St. Mary's Glacier hike
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St. Mary's Glacier hike
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The hike to St. Mary’s Glacier is a great family day out! St Mary’s Glacier is a short yet beautiful hike in the Colorado Front Range featuring a beautiful lake and views of St. Mary’s Glacier.
Getting there
From Denver, take I-70 west towards Idaho Springs. Take exit 238, to the right, onto Fall River Rd to the small mountain town of Alice. Follow this road until arriving at the well-marked, St. Mary’s Glacier Trailhead parking lot, with a cash only pay station.
About
| When to do | April to November |
| Backcountry Campsites | No camping allowed at St. Mary’s Glacier |
| Toilets | Yes, primitive pit toilet |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Good |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Out and back |
St. Mary's Glacier
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for St. Mary's Glacier
The St Mary’s Glacier hike is a short but beautiful hike on moderate terrain through a dense pine forest. Follow along the St Mary’s Glacier Trail to Saint Mary’s Lake and the start of Silver Creek.
St Mary’s Glacier can be accessed from the south, and you can climb up the trail, to a high alpine meadow at the base of James Peak for a truly spectacular view of the Colorado Front Range.
The town of Alice is a historic mining town and St Mary’s Glacier was a small ski hill that now serves as an access point for backcountry skiing in the winter. To return, hike back the way you came.
Hiking Trail Highlights
St. Mary’s Glacier
St. Mary’s Glacier is a semi-permanent snow-mass that is located in Arapaho National Forest, in the State of Colorado, United States. Even though it’s one of the most popular destinations for hikers in Colorado, St. Mary’s Glacier is not actually a real glacier. Still, the area is very popular due to the amazing view and recreational activities of St. Mary’s Lake.
Check out some other great hikes around Denver:
Insider Hints
Bring traction, so you can venture up the snowfield of St. Mary’s Glacier
$5 parking fee, cash only
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Ben Hanes 4 years ago
It was an exhilirating short hike. The waterfall is beautiful! Glad I had my DSLR with me. Was able to take great slow shutter shots.
Adamcox 4 years ago
Great place for all ages.
Stevie M 4 years ago
The water and the views are beautiful! It was a fun rocky trail.
Jane Lewitt 5 years ago
Beautiful place. Short but intense hike that rewards you with an wonderful views. Highly recommended!
Sammy L. 5 years ago
Attempted this trail last year. easy hike up to the lake at the halfway point
Mary Lou 5 years ago
It look amazing! Everything was covered with snow.