We thought Ice Lake was dramatic, but Island Lake was even more so. Although we had to cross yet another stream, walk along a precarious edge, and do some rock scrambling, it was well worth the extra effort.
Looking back down at Ice Lake.
You can barely see Suzanne and me on the trail.
I got a little nervous on this part.
But luckily the views were distracting. Between the two of us Jim and I took around 200 photos.
![DSC02322_thumb[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QYjuqgE-3pShqTZiQLKWVADYqrR9Xf5Khv3_iACNfNdiCMwgf0zhEpZ6Fmrr3pAaxpdEnh0VSaT1iI9GJIP1wVxt4r2Z2KEuGBtodgS3m14nMkAHGlygbKmRgjtj4OzBFeym0MtjfNM/s1600-h/DSC02322_thumb12.jpg "DSC02322_thumb[1]")
I just love how these alpine lakes are hidden. We had no idea at this point that Island Lake was right up ahead.
Just past some remaining snow.
We made it. Island Lake, elevation 12,400’.
![DSC02314_thumb[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3P3h3JiYYQ0LYW1d-ixkKJcm9myOgAaSaWHF19RXSID_XXXstZNBySS36vnKRzGdrXAouDiE9ImW4G99HjZQz-d3IwuvmZe-DkdCxQ9uUO4C6nKH_lcymChAFYROCT2dIHTZ087JNj3Li/s1600-h/DSC02314_thumb12.jpg "DSC02314_thumb[1]")
For me, just about any day on the trail is a good day, but this one was exceptional.
You know it was a good hike when you have to download 200 photos :)
ReplyDeleteIsland Lake is stunning… more blue than Ice Lake. So glad you got these great photos…
Thanks,
Mark
WOW!!! Gorgeous!!! Wish I had someone to go hiking with ... those pictures are spectacular!!
ReplyDeleteDid you take a dip in the lake to cool off? ;)
ReplyDeleteOk, now I really want to do this hike. That lake is stunning! Wish we were there with all of you.
ReplyDeleteSome insane views, it would be hard not to take great pictures on a hike like that.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your posts; the pictures and commentary. I've marked your great hikes on my map and hope to see Ice and Island lakes in August; maybe we'll cross paths again soon. Susan
ReplyDeleteMy gosh, that's incredible! Love the alpine meadows and the views.
ReplyDeleteWOW !!!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. Exceptional in every sense of the word, and well worth the wet socks! Nice photos. Let's go again! ;-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. Seeing snow when you're in 90 plus weather is also a great picture.
ReplyDeleteI am just about speechless. Elevation 12,400’! What a gorgeous color of water. And the setting is breathtaking. Can it get any better than Island Lake...I think not! Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteStunning! We've been wanting to try Ice Lake, but Island looks even better. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteWow! So glad you decided to continue your hike to this new lake. What a beauty! The scenery along the way was spectacular. That was an interesting section there on the "trail." It would make anyone a little nervous. Yes, it was an extra special hiking day:)
ReplyDeleteWowzer! What a gem of a hike!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Those greens and blues at the lake are so unique. Don't think I'll ever make 12k ft so really appreciate these beautiful pics. I bet all 200 are wonderful :-)
ReplyDeleteHoly crap this place is amazing!
ReplyDeleteUm, rather, I mean, what a lovely hike and wonderful pictures you're made. In spring when we were around the area, I think there was probably still 10' of snow up there. 200 pictures is now approaching the number one of us might take in a place like this. Thanks for the "peak" into you day.
And the pictures don't do it justice. It is incredibly beautiful. I could have just sat around Island Lake for a few hours.
DeleteJim
Yeah, that's a ten ;)
ReplyDeleteOutrageously beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteOMWow! Spectacular.
ReplyDeleteStunning photos from this hike.
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow! Simply beautiful scenery. You'll be spoiled and won't want to come back to Arizona.
ReplyDeleteWow! That is unbelievable beautiful. Will have to remember this whenever we go back to Ouray!
ReplyDelete