Ice Lake Basin Hike is Really Difficult

If you don't get regular exercise, this hike might kick your butt.

Our WWOOF friend Jen said that everyone told her she needed to do the Ice Lake Basin hike before leaving the area. She invited us to go and we accepted, since we love being outdoors in the mountains.

What I didn't count on was the physical endurance needed to complete this hike. I'm not in good physical shape and I didn't realize what this hike entailed. There was a sign at the trailhead warning about the elevation gain and the length of the hike, but Buddy and I didn't stop to read it. Right there in black and white it says "The elevation climb of the Ice Lakes trail is almost twice the height of the Empire State Building!" If I had seen the sign, I might have backed out right then and there.

I have to be honest, this hike was incredibly difficult for me. Buddy works outside on the farm, and so does Jen and her friend Atiba. I'm the only one with a desk job and no regular exercise routine, and boy did it show. Jen and Atiba stayed ahead of us for most of the hike, having little trouble with the elevation gain or the terrain.

I took numerous breaks throughout the hike to catch my breath and give my legs a rest. The breaks gave me a chance to take photos of the beautiful scenery, so that was nice.

Due to the drought, most of the waterfalls and creek beds were dry, but we were lucky enough to see moving water in several places.

The trail leads to Upper Ice Lake Basin, which holds a cerulean blue lake that rivals the color of any water I've ever seen in my life.

We brought our Life Straw with us and were able to sample the water of the lake. It was cold, so very cold, and deeply refreshing.

The hike was unlike any other I've done so far and I would caution anyone who doesn't get regular exercise to be aware of what they're getting into. If you get regular movement in your life, then you'll probably have no trouble. The views are staggering and the lake itself is wondrous to behold.