Approach
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.
Route Description
Starting at 9,800 ft. hike 2 miles up a steep trail into lower Ice Lake Basin at 11,500 ft. Continue on the trail to the right of a really nice waterfall on up to Ice Lake at 12,257. Begin a bushwack southwest up to Fuller Lake at 12,585.
From Fuller Lake, locate the saddle between Vermillion and Fuller Peaks. Make your way straight towards the saddle and make a crampon ascent up to or just to the left of the saddle. Make a left turn at the ridge and make an easy scramble up to the summit.
Essential Gear
An ice axe and crampons are recommended for this route any time of year. The ascent is steep near the top of the ridge. Glissade down this with extreme care, it is easy to loose control.
Images
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San Juan Range
