Several years ago I made a pass through Ice Lakes Basin on my way to climb Vermillion Peak. At that time I was struck by the beauty of this incredible basin and the surrounding mountains. There are pristine lakes, amazing rock formations of different colors, and fields of wildflowers, all above tree line. Therefore, I was determined to come back and enjoy it again.

Seymour Everett is an avid hiker, climber and backcountry skier. Everett blogs about climbing in Colorado's high 13ers, of which there are more than 600. Colorado's high 13ers offer adventure and solitude that is becoming rare on the 14ers, which are climbed by thousands of mountain enthusiasts each year.