Friday, July 24, 2015

Island Lake

 

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.

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Looking back down at Ice Lake.

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You can barely see Suzanne and me on the trail.

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I got a little nervous on this part.

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But luckily the views were distracting. Between the two of us Jim and I took around 200 photos.

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I just love how these alpine lakes are hidden. We had no idea at this point that Island Lake was right up ahead.

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Just past some remaining snow.

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We made it. Island Lake, elevation 12,400’.

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For me, just about any day on the trail is a good day, but this one was exceptional.

23 comments:

  1. You know it was a good hike when you have to download 200 photos :)
    Island Lake is stunning… more blue than Ice Lake. So glad you got these great photos…
    Thanks,
    Mark

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  2. WOW!!! Gorgeous!!! Wish I had someone to go hiking with ... those pictures are spectacular!!

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  3. Did you take a dip in the lake to cool off? ;)

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  4. Ok, now I really want to do this hike. That lake is stunning! Wish we were there with all of you.

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  5. Some insane views, it would be hard not to take great pictures on a hike like that.

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  6. I 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

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  7. My gosh, that's incredible! Love the alpine meadows and the views.

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  8. I couldn't agree more. Exceptional in every sense of the word, and well worth the wet socks! Nice photos. Let's go again! ;-)

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  9. Beautiful photos. Seeing snow when you're in 90 plus weather is also a great picture.

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  10. I 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!

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  11. Stunning! We've been wanting to try Ice Lake, but Island looks even better. Thanks for sharing

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  12. Wow! 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:)

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  13. Beautiful! 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 :-)

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  14. Holy crap this place is amazing!
    Um, 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.

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    1. And the pictures don't do it justice. It is incredibly beautiful. I could have just sat around Island Lake for a few hours.

      Jim

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  15. Wow, wow, wow! Simply beautiful scenery. You'll be spoiled and won't want to come back to Arizona.

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  16. Wow! That is unbelievable beautiful. Will have to remember this whenever we go back to Ouray!

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