Saint Mary's Glacier

Idaho Springs
Drivetime
1 Hr
FROM DENVER
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
800 ft gain
LENGTH
1.9 Mile
Out & Back
TAKE ME TO THE TRAILHEAD
NEW YORK WEATHER
WHAT YOU'LL SEE
Lakes
Lakes
Peaks
Peaks
Wildflowers
Wildflowers
Rapids/Creeks
Rapids/Creeks
Forests
Forests
THINGS TO DO

Explore a glacier!

Saint Mary's Glacier is a gorgeous destination, and it is not terribly hard to reach. The trail is less than 2 miles round trip assuming you stop at the lake. The path is wide and climbs to the lake and glacier.

You'll get to the lake in no time, where you can hang a hammock and relax, enjoy the views, and even do some cliff jumping/swimming if you are especially adventurous! The lake is gorgeous and clear. Watch for fish jumping!

If you want a bit more of a hike/challenge, you can hike up the cliffside or over to the glacier. On the glacier you will see people skiing/snowboarding all year round! You could even have a snowball fight in the dead of summer! The views of the lake and the area get even better the higher you ascend.

This is a super popular area, the trail to the lake will not be secluded. To get away from the crowds, hike up the hillside and enjoy the serene views. There are some otherworldly trees/landscapes up above the lake!

This is a good trail to take your dogs, but please please please remember to pack out their waste. There are so many bagged poops left along this trail. Be a responsible pet owner/adventurer and pack out your dog's waste.

This is a great adventure to take your friends and family from out of town. It is fairly easy and shows off the spectacular views and wilderness Colorado has to offer.

There is a $5 fee to park at the trailhead lot. This fee is cash only and bring exact change.

Idaho Springs is nearby if you would like to explore a nice mountain town before or after the hike!

THINGS TO DO

Relax/Hammock/Meditate

There are tons of perfect trees to hang a hammock from here, including right along the shore of the lake. Bring your hammock and enjoy the views and sounds of the mountains!

Swimming

For the adventurous, you can swim in the lake. There are even some nice cliffs for for cliff jumping at your own risk! Remember, the water is glacial melt, so it is quite cold!


Photography

The lake and area offer some very picturesque landscapes. Wildflowers fill the area when in season, the colors are gorgeous!

Leave No Trace Bigfoot Sign
It is of the upmost importance that you always remember to take care of our precious outdoor spaces, and preserve them for future generations. Be as invisible as bigfoot and practice Leave No Trace Principles. For more info on how to be an environmentally conscious adventurer, click HERE!
GETTING THERE

It is a nice paved road up to a large parking lot just past Idaho Springs. Parking is $5 cash, no change, so be prepared for that. The lot is large but this being an extremely popular destination, it can fill up quick. As always, get there early!

Mountain landscape

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