St. Mary’s Glacier

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
2.3 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
133 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
10.0
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Panoramic view of St. Mary's Glacier hike in Denver, Colorado

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.

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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 for St. Mary’s Glacier

  • Bring traction, so you can venture up the snowfield of St. Mary’s Glacier
  • $5 parking fee, cash only

Getting to the St. Mary’s Glacier Trailhead

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.

Route Information

  • 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 Forecast

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St. Mary’s Glacier Reviews

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