.

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The 3.75-mile hike to Ice Lake, known for stunning aquamarine water at the foot of 13,000-foot peaks, rises 2,400 feet from the trailhead and is located 7 miles west of Silverton. When the closure expires Wednesday, the trail will reopen along with the South Mineral Campground, Clear Lake Road and South Mineral Road. The campground will be open with minimal services until it is closed by snow.

“Although the trail, campground and road have been cleared of fallen debris and many of the hazardous tree snags, please stay on the trail and be aware that potential hazards still exist,” Columbine District Ranger James Simino said in a news release.

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