St Mary's Glacier is a beautiful, scenic, and underrated hike close to Denver. It is an excellent quick trip, about one hour from the city. The hike to the small lake is short, easy to slight moderate, and takes about half an hour. It is challenging yet beginner and family-friendly. The trail is well-marked and suitable for various skill levels. From the lake, there is a beautiful view and a fun, small snow field. Visitors can go a bit more to the glacier base for more challenging hiking and breathtaking, picturesque, and stunning views. It is a gorgeous and magical spot for a hike or snow play. Parking requires twenty dollars cash per spot at the trailhead, with two smallish lots and porta potties. The area can be crowded on weekends, so weekdays are highly recommended. In winter, micro spikes are highly recommended for comfort and safety to walk on the snow and reach the glacier. It is a dog-friendly hike.
St Mary’s is one of the most underrated hikes in CO! It’s challenging yet still beginner friendly. You can make the hike more challenging by hiking over the glacier into James Peak Wilderness. It’s a beautiful drive up Fall River Road and only about 40-50 minutes from Denver.
March 2024
I skied the ice field July 4 1972 ,from all these pictures it hasn't changed one bit. Nice hike fast ride.
March 2024
Very scenic area with a small lake and small snow field. Not a Glacier by most definitions out there. Fun family hike but crowded on weekends. Weekdays are highly recommended to visit
