St. Mary’s Glacier

Quick Info

Distance:
2.4 Miles
Route Type:
Out & Back
Nearest Town:
Idaho Springs, CO
Elevation Climb:
1,030 ft.
Difficulty Rating:
Beginner Friendly
View Rating:
5
Distance:
2.4 Miles
Route Type:
Out & Back
Nearest Town:
Idaho Springs, CO
Elevation Climb:
1,030 ft.
Difficulty Rating:
Beginner Friendly
View Rating:
5

This is one of the most popular and iconic trails in Colorado and for good reason! it’s just about an hour from Denver, near the adorable mountain town of Idaho Springs. It’s a short hike to the lake, then you can go beyond and continue hiking the glacier.

This is a very busy hike, I’ve only ever done it on a weekday and both times it’s been pretty crowded. So this isn’t a hike if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, but it’s also not hard to find a corner of the lake to hang out.

The half mile trail to the lake is all rocks and you can find some shade on the edges. The lake itself is gorgeous with rainbow trout – saw a few people fishing, others brought Stand Up Paddle Boards and there were a few cliff jumpers too.

Also, apparently it’s not actually a ‘glacier’ but a semi-permanent snowfield.

A few things to note:
$5 cash parking at the trailhead
Dogs on leash

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

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Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

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