Ice Lake Basin Elopement

There is a place near Silverton, Colorado, that is absolutely stunning and breathtakingly beautiful.  A photography haven.  If you are reading this post you are probably already aware of it's existence.  This place is known as Ice Lake Basin.  If you are looking to elope this is one heck of a place to do it.  

My long time friend Justin "Lucky" Lavender contacted me a few years ago and told me about his epic plan to elope in this beautiful basin.  I was honored to be his photographer and couldn't think of a more beautiful spot in the Southwest region to plan an elopement.  We met at the trailhead early on a Saturday morning, Lucky and his fiancee packed their dress clothes and champagne into their packs, and we started hoofing it up the trail.  After about two hours we arrived at the basin, around 10am, and began the lovely event.  Luckily we had tied up the whole elopement around noon because the storm clouds were already brewing.  Summer monsoonal thunderstorms tend to frequent this basin most afternoons so photos and visiting is best done in the morning hours.  Be warned, this is not a roadside attraction and you will need to procure a permit before hiking over 2,000 vertical feet and 3 miles to this locale.  From Silverton drive North on Highway 550 and take your first left onto South Mineral Creek road.  The trailhead is about 10 minutes up this road on the right.  Be adequately prepared!  Weather and elevation can drastically affect hikers at this location.  Check the weather and make sure you are acclimated as you will be hiking to 12,000 feet.  
     I have spent many days in this basin since moving to the area in 2006 and I absolutely love taking photos up there!  Please feel free to contact me if you'd like to schedule a session.
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More info:
​sjma.org/explore/ice-lakes-basin-trip-planning/