Need spikes or poles for the glacier.Go early or go after 5pm if you want peaceful otherwise very crowded and very loud in the afternoon. Sadly, these are not soft-baked, double-chocolate chunk cookies. Highly recommend it! Pick up after your pet.Lots of people and an extremely rocky hike, but only takes a half hour to get up to the glacier/lake and it’s beautiful. When we left a couple hours later there were no spots and people were circling around waiting for a spot to open. While we are all in decent shape, we felt the lung challenge before we were out of the parking lot. Wear good shoes! As such, the sheriff’s office issues tickets every weekend. Will definitely be back!A lot of snow/ice at the top so we decided to cut the hike short just a tad. … Near this intersection, Fall River flows into Clear Creek! 385 Reviews #2 of 16 things to do in Idaho Springs. Views were great! And for those of us not from the mountains, remember the difficulty getting enough air in your lungs as a factor. However, seeing the prize at the top was very worthwhile. Friendly, fun ppl all around and a good place to spend a couple hours exploring. The trail head will be on the left side of the road and requires a $5.00 parking fee at the lot.Good views at the top. Beautiful views!One of our favorites! Possibly bring some hiking poles.This trail had everything!! Bring a bathing suit and lunch for a nice lakeside picnic, and get there earlier than 830am (this is a very crowded hike). We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Please be respectful if you visit our community and go elsewhere if the lots are full.Join our Community. Great trial. Get the full experience and book a tour. St. Mary's Glacier; Search. The trail is not well marked and we deviated off a couple times accidentally as this was our first time visiting. This was a great opportunity and I’m thankful we went!I live at St. Mary’s glacier and I just want to let you all know that parking is limited at the parking lots. Wonderful views of the mountain and lake.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.1 square miles (8.0 km 2), of which, 3.1 square miles (8.0 km 2) of it is land and 0.33% is water. The only thing is I wish I had my hiking boots. Hiking Trails. The hike up to St. Mary’s Glacier ascends through a beautiful forest and ends with stunning panoramic views–the kind you expect from a perfect short hike in Colorado. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Was able to find parking in the lot with no trouble! Some trails or park services may be closed this weekend so check with local authorities before heading out. Beautiful views from above. The St. Mary’s Glacier trailhead is about an hour from Denver and a great way to beat the summer heat, as there’s snow above the lake year-round.It was the first day of June, and when I arrived at the base of St. Mary’s Glacier, I could see snowboarders and skiers zig-zagging their way down its slopes! We got there at 9am this morning (Friday) and there were a decent amount of spots still. On the way up, it was too dark to see much and was fairly peaceful, but on the way down I was greeted by what seemed like an endless army of dog poop bags. If you walk around St. Mary’s lake then hike up the glacier, you will gain incredible views of the Rocky Mountains to the west. For me, it was neat to see the glacier from bottom to the top but the crowd and noise made it unpleasant; however, this is the only time I had available. Beautiful hike with a lake, glacier, waterfalls, and view of the mountains. Good way to fill a few hours near Denver.Awesome views. It is an amazing view with plenty of places to sit and enjoy it.We did this trail 10/6/17. Take your time, wear waterproof hiking boots and bring a walking stick.

The views are amazing. It was a beautiful day at lower elevations, but a bit windy and snowed very lightly on this trail. The water is freezing, but exhilarating!! Help keep our trails and parks open during COVID-19 by committing to social distancing. Nearby Experiences.

Be sure to bring some doggie bags to pick up after your best friend.Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. Just please pick up your dog poop!Rocky, not terrible, and VERY crowded. The glacier is beautiful, but consider coming at a different point in the year if you are high risk.Rocky path up. It was a little chilly at the glacier (halfway point) but it felt great after the hike up.8/7/20 – Beautiful short (but steep) hike mostly on a wide rocky road. Amazing views. St. Mary’s Glacier is a hike with stunning views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, a beautiful lake, and, of course, the glacier. No, really.

We ascended slowly and took little breaks. Great views but very rocky steep climb to the glacier. And thanks their the heads up about the toys trip hike!My husband and I did this hike today, May 24, 2017. I arrived around 8:20AM on a Friday and the upper Lot #1 was full, but the lower Lot #2 had plenty of space available. People have started parking on the main road, in the neighborhood, and everywhere else they can. I was there today 7/26/16 abs your page helped me figure out the parking situation. Cons: the amount of barking dogs and dog poop bags left on the trailI did this trail on the way up to and down from James Peak. [a] 4.5 mi (7.2 km) Elevation gain: 1,750 ft (533 m) Trailhead: Piegan Pass Trailhead.