Dry River Valley

A voluminous river of ice once filled Dry River Valley. The glacier originated near the top of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and flowed far down the mountainside. The ice is long gone, leaving behind the curved valley ringed by glacial moraines.

At the terminus lies mysterious Milk Lake. Most of the year it is a crusty flat of pure white sediment, but during the rainy season it turns into a shallow lake. When dry, the ground is firm and suitable for walking. But beware, when moist or muddy the lake bed becomes treacherous. No joke—people have gotten stuck in the mud and had to be rescued!

The hike to Milk Lake is surprisingly short, less than an hour. Hiking further up Dry River Valley can fill an entire day. Learn more