Vermilion, Fuller Peaks

Vermilion Peak - 13894' - Class 3
Fuller Peak - 13761' - Class 2
September 2011

My Fuller Peak page on SP

My Southeast Ridge and Vervilion Dollar Couloir pages on SP

Vermilion Peak

This was a really fun trip. I proved that you can go all the way to the San Juans, climb something and have a great time all in only a day and a half! Chris met me in Golden the night before and crashed in my apartment. I had swim practice I had to go to Saturday morning but at 10am we were off to Silverton. I had planned with my sister, who was in Grand Junction to meet us in Ouray as she was going to join just for the hike up Ice Lakes Basin. So the long drive came and went, I had done this stretch of I-70 many times now. Once in Ouray, we all met and made the beautiful drive over Red Mountain Pass. The aspen foliage was at its peak which was a huge bonus for the trip. We grabbed a quick snack in Silverton and drove up the Mineral Creek Road to the upper trailhead for Ice Lakes Basin. We still had decent daylight so we threw the packs on and began the two mile hike to Upper Ice lake. This area is really pretty. We passed the waterfall right away and met up with the main trail. which switched back and forth and we eventually made it to the lower basin where it flattened out. Just a short climb leter we made it to Upper Ice Lake where we pitched the tent and went to sleep. Unfortunately my sisters friend got a little altitude sick so the next morning the two of them started the hike down back to the car while Chris and I continued towards Fuller Lake and up to the Fuller/Vermilion saddle. The final scramble to the summit of Vermilion was quite pleasant. Looking down on the Vermilion Dollar Couloir was thrilling. We decided to also hit Fuller while we were there and descend back to the tents. On our way down we noticed the Ice Lakes were bright blue! Perhaps the bluest lakes in all of Colorado. Made for stunning photos for sure.

Fuller and Vermilion Reflection

Golden Horn and Upper Ice Lake

Golden Horn Sunrise

Upper Ice Lakes Basin

Vermilion Peak Summit Panorama

The very blue Upper Ice Lake

fuller peak information

Overview

Fuller Peak (along with Golden Horn) is the most prominent peak seen from the upper Ice Lakes Basin. Each morning the sun lights this peak ever so perfectly and a photographer camped at either Ice Lake or Fuller Lake will be in heaven with the gleaming red and orange glow that makes Fuller Peak so powerful, despite being unranked. Typically, Fuller Peak is climbed with the better known centennial Vermilion Peak. Ice Lakes Basin is thought by many to be one of Colorado's most beautiful places. It is actually amazing how well this area is preserved despite the very short and easy hike to get to it. A hike up into Ice Lakes Basin is guaranteed to satisfy your craving for beauty, nature and alpine lakes, just don't expect too much solitude. Bring your camera and if you go in July you will be greeted with Colorado's best alpine wildflower displays. For those with the additional craving for summits, Fuller Peak certainly won't disappoint, and together with Vermilion Peak would make a fantastic day in the San Juans.

Fuller Peak

Fuller Peak detail

Fuller, Vermilion & Golden Horn

Hiking to Ice Lakes Basin

Getting There

The trailhead for Fuller Peak is the Ice Lakes Basin trailhead accessed from the South Mineral Creek Road. From the CO 110/US 550 intersection in Silverton, head north on US Highway 550 towards Red Mountain Pass for 2 miles and turn left onto the dirt road with signs for the South Mineral Campground. Follow this good road for 4 miles to the trailhead. You could also make the approach shorter by heading right up a rougher road that branches off about a mile before the South Mineral campground and drive up this road to the first switchback (continuing on this road will take you all the way to Clear Lake). This will save you about 550 feet of vertical and almost 2 miles round trip. At this first switchback, there is room for a few cars and a short trail crosses below a waterfall and meets the main trail. Tough passenger cars with good clearance can usually make it to the first switchback but 4WD would be required to go any further to Clear Lake.

Fuller Peak is the first main peak you see when approaching

Ice Lakes Basin sunrise

The trail climbs steadily through open meadows and trees with great views of the Wilson Group until it reaches the lowest Ice Lake where in a valley. You can camp here but the overall distance is so short it is best to continue up the trail as it climbs the headwall of the lower valley and reaches Upper Ice Lake just above 12,000 feet in elevation. Upper Ice Lakes Basin holds snow well into June but in July and early August the wildflower displays are fantastic!

Lower Ice Lakes

Wildflowers at Island Lake

Ice Lakes Basin: Fuller on the left

Snow covered Fuller peak on the left

The standard route for Fuller Peak starts out the same as if you were climbing Vermilion. Most people add on Fuller after a climb of Vermilion. Continue up the trail towards Fuller Lake where there is an old mining cabin that's in surprisingly good condition. Fuller Peak towers over Fuller Lake with Vermilion somewhat hidden. Walk around the right side of Fuller lake and walk up the valley on orange colored talus or snow aiming for the Vermilion/Fuller saddle. The final climb to this saddle usually has moderate snow on it so axe and crampons may be needed. From the saddle at about 13,500 feet, turn left and walk the easy ridge to the summit. Views of Vermilion are beautiful.

Fuller Peak towering above Fuller Lake

Vermilion Peak from the summit of Fuller Peak

Red Tape/Camping

Camping is available at any of the campgrounds along the South Mineral Road (South Mineral Campground). This area gets very busy with campers in the summer as it's free camping with a 14 day limit. There are many great places to pitch a tent in lower and upper Ice Lakes Basin. This is all National Forest land so there is no red tape. There are many mining ruins in the area so be weary of adits or shafts that may be hidden. Practice leave no trace policies.

During the summer mainly in July the Ice Lakes Basin is filled with many wildflowers from Columbines, Indian Paintbrush, Lupines and more. Try to avoid stepping on these beautiful flowers when you hike through the area. Better yet, try and stay on the designated trails or stream beds during the summer. These flowers only bloom for maybe 5-6 weeks of the year and they are easily killed. Keep them alive for all to enjoy.