Embark on a scenic adventure just an hour from Denver with the St. Mary’s Glacier hike. A one-mile, beginner-friendly trail boasting breathtaking mountain views. The ideal hike for both newcomers and seasoned hikers.
Learn why this picturesque destination is a favorite among locals and a must-visit for friends and family.
This was the first hike I went on after moving to Colorado, and it’s one I returned to frequently. Picturesque views, short length, and beginner difficulty make it the perfect hike to take visiting friends/family on!
Directions to St. Marys Glacier
Located in Idaho Springs, St. Mary’s Glacier is an hour drive directly to the West of Denver. Find driving directions to St. Mary’s Glacier Trailhead here.
When ascending the mountain and approaching the trailhead, the first parking lot can be found on the left. Continuing on visitors will find a second, smaller parking lot if the main lot is full.
Paying for Parking
A 5$ parking fee can be paid by cash or check (no card payments accepted), into a deposit box. Find the deposit box near the parking lot entrance, furthest from the trailhead.
Fill out the small deposit sheet, indicating your license plate and the date. Then, display the permit in your windshield. Paying for parking is the best way to avoid getting ticketed or towed.
Locating St. Marys Glacier Trailhead
Visitors who park in the first lot should continue with a short walk up the road, finding the trailhead.
Visitors who park at the second lot will have to head back down the road to find the trailhead.
Hike Difficulty
St. Mary’s Glacier is an easy to moderate hike. It is about 1 mile to the lake and back, and an extra .5 mile for visitors who choose to ascend further than the lake.
Here is a snap of my apple watch halfway through the hike (from Parking Lot #1 to the lake.)
There is a noticeable incline, and rocky terrain for most of the hike. Due to this, it could be difficult or dangerous for small children or others to take on this trail.
The trail itself is not well marked, but due to its popularity, it is easy to follow another group up the mountain. Keep going up, and follow the stream to find the glacier.
In the winter, though less populated, visitors can use the footsteps of other hikers as a guide up the mountain.
Scenic Views at St. Marys Glacier
St. Mary’s Glacier gets its name from the melting snow caps and ice sheet, filling the lake with cool water all summer long. Typically, snow can be seen at the top of St. Mary’s Glacier all year round.
Only small patches of snow remained when I visited in October (2021). However, the record breaking snowless winter was likely the main cause of this unique experience.
Early Fall is the best time to hike up past the lake, providing views of the surrounding trees changing colors, before snowfall in the mountains makes the hike a winter activity.
In contrast, the Spring leaves the trail covered in snow, and the lake frozen over.
During the late spring and early summer, the trail will be relatively clear, with snow still visible at the top of the mountain. Ideally, visitors will be able to see the ice melting down the side of the mountain from the glacier as well.
The trail remains open for hiking throughout the winter, but will require different gear such as snow shoes and waterproof/insulated clothing. Bring a snowboard or skis along for the hike to have some fun on the glacier!
Be sure to stay on the trail, especially in late Fall/Winter, as going off trial in alpine conditions can lead to serious injury.
Dog-Friendly
Plenty of pups will be seen hiking with their owners here as St. Mary’s Glacier is a dog-friendly trail. However, dogs are required to be kept on-leash on the trail at all times.
All travelers should respect the trails on-leash requirement, ensuring that the trail will stay open for on-leash dog access.
Please, bring bags, and be prepared to properly clean up after your dog in park spaces.
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