Almost a year after the Ice Fire led to the closure of the popular Ice Lakes Trail outside of Silverton, the U.S. Forest Service announced this week it plans to reopen the route to the turquoise-hued lake on Wednesday.
The trail was closed to allow Forest Service crews to clear hazardous debris in the burn scar areas. With the assistance of San Juan County, crews removed dangerous tree snags from 5.2 miles of road and trail.
Because of the trail’s popularity, 23 people and three dogs had to be rescued from the trail by helicopter when the Ice Fire broke out Oct. 19, 2020.
Located 7 miles west of Silverton, the hike up to the picturesque lake is 3.75 miles, with an elevation gain of 2,400 feet from the trailhead.
Along with the trail reopening, the South Mineral Campground, Clear Lake Road and South Mineral Road will reopen. The campground will have limited 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.
njohnson@durangoherald.com
