The hike whooped my butt, however, it was so worth it. We started at 2 AM to summit V2, and then hit Island and Ice lakes on our way down. This is definitely a hard hike. Don't underestimate it. So many people were walking up at noon with nothing but a water bottle in hand.

My friends and I just had the opportunity to tour the US in my mini van, and this was easily my favorite place! Island lake is one of the most beautiful locations I’ve ever been to. It took me and my three friends ( & we were all very inexperienced) seven hours round trip. That includes an hour nap at the top. You can swim out the the island but it’s like a hundred yard swim and looks a lot closer than it really is. It’s all snowmelt, so it’s very cold. All we brought with us were our cameras, a hoodie, a couple bags of trail mix each, and everyone had their own gallon of water. Very easy to get dehydrated, especially if you aren’t used to the elevation and things like that. You can camp wherever you want as long as you aren’t within a certain number of feet from the water cause waste and stuff like that.

I have lived in Colorado for over 23 years. The hike to Ice Lake and Island Lake is one of the most freaking gorgeous hikes I have ever been on. There are lush green meadows and wildflowers everywhere. Waterfalls pour down the cliffside. Ice Lake's waters are the deepest and most brilliant blue I have seen. But what is so magical about it is that it is surrounded by gourgeous peaks and lush green meadows. It is so peaceful up there. You can hear birds chirping and stare at your reflection in its waters. From there the hike to island lake is unbelievably short. Island lake will stun you in the same way. The lake is such a deep turqoise color like the ocean surrounding the Bahamas. There is an unusual island in the middle. I have never seen anything like it. The good news is these lakes aren't as well known. You simply have to go. Its the kind of place that leaves an impression on you and that you dream about.

There are many blue and turquoise lakes in Colorado, but this has to be the most amazingly beautiful blue colored lake of them all. We had the entire lake to ourselves. Most people who hike to Ice Lake don't make the short journey to Island Lake. Their loss!

Loved this area, beautiful Alpine lake next to ice lakes, can't get enough of the beauty in these parts!

The hike was hard. Didnt know we could use 4x4 vehicles before we got there. Careful saw a car roll off the top

Absolutely stunning. The climb is tough and the elevation is high, but it is well worth the effort. You have to earn these views!

This place is so diverse and beautiful! There are trails and sunrise hikes, atv paths, fishing at like 6 lakes nearby, exploring, hidden Lily ponds, wildlife, meadows and dense woodlands. The only downsides: mosquitos and lots of people. The people weren’t so bad as the camp spots are separated by trees and have privacy, but the mosquitos?! Unreal. We went in August and I’ve never sprayed my family 4-5 times per day to have them still eaten alive. It was worth it for us, but truly, a little mosquito abatement would be wonderful. Maybe 2020 is just a really bad year. The camp hosts were fantastic, and the bathrooms great. Very beautiful and fun. We’re coming back with mosquito netting!

This is one of the best Lake hikes I've ever done in Colorado!

Amazing! At the top of the Ice Lakes trail. Dont miss this addition or you will be disappointed. We have done this hike twice now and we would do it again in a heart beat.

Worth the hike!

One of my favorite hikes!

I have lived in Colorado. There are so many beautiful places on Earth and why I have been a lifelong traveler but for me S.W. Colorado and the San Jauns are probably my favorite, on par with anywhere else, and accessable. Island Lake outside Silverton is a great place to fish, trek, MTB or simply marvel at the handiwork of GOD.

worth while on its own but if your at ice lake already drop by for smaller crowds

Freaking beautiful

One of the best hikes in the San Juan's, there's definitely some elevation gain so take your time. The views at Ice Lake and Island are superb, bring lunch and take in the views.

Beautiful scenery, nice clean sites and restrooms! We very much enjoyed our trip!

Was still half frozen on July 8th. It's a tough hike with thin oxygen but just take your rests and you'll be fine. Once you reach this lake it's an easy descent to Ice Lake and back to parking via ice lake trail.