Overview
 Fuller Peak is one of several high 13,000 ft. mountains in the San Juan Range of Colorado a few miles west of Silverton. Nine of the highest 200 peaks in Colorado are located within this group, Fuller being one of them. Fuller highlights the southernmost summit in an awesome skyline of 4 peaks dominating over several beautiful alpine lakes, one of which is aptly named Ice Lake. Fuller is by far the easiest of these summits to climb, although there is some miserable scree on the way up. Many climb Fuller as a side hike on their way to climbing Vermillion, a centennial peak.
Fuller from Lower Ice Lakes Basin. Photo by H2SO4
Located in a remote location far away from any major city, along with the fact that none of these peaks reach 14,000 ft., Ice Lake Basin makes for an alpine wonderland lacking the big crowds found in other areas of Colorado. The first few miles can be crowded at times with day hikers, however, the people count thins considerably the higher up you go. Permanent snowfields and a late season meltoff add to the beauty of this rugged landscape. Rugged peaks (see Golden Horn), lush greenery, picturesque waterfalls, and abundant wildflowers make this area a must see for the outdoorsman and climber.
Getting There
Access to the trailhead will require you to drive one of the most scenic highways in the nation, U.S. highway 550. For detailed highlights of this famed highway, click here.
1. From the North, take U.S. 550 from the town of Ouray, Colorado towards Silverton. From the top of Red Mountain Pass, measure 7.8 miles, then turn right on a dirt road towards South Mineral Campground.
2. From the south, drive 2.2 miles past Silverton, Colorado on U.S. 550, then turn left on a dirt road (#585) towards South Mineral Campground.
Drive 4.9 miles on a nice gravel road to South Mineral Campground. Instead of entering the campground to the left, turn right and park on the right side of the road. The trailhead is 100 yards further up the road.
Red Tape
There are no permits or fees required.
When To Climb
June through September are optimal times to climb in this area. Snow and ice remain late in the season as compared to other areas in the San Juans. An ice axe and crampons are highly recommended at any time of the year. Climbing via snow is actually recommended because of the very unstable scree that predominates the area. And easy snow climb can turn into a sliding cursing nightmare if you are forced to climb on the scree by leaving behind your crampons.
Winter and Spring climbing in this area should be reserved only for the very experienced. The San Juans are notorious for dangerous avalanche conditions.
Camping
There are plenty of camping opportunities around any of the lakes. The upper lakes are going to be more rocky than the lower lakes.
Mineral Creek Campground is a very nice place to camp if you have an RV. Cost is $12 a night (as of 2000). There are no utilities other than a water faucet centrally located within the campground. The campground has 26 mostly level sites that are available on a first come first serve basis. No reservations are accepted. There are several camping loops with well spaced sites offering decent privacy. Maximum length of stay is 14 days. The campground is usable year round but the road is not plowed. Normal services are available Late May through Late September.
For more information on the Mineral Creek Campground, contact:
Silverton Area Chamber Of Commerce
414 Greene Street
P.O. Box 565
Silverton, CO, 81433
Phone: 800-752-4494, Fax: 970-387-0282
chamber@frontier.net
Mountain Conditions
San Juan National Forest Home Page:
San Juan National Forest Home Page
Uncompahgre National Forest Home Page:
Uncompahgre National Forest
Current fire restrictions:
Colorado Office of Emergency Management
Information on avalanche conditions:
Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Current Silverton, CO Weather
External LinksImages
|
San Juan Range
