Segment 8

Ice Lake Basin & Lizard Head Wilderness

  • Distance: 70.4 miles

  • Vertical: +24579', -24534'

  • Highlights:

    • Island Lake

    • El Diente Traverse

    • Rico Mountains

  • Main Challenges:

    • Technical terrain

    • Lots of vertical gain

    • Snow in early and late season

  • Scrambling Grade: Up to Class 4

  • Exposure: Very high on El Diente traverse

Island Lake, Ice Lake Basin

From Telluride, the GCR takes the Seven Summits Route up Bear Creek Valley to several summits before dropping to the beautiful down of Ophir.

From Ophir, the next objective is Ice Lake Basin, which the GCR accesses from the stunning and seldom-visited Waterfall Canyon. Rather than dropping directly to Island Lake, the route goes up and over US Grant Peak, providing some fun Class 3 scrambles and views.

After touring Ice Lake, the GCR then proceeds to Lake Hope before entering the Lizard Head Wilderness to tackle the Wilson Group of 14ers. A short sidequest up Wilson Peak is doable, though hikers may want to save their energy for the next task at hand—the El Diente Traverse.

From Navajo Basin, the GCR ascends Mount Wilson and follows its scrambly ridgeline to El Diente Peak (a bypass is also provided). From there, the GCR descends the Kilpacker Route before joining the Calico Trail to tour the oft-forgotten Rico Mountains.

This demanding segment finally concludes at the cute town of Rico which has a gas station for resupply.

Important: Read Before Viewing

The Great Colorado Route travels through remote, high-elevation backcountry. Hazards include severe weather, lightning, altitude illness, river crossings, wildlife, rockfall, steep and exposed terrain, route-finding errors, and limited or no cell service or emergency rescue.

This map and its information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Conditions, closures, and land access change. It is not a substitute for your own judgment, navigation skills, current conditions, and other sources. You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions.

By clicking below, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the Terms of Use of this website.

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Use at your own risk. Backcountry travel is inherently dangerous. Route information may be inaccurate or out of date and was last reviewed on October 2026. Always carry appropriate navigation tools, verify current conditions and land access, and make your own decisions. See the Terms of Use.

Logistical Considerations

Oscars Pass, near Ophir

Seasonal Closures

We are not aware of any official seasonal closures, but high snow can make sections difficult or impassable without specialized skillsets.

Lizard Head Peak, viewed from Black Face

Permits & Fees

There are no permits or fees for this segment.

Ice Lake Basin

Water

Water is less problematic in this area, though be mindful of extended stretches above treeline and streams.

El Diente Traverse

Camping

The Town of Ophir might be willing to let you sleep in their town hall overnight.

Navajo Basin introduced new rules in 2026:

  • Camping at designated sites only

    • First come, first served

    • All near Navajo Lake

Rico Mountains

Other Considerations

  • Extreme Scrambling: The El Diente Traverse is Class 4 scrambling with high exposure along a narrow ridge. This is one of the most exposed sections of the entire GCR. Only attempt if comfortable. Otherwise, please take the Navajo Lake Cutoff.

  • Snow Travel: Thru hikers may encounter high snow levels when traversing this section and are encouraged to carry appropriate gear (e.g., microspikes and ice axe), know how to use them, and have backup plans if their planned route is unsafe or impassable.