Summertime Blues

It's hot outside, the streets are crowded, and the job (or jobs) are beginning to take a toll. Fortunately, we live in Durango with a plethora of easy and quick escapes. Ice Lakes, just north of Silverton, is like a whole other world. The 7-mile round trip hike brings hikers through wild-flowers, over streams and past waterfalls to a 12,270 foot crystal blue alpine lake. Once there, one can reflect on life or perhaps summon the bravery to strip to their skivvies and jump into the ice cold water – as its name suggest. Just don’t forget to bring a towel and a raincoat. Monsoon season is upon us, and with a 2,430-foot elevation drop down to the car, it may be a cold walk back. 

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Snow banks on the water's edge offer a distant reminder of winter and a place for dogs to make snow angels.

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The trail hidden inside thick skunk cabbage sometimes makes for great hide and seek.
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Plenty of creek crossings to get your feet wet.
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The deep turquoise water against green and red mountains gives hikers a reward to view.
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A water fall cascades through high alpine wildflowers.
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Colorado's state flower, the blue columbine, in full bloom.
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A snaking stream heading down valley.