St. Mary's Glacier
A short, scenic hike to a stunning alpine lake and a permanent snowfield, offering unique summer snow play and panoramic mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
St. Mary's Glacier
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A short, scenic hike to a stunning alpine lake and a permanent snowfield, offering unique summer snow play and panoramic mountain views.
"A relaxing few hour hike with awesome alpine views and a glacier, great for beginners!"
🚗 Parking Lot Options
Opt for the $10 Silver Lake lot over the $20 main lot for savings. :moneybag:
👟 Footwear is Key!
Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Spikes/crampons are recommended for icy patches, especially in shoulder seasons. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Alpine Lake
Mid-hike
A stunning, picturesque lake nestled at the base of the glacier, offering breathtaking reflections and a perfect photo op.
The Glacier Snowfield
Top of the hike
Experience a permanent snowfield even in summer! Perfect for a unique sledding or skiing adventure.
Panoramic Summit Views
Summit
Hike to the rocky peak for 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A true reward for the effort.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking and Fees
Altitude and Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Lot Options
Opt for the $10 Silver Lake lot over the $20 main lot for savings. :moneybag:
👟 Footwear is Key!
Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Spikes/crampons are recommended for icy patches, especially in shoulder seasons. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
High altitude means you'll need more water than usual. Bring plenty! :water_wave:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail
Leash your furry friends! They'll love the adventure too. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Lot Options
Opt for the $10 Silver Lake lot over the $20 main lot for savings. :moneybag:
👟 Footwear is Key!
Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Spikes/crampons are recommended for icy patches, especially in shoulder seasons. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
High altitude means you'll need more water than usual. Bring plenty! :water_wave:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail
Leash your furry friends! They'll love the adventure too. :dog:
☀️ Sun Protection
The sun is intense at this elevation. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. :sunwithface:
⬆️ Acclimatize First
If coming from lower elevations, give yourself a day to adjust to the altitude before this hike. :mountain_snow:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about St. Mary's Glacier for its stunning alpine lake and unique year-round snowfield, making it a great spot for families and photographers. While the hike is generally accessible, some find the rocky terrain challenging, and parking fees can be a point of contention. The high altitude and potential for icy conditions require preparedness.
"A relaxing few hour hike. Parking ($20) lot to the the glacier is about a mile with a light elevation gain (400 ft). About halfway up the trail is a picturesque lake right out of a Bob Ross painting. Great for beginners of all ages to experience our great outdoors."
Enzo Galbo
"Best easy-middle hike. Awesome alpine view and glacier. Can do swimming and cliff jumping but water is so cold. Also moose always around"
Prosper
"I just went this past Sunday (May the Fourth, 2025). I read the reviews and while most people find the rocks at the beginning the most challenging and it becomes easier after, I find those rocks super easy, I find the big rocks at the top harder but manageable, and I find the easy part the hardest simply because I was unprepared.
Coming from the hot Texas, and having lived in New York for 6 years, I did not expect so much ice on the ground. I had no spikes, no poles, no hiking shoes, I was wearing worn sneakers. To make it worse, I was hiking at 5 am without a flash light because I was trying to catch the sunrise. I got off trail at some point, slid a lot, dropped my feet into tree holes a few times, and almost gave up. Until I found the trail again and was able to step on footprints...
I am pretty sure many people have done this, not recommended for the average walker, and not recommended doing alone at 5am like I did, but I continued past the lake to hike up to the rocky peak (I have a fear of height so I had to motivate myself a few times, it is a bit narrow up there). The 360 view is stunning. I was also able to walk on the lake a bit where the ice looks completely white and not clear. Super fun. I am sure summertime offers a different type of magnificence.
Also, do not park at the $20 ski lot, go just a bit further to Silver Lake for the $10 St Mary's Glacier Parking Lot. Very easy to pay."
Trang Thai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Mary's Glacier is located about an hour's drive west of Denver, near Idaho Springs. Take I-70 West and exit at 241 for Fall River Road. Follow Fall River Road for approximately 3 miles to the St. Mary's Glacier parking area. The drive itself is scenic and part of the adventure!
Unfortunately, St. Mary's Glacier is not easily accessible by public transportation. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange a ride. Renting a car or using a ride-sharing service for the final stretch is recommended.
The general area is accessible via Fall River Road near Idaho Springs, Colorado. While there isn't a specific street address for the trailhead, using 'St. Mary's Glacier Parking Lot' in your GPS will guide you to the main access point.
While the main trail to St. Mary's Glacier is a hike, the surrounding area has some off-road trails. However, the primary attraction is the hike itself, and specific 4x4 or ATV trail information is not widely publicized for this particular location.
From Denver, take I-70 West to Exit 241 (Fall River Road). Turn right onto Fall River Road and continue for about 3 miles. You'll see signs for the St. Mary's Glacier parking areas. The road can be rough in places, but is generally manageable for most vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parking fees are required. The main lot typically costs $20, but a nearby lot at Silver Lake may offer a $10 option. It's advisable to have cash or be prepared for card payments, as methods can vary.
There is no separate entrance fee for St. Mary's Glacier itself, but you will need to pay for parking. The parking fee helps maintain the access road and facilities.
St. Mary's Glacier is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, winter conditions can make access difficult or impossible without proper winter gear and vehicle preparedness. Always check local conditions before you go.
Tickets are not required for St. Mary's Glacier. You pay for parking upon arrival. It's a natural attraction, so no advance booking is necessary.
The trailhead for St. Mary's Glacier is around 10,000 feet, and the hike can take you up to approximately 10,800 feet. Be prepared for the high altitude!
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to the lake is considered easy to moderate, about 1 mile with a gradual elevation gain of around 400 feet. The path to the glacier itself is steeper and can be challenging, especially with ice or snow.
The hike to the picturesque lake is about 1 mile roundtrip. If you continue to the glacier and summit, the total hike can be up to 2.4 miles roundtrip, depending on your exploration.
Yes, people do ski and snowboard on the permanent snowfield, especially in the summer months. It's a unique experience, but requires appropriate gear and caution due to the terrain and potential for melting snow.
Absolutely! St. Mary's Glacier is a dog-friendly trail. Just remember to keep your canine companions on a leash and clean up after them. 
Dress in layers! Even in summer, it can be cold and windy. Sturdy hiking boots are essential, and consider bringing microspikes or crampons for icy sections, especially in spring and fall.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food services or restaurants directly at St. Mary's Glacier. It's a natural attraction, so plan to pack your own snacks and water. The nearest dining options are in Idaho Springs.
Yes, picnicking is a great way to enjoy the scenery. Pack out everything you pack in to keep the area clean. Enjoying a meal with a view is highly recommended!
📸 📸 Photography
The alpine lake offers stunning reflections, especially in the morning light. The summit provides panoramic vistas. Don't forget to capture the unique snowfield and the journey up.
Sunrise can be magical with soft light on the lake and mountains. Sunsets can also be beautiful, but be mindful of the time and ensure you have a flashlight for the hike down if staying late.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A sturdy tripod will help with low-light conditions or long exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The chance to play in the snow, even in summer, is a huge hit with kids. Pack extra warm clothes and waterproof gear for them, as they'll likely want to get up close and personal with the snow. Key recommendations: Bring plenty of snacks and water. Consider bringing a small sled for extra fun on the snowfield. Always supervise children closely, especially near the water and on steeper, icy sections of the trail.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own food and drinks to save money on dining, as there are no facilities on-site. Tip: Look for the slightly cheaper parking option at Silver Lake if available. The hike itself is free, offering incredible natural beauty and unique activities without a hefty admission price.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The early morning light on the lake provides beautiful reflections, and the summit offers dramatic panoramic views. Must-capture moments: The contrast of the snowfield against the summer landscape, wildlife sightings (like moose), and the journey up the rocky trail. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Glacier Experience
The hike to reach the snowfield is relatively short but can be steep in sections, offering a good workout. The payoff is immense, with the chance to play in the snow, build snow forts, or simply enjoy the novelty of a winter wonderland in warmer months. Remember that conditions can vary, and the snowpack may be slushy or icy depending on the weather.
Key takeaway: Embrace the unexpected! St. Mary's Glacier offers a chance to experience snow and winter activities in a way that's uncommon for many mountain destinations, making it a memorable stop on any Colorado adventure.
Navigating the Trail and Terrain
As you ascend, you'll reach a stunning alpine lake, a popular spot for photos and a good resting point. Beyond the lake, the trail becomes steeper as it leads towards the snowfield. In spring and fall, or even during cooler summer days, expect ice and snow on the path, making sturdy footwear with good traction absolutely essential. Many visitors recommend microspikes or crampons for safety and ease of movement.
Pro tip: If you're unsure about the conditions or your footing, don't hesitate to turn back. The views from the lake are already spectacular, and safety should always be the top priority.
Wildlife and Nature
Beyond moose, you might also see smaller mammals like marmots and pikas, as well as various bird species. The alpine environment supports a unique ecosystem, and observing the local flora and fauna adds another layer to the experience.
Respect the environment: Stay on marked trails to minimize your impact and help preserve the natural beauty of this special place for future visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit