St. Mary’s Glacier

Trail Difficulty: Moderate. Requires some climbing through boulders.

Trail Description:
This is a very popular hike that will lead you to some of the most breathtaking scenery ever!!

From the parking lot you will hike about ½ mile up a gentle slop. This trail is heavily used and it is rugged because it follows a glacial boulder field. You will wind your way in and around these rocks for about 20 minutes until you reach the glacial lake and the ice field itself (St. Mary’s glacier is actually not a glacier, but an ice field).

Spectacular views!!! The trail ends here, but there are many little trails that will take you around the water, and/or up to the snow itself. Plan to take your camera, your picnic and maybe even a sled if you are daring enough to try out the snow. Also plan to spend a good 30 minutes wandering around the area just enjoying the valley, the water, and the beauty.

Note: New to the hike – 2 portable toilets w/ hand sanitizer dispenser, dog waste bag dispenser, trash & recycle cans, and the only year round maintained legal parking for the area. The charge is $5 per vehicle, per day.

Picnic Site Recommendatioins:
Take your lunch and eat at the lake. There are many places to spread your meal and enjoy the crisp cool air.

Travel Time:
From the Junction of C-470 and I-70: 55 minutes.

How to get there:
From the Junction of C-470 and I-70, take I-70 west about 25 miles past Idaho Springs to Exit #238 (Fall River Rd. or Rd 275). Follow Fall River Rd. for approximately 9 miles until you see the trail to St Mary’s Glacier on your left. The parking area is past the trailhead on the left. You will see cars parked in a big open, dirt lot.

Special Attractions:
Idaho Springs has a lot of little coffee shops and cafés to eat at. One of our favorites is Beau Jo’s Pizza great pizza, atmosphere, and dessert (1517 Miner Street). There is also the famous Tommyknocker Brewery (famous beer, soda, and food are served in the Resturant, Pub & Brewery 1401 Miner St.)