Ice Lake Basin and Island Lake

Island Lake (my green tent on the left)

I finally made it to Island Lake and Ice Lakes Basin for a overnight backpacking trip last weekend, this is a spectacular wilderness area only an hour drive from Ridgway. I camped out above Island Lake and then hiked out the next day. I hope to go back and spend some more time and climb some of the peaks in the area. It is easy to access the area and is a very popular hiking destination in the summer months.
Island lake is known as the Hajinai (Place of Emergence) to the Navajo Indians, according to Navajo legend it is here that they emerged from the underworld and where the spirits of the dead return. The water is turquoise-blue and there is a small island in the center of the lake which is surrounded by four peaks.

conundrum 2014

I recently returned from a weeklong retreat at Conundrum hot springs. This will be my fourth summer in a row that I have spent some time here. It has become a very popular backpacking destination so probably not an ideal spot for a meditation retreat. Nonetheless Conundrum remains a special place and I had a great week. Due to the amount of snow I was unable to explore much higher than the hot springs, was hoping to climb some peaks and go for long day hikes higher in the basin. Without the gear this was not really possible so spent most of the time around my campsite and the Springs,  I also hiked down to Aspen for a night and saw Steve Winwood play at the Aspen Jazz Fest on Summer Solstice.
If you plan a trip to Conundrum please dispose of your waste responsibly, don't bring your dog or make camp fires. Let us respect this sacred place for all to enjoy :)