St. Mary's Glacier Reviews

Easy hike. It was a little hard trying to follow the trail but just keep going up and you will find the lake. Be prepared for snow and ice. Need to carry some kind of traction assistance.

Breathtakingly beautiful. My best advice is to take your time with the challenging climb but plan to spend plenty of time at the top. Your reward awaits!

Gorgeous views, but it’s a bit of a drive to get there. Worth it for the views though! Quick stop... it was still very cold in mid June. Not great to hike or hangout with a toddler.

We visit St. Mary's glacier in late July and was the highlight of our visit.

Parking lot gets full very fast, so go early to avoid crowd.
Hike is about 3/4 of a mile, short but steep.Wear good hiking shoes and carry lots of water. At the end of the hike , there is beautiful lake with great view.You can see the glacier from this lake. a short walk from lake brings you to the glacier. Many people were skiing, snowboarding on the glacier.
On the way back, it hailed so badly that we had to stop and take shelter under the trees.
I highly recommend this hike!

This hike is not too hard. I'd suggest having snow shoes or at least good hiking boots because there are definitely icy spots. The entire hike is gorgeous! When you get the top it's perfect to chill and have some water and take in the views!

great with family. great for kids. looked like a lot of fun for adventure seekers and the people skiing down the mountain, narrowly missing the glacial lake in the distance.

The trailhead is tricky to find if it's your first time there. There are two lots to park in. The trailhead is in between the two lots. There is a parking fee of $5. Make sure you take cash. Portable potties at both parking lots. Lots are super slushy during March, my car almost got stuck. Late March the trail is still completely covered in snow, very slick. Definitely need hiking boots to get to the top. Didn't make it up this time due to lack of good shoes but definitely plan on coming back in the summer to see the beautiful lake on top. The drive from the interstate takes about 20 minutes. Slow speeds, lots of turns and switchbacks.

Take your walking stick and watch were you step. Note, there are NO bad dogs, only bad dog owners. And the bad dog owners have taken over St Marys Glacier. Dogs are off a leash chasing wildlife, leaving their poo behind and the owners leave dog poo bags on the trail, seriously? The bad dog owners even have their dogs running off leash in the parking lot where drivers will squash them. A dachshund (see pic) vs a 3000 lb suv is no match. Note in the pics the State employees are in the area and state ‘its not my job’ to protect St Marys glacier?

Went with my son, I don't live in Colorado so the hike left me a bit breathless but so did the view. We also some skiers trekking up the mountain to do a bit of back country skiing. It was a very beautiful place and we did a bit of fishing,no bites but worth it for a short fun outing

This place is like a little slice of heaven!! The hike up is a moderate 30 minute trek uphill and very rocky but do worth the end result. The water is extremely clear but super cold. Crazy to see snow next to green trees and grass. We went on a Saturday and there was a decent amount of people exploring but not enough to feel crowded or deter us from enjoying ourselves. Dog friendly. Overall a great experience.

So, it's a $5 fee to park in the lot, but don't miss the pay box which is a 6"x4" metal pole. You need to fill out the permit with your plate number and date. Yellow on the windshield, envelope with your cash in the box.

It was a moderate climb for us, but we live where it's flat, and are not in what experts call "shape".

Get up off your seat and get hiking.

My son had on his bucket list to walk on a glacier so after some internet searching we found that there was an accessible glacier just 2 hours from where we live. Excellent! It was a beautiful day trip and I would recommend it highly.

Pros
Only 1 1/2 mile round trip in length though it is steep on the way up with lots of rock to scramble over.
Amazing views at the end with the glacier, 2 lakes and mountains.
It is fun to watch the skiers and snowboarders in the middle of summer coming down the glacier.
There are rocks to jump off into the lake that are between 20 and 50 feet high. Very entertaining to watch while eating our picnic lunch and everyone seemed to survive the leap.
Sledding in the summer! We just slid down on our backsides and it was fun though you come away with ice up your shorts. Some people brought garbage bags to slide on.

Cons
Parking - we arrived at noon and luckily people who had arrived earlier were starting to leave. You need to get there early to get a spot or come later when people are heading home. There is really no place to park otherwise. Make sure you have $5 cash or check. No change available.
Porta-potties in the parking lot - They were disgustingly full and there are no bathrooms on the hike.
Crowds - this is not the hike for you if you want solitude. It was very busy.

Great short hike to the lake. You can go higher if you want. Our family with older kids did it twice in the week we were there. Fun place to take pictures and watch people ski down the glacier in shorts and T-shirts. It’s always busy so we were lucky we could walk there from the place we were renting.

A short easy hike to the closest to Denver full year glacier. Well worth the time to take flat land visitors.

Gorgeous scenery. Able to make it to the lake and glacier with my 4-year-old - a very rocky but not very long hike. Get there early to get parking and bring cash or a check book!

This was the highlight of this Midwesterner's quick visit to Denver. St. Mary's Glacier is fabulous! There is about a 3/4 mile hike up hill to get to the lake and view of the glacier and a little bit more to get to the actual glacier. There were locals snow boarding on it in August!! How cool is that? If it's cool out bring some outer wear as it gets cooler toward the top (pun intended). Water and snacks also, as there is no vending or anything at the top of the trailhead. When you arrive in your car, don't go in the first parking area, keep going to see if there is a better place you want to park. If you're in decent shape you can make the hike. Also, avoid the weeds by the lake; there are tics in there.
Another note to other animal lovers...if you're going to bag your pet's waste, don't leave it up there!!! the plastic bag is littering; at least carry it down or fling the biodegradable poop off the trail.

A 1 hour drive from Denver to Idaho Falls brings you to River Falls road. A fun drive uphill brings you to the self pay ($5) parking lot. St Mary;'s Glacier is a short hike to a stunning lake in the mountains complete with a glacier.

This is definatly a hike you want to do. I came to Colorado for a long weekend from PA, so of course I was not aclimatized to hikes over 10,000 feet, but this one wasn't to difficult. If you are going to be in the mountains all day I recommend getting supplimental oxygen from an outdoors supply store just in case, but this particular hike shouldn't take you more than 2 - 2.5 hours. As other reviewers have said, make sure you get an early morning start (no later than 7AM) or you will be hiking with the masses.

Left hiking poles in the parking lot if found please call 3) 901- 7580 THANKS!

Short hike to the lake or longer if you like to the top of the glacier!

Beautiful vistas and areas to be seen. Wear good boots and dress in layers. Stay hydrated it is worth the hike.

As a pair of seventy-year-olds, we were unsure about the hike but it was relatively easy as long as we took our time. I recommend this hike for anyone who is able to comfortably hike a rough trail.

I heard @ this hike on a ski lift in winter park and since it was on the way back to Denver we gave it a try. So glad we did! Easy trail to get to off I 70 and pretty drive to the parking lot/trail entrance. We had 2 adults and 2 teens in pretty decent shape and hiked the snowy/icy trail to the glacier. It is mostly uphill to the glacier which was exhausting but welll worth It. It was super windy.like “blow u off a rock” windy but totally worth the hike. We all enjoyed the scenery, short hiking distance and opportunity to explore the area.

Wonderful place to spend an afternoon. $5 parking fee, toilets in lot at base of trail. Fairly steep, but not long make the climb doable to the lake [temp in low 50’s) and beyond to the glacier for panoramic views and seat sliding down the ice flow. Lean back on your butt, lift your feet and zip down the slope! We loved it, even with frozen hands and rump!

Bring five bucks cash for the parking lot! You can swim, hike, picnic, play on the snow. We went a couple of times. The hike in is a little challenging for flatlanders like us! But a nice 30 minute trek with rewarding views.

The hike was difficult almost all up hill and Rocky on the way up but views were totally worth it when we got there! Was awesome to be able to hike all the way to the glacier. There were people skiing on it when we were there. Temperature was low 60s in August so bring a sweat shirt. Beautiful place to take photos.

St Mary’s Glacier is so beautiful. The hike is mostly uphill and very rocky. Unless you hike all the time and are used to the high altitude, it’s not easy. But it is definitely worth it!!! My friends and I took it at our own pace and really enjoyed it. Parking is $5 cash and I suggest using a restroom before you get up there. There are port a potties but you DO NOT want to use them.

This is the perfect hike to get your body acclimated to the altitude when first arriving in Colorado. Not too hard, not too easy with beautiful views of the glacier.

A fairly quick hike. A hour for average person. Very rocky, so protect ankles with a pair of high or mid top boots if you've got them.
Signage is poor so follow the main road north from parking lot (up hill). NOT across the street.
Nice spot to lunch at the top, on a lake. No bugs just ground squirrels that will beg for your food.

This is one of my favorite places to take out of town guests. It’s not far from town, the drive up there is pretty. There is plenty of parking ($5 cash)...although the parking lot is rocky. Would urge people to get up there early in morning on weekends or in season as it can get crowded. The trail is not really marked, and it took us a couple of trips up there to figure out the best routes to see the glacier, the waterfalls, the alpine lake, etc. But it does impress and is not too long. The trail is the path taken once upon a time by the glacier, so very rocky. Sneakers are fine, if you don’t have hiking boots. We took hiking poles and found them to be very helpful.

I went there with my family and it was so fun!! You have to walk up for a little bit on some rocks but once you get to the top it’s beautiful!! I totally recommend this hike!

If you want summer skiing with an easy hike, this is the place to go! We strapped our gear on our backs and headed up for several runs with gorgeous views!

we loved this hike out to the glacier. one in our party actually jumped in the icy water. also fun to watch the skiiers come down... in July.

After rafting on Clear Creek, a guide suggested this hike for the afternoon. Easy to find, but limited parking in the lots. Park in the 2nd lot if possible, as the hike to the trailhead is downhill. We hiked to the lake at the base of St. Mary's Glacier, and it was physically challenging because of the altitude. I felt like I was carrying 40 pounds and breathing felt like I had a scarf covering my mouth and nose. My heart was pounding, but brief pauses was all it took to recover quickly. The trail is rocky and shade was available due to the forest lining the sunny trail. The lake was beautiful and chilly with many people enjoying the lake in different ways: relaxing, hammocks, a few tents, exploring, and some were jumping off the cliff at the far end of the lake, and we could hear the crash as they hit the water, some at painful angles. We hiked over to the glacier, enjoying the crisp fresh air and sunshine. A few people made an attempt at skiing or snowboarding, but it looked to be not a lot of fun, and certainly not worth the effort of hauling the gear up there! We climbed the glacier with just our hiking boots, with a few pauses to catch our breath. It took maybe 20 minutes from the bottom of the glacier, and it was fantastic to reach the peak and look down on the pond, cliff and other peaks. The return trip was easy, as we slid down most of the glacier on our boots..fun:)

It was bit cold and windy at the top in April, but if you have the right clothes probably not too bad.

The hike up, 3/4 of a mile, is a little strenuous, but very well worth it.

Very beautiful views at the top.

This is a relatively "short" hike that is moderately strenuous but could spend all day here! It is about .6 mile to the lake and another .5 up to glacier base. You can keep hiking as glacier goes and goes and there are other trails around which I did not take but would have if we had more time. The hike to the lake is very bouldery at first so watch your step. The views of the Lake are fantastic from up on glacier. Pack a lunch and stay awhile. Lots of dogs swimming and people jumping in from short cliffs. If I was prepared, I would have jumped in too! Weather is cooler and can change fast. Do it - you will be glad that you did!!

My husband & I decided this was our favorite part of our trip. It's a bit of a steep hike up to the glacier but totally worth it! Not great for small children, elderly or anyone with special needs due to the steep uneven rocks you'll have to climb. We packed water, snacks & a camping hammock.....then had the best. day. ever.

St. Mary’s Glacier was a well preserved and fun place to visit. Was harder to walk up for anyone with mild disabilities.

When on vacation in Colorado we wanted to do something scenic and a few locals recommended going to Idaho Springs and checking this out. I'm glad we did.
A few things you should know. Apple maps is slightly incorrect in it's directions. We drove another 1/4th to 1/2 mile until we saw the parking lot. The parking lot is self pay $5 cash only, so be prepared with correct change. The trail head is right there. It's a 3/4th mile trail but feels much longer. Bring water and snacks. The elevation is over 10,000 feet and the air is thin. I am in relatively decent shape and am use to hiking in the Smoky Mountains, but this hike was difficult for me. I had to stop every so often to catch my breath. However, we saw plenty of families with small children who made it just fine. When we finally made it, the view was breath taking. You can see the glacier and the small lake it feeds. I just had to dip my toes in the water and took off my shoes. I stood in freezing water for a minute or 2.
We stayed for about half an hour just enjoying the day. Next time we'll come more prepared and actually walk to the glacier itself.

Wonderful hike. Not too. Challenging but if it is snowy and icy make sure you have the right shoes on. It was a bit slick in areas and could have used more gripping power.

So glad we went. Whoever lied to us and said this is a lite hike seriously lied. Heart conditions with people in our group! And if you are from lower altitude states, this is very hard for some people. It was worth buying trekking poles and hiking boots, just for this hike. We would do it again but beware if anyone tells you this is easy.

Did not hike as it was snowy, in summer. Enjoyed the views. Will have to return on our next trip to Silverthorne.

There were several trails and waterways to follow to get to the Glacier and it's lake. Yes there were other people, but it was not so bad once you get to the lake and continue on up the Glacier. The trails are rocky so good foot ware is a must. Take a backpack with water and snacks and layer clothing. There are little chipmunks everywhere. They will beg for and steal your food lol. It sleeted on us on Aug. 19th and then it stopped. To watch the clouds coming in was amazing. The water was cold. You can take your dogs as there were several there. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys the beauty of nature, while it is still here to enjoy.

A 3/4 mile hike can feel like a 5 mile hike if you aren't acclimated to the altitude (I wasn't)...but the end if the trail has an awesome payoff. The walk back is much easier ;-)

The glacier was really pretty but I wouldn't recommend it if you have kids who don't hike a lot. My girls were getting grumpy about it.

Our large group included two cars, small children, and multi-ages of adults. Some of us were in better shape than others, so the climb was a challenge to a few. The parking is limited so arriving early for that aspect is as important as beating the crowds climbing the mountain. Once at the lake we were treated to spectacular views and a cool breeze. Several of us hiked on up to the glacier itself while others remained at the lakeside and rested for the descent. It was well worth the time and effort to get there. My only regret was not having good hiking boots..you'll need them, or at least good sturdy sneakers with good treads.

Loved the short hike. Wear good shoes, as the entire path is rocky, and bring a sweatshirt or coat, it’s chilly up there when the wind picks up. The trail isn’t marked well, so while everyone kept to the left, we took a right and had some fun photographic moments along the stream with multiple cascades. Once back on the main trail, we took the next right hand trail that took us in front of the lake and to the glacier. If you take the left path it will take you to the back side of the lake. The wildflowers were in full bloom on our trip. The most frustrating part of the trip was the parking. There is a pay station, so bring cash, but also have a pen. You are required to fill out your name and license plate number. I did not have a pen, which put my husband in a grumpy mood right off. After that everything was amazing!

We hiked to St. Mary's Glacier on a Sunday. It was crowded with people, parking was horrific, and there must have been a gazillion dogs. That said, if you can't backpack into Rocky Mountain Park, this is the easiest way to see a glacier.

This is a short walk but don’t be fooled it is steep, rocky, and at high altitiude so it’s not easy. The parking fee is now $20 - we were staying locally so not a problem for us. The views around the lake area are really lovely but you might be sharing it with a number of other people. I confess I only got to the bottom of the snow patch but still felt it was worth the climb.

So first off I should warn you, if you are from anywhere with a lower altitude- THIS WILL TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY! It is a bit of a hard climb bc of that but totally worth it! I went this morning and have been home for about 3 hrs and still haven't stopped smiling. It is a gorgeous area! And don't just stop at the lake (except of course to rest and check out the view). Make sure you go up to the glacier! You think the view at the lake is pretty, wait til you get to the glacier!! Pups are allowed! My dog loved it! Totally recommend it! Just make sure you take some breaks!!

We were staying in Idaho Springs and looking for a short hike for the morning. We arrived before 8am for fear of finding parking but there were plenty of spaces. Maybe because it was mid week. $5 cash to park, beautiful winding drive to the lot. The trail itself was a little unclear at times, but there were enough people to figure out which way to go. (At the top/last trail split, go right!) The first half is all uphill, but it is worth the climb! Absolutely beautiful. And the flowers the first week of August were incredible! I would definitely go back!

St. Mary's Glacier is a true beauty! Sort but steep (and rocky!) hike up to the glacier. I recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Very dog friendly hike. If you wander off to the right where the path splits on the way up, you will find yourself at a mini waterfall.

We stopped by the glacier on our way to Keystone from Denver. It's 30 minutes drive off of I-70 near Idaho springs. There was very little snow left in Sep, however the grass was changing color to red/yellow. Hike to the base of Glacier is moderate and rewarding as it ends on a beautiful lake. We hiked all the way up to the top of glacier. The second part was rocky and difficult hike along side a small stream of melting snow. Overall, I would say it is a must see place if you are in the area. Remember to bring a warm jacket and enough water. You can also bring a lunch sandwich to enjoy on the top, like we did!

The round trip to St Mary's Glacier took us about 2 hours, though that was an extended time for the 1.5-mile distance due to our wandering well off the trail and above the glacier. Anyone from lower elevations hiking there should be aware that this hike starts at 10,428 feet. Trails are well shaded and views of the glacier and more distant snowcaps are impressive.

We had an excellent time fishing and swimming amongst the icebergs in the first week of November. Just a short 40 minute drive from Golden! Totally recommend people to go and enjoy

Bring your pen and $5 to pay for parking. There are two parking lots, #1 & #2. Both on the left side of the road with the trail between them. #1 is smaller but easier walk to the trail. You will pass #2 first. If you have a low slung car, watch out for the 3 - 4 inch drop between the pavement and the parking areas and for large rocks in the parking area. After the sign at the trailhead you are on your own. No more signs. If in doubt pick the route that goes up. The trail itself is awful. It's like walking up a dry creek bed filled with large rocks. Watch your step the whole way and drink plenty of water. You are over 10,000 feet high. After about 3/4 of a mile it levels out and you can see the lake and the glacier. The lake is nice but not as pretty as Lake Diablo in the North Cascades. (Another glacier fed lake). Glacier is fairly small. Doubt it will last much longer with global warming. There is a trail that goes around to the right, that will take you up to the glacier. Apparently there is more glacier on the other side of the ridge as we saw people with skis heading up there. (We just walked to the base of the glacier.) Dog owners seem to be good about picking up after their pets but not so good about packing out their poop bags. We saw several dozen filled bags discarded along the trail. This was the day after Labor Day and the toilets were in bad need of pumpng.

Make sure you bring $5 exact for parking, and a pen to write out your parking permit to display on your car window.

The hike was do-able... not too short or long. I saw some older people struggling, but it has plenty of spaces to stop and shade also. The walk has plenty of rocks so watch your step or you could easily trip.

I would suggest bringing water, a sandwich, snacks, a camera (with carry case so you do not drop it on rocky walk to glacier), underwater camera if you want photos of the fish, a hammock and/or camping chair.

There are spectacular views... flowers, interesting trees, snow.

My brother climbed across a cliff face and I swam for a decent amount of time, even though my body was frozen - it was still super refreshing. There are jump rocks and the water is deep enough, but I suggest checking for debris and rocks prior to jumping.

Loved it! Will definitely be back again.

What a beautiful place! We rented a cabin for the weekend, with a great view of the glacier, and loved the sightseeing!

So beautiful. Definitely a challenge for younger kids, but if you want fit kids....

We saw dudes hiking up the glacier, and skiing down only to jump in the lake. Crazy!

Fairly easy hike to amazing views. Sand and Snow all in the same place. Hike in with your skis or snowboard and ski down the glacier. Only place you can ski and jump in the water (if you are brave enough) year round!

Great drive on a twisty road from the Interstate up to the parking lot. The hike is not too difficult but there are some rocky areas. The payoff is the beauty to take in once you arrive. The lake is peaceful and the colors are awesome. The glacier obviously varies in size based upon the time of year, but it is cool to climb up and touch the glacier and see the water streaming down to the lake.

(Don't do this hungover like I did)

Ricky climb but you can go at your own pace. I think it's a mile until you get to the "desired area" which is a basin with a beautiful lake and mountain views.
Good for all ages and fitness types but low oxygen makes it a little difficult at times if you're not used to the altitude. Worth it to get up there and take some pictures. (Bring a water bottle)

Enjoyed the hike to St. Mary's Glacier. My 80 year old Aunt made the hike with very little problems, we helped guide her around/over a few boulders/rocks and the few snow patches. Coming from sea level I was a bit winded a few times, not bad at all. Legs will get a good workout over all the rocks. We enjoyed a picnic lunch and the Glacier- stayed about an hour and 1/2.

Hike is 1/2 mile from the Trailhead. As others have mentioned, it costs $5 to park. The views at the top of the trail are beautiful. The hike is a incline the entire 1/2 mile. My kids slid on the glacier part on a plastic bag that we brought with us.

This was one of our family's favorite parts of our trip to Colorado.

The views at the end were almost as good as Hanging Lake Trail, but the hike was MUCH easier (and shorter). Our 8-year-old loved playing in the snow at the top.

Follow the usual precautions -- plenty of water, good shoes, etc. -- but this hike is doable for even amateurs unconditioned to altitude (like us).

Went to St Mary’s Glacier in late July and it was amazing. The trail up to the lake and glacier area is rocky. The hike is not super easy, but it’s not overly difficult either. Don’t let the hike scare you away because once on top, you’ll be treated to a beautiful area. The sights are stunning and there is plenty of room to wade in the lake (it’s cold), climb around on some rocks, and set foot on or even slide down a glacier. Would go there again in a heartbeat.

An unforgettable trip. The view was not what I hoped it to be, but will be unforgettable for both of us. I proposed at the bottom of the glacier, claiming my love like that of the glacier, never ending.

We came upon this place kind of by accident just browsing around Google Maps. It's a hike up rock strewn path for about one mile to a lake at the base of the glacier and another half mile to get to the actual glacier. The lake is beautiful. The glacier is small but it's there. The hike is through lots of rocks that looks like a dried stream bed. Hiking shoes/boots would come in very handy on this trail. It can feel strenuous because of the altitude (somewhere around 10000 feet). To us, it's worth the 2 hours or so we invested in the hike. It's a nice stopping point for us as we drove from Estes Park to Grand Lake in the "southern loop".
There are no "trail markers" along the way, only some warning signs as you get up to the lake. Follow "up hill" and stay on the main stream path on the way to the lake, and "down hill" on your way back and you won't get lost, but you can get nervous and doubt if you are going the right way if there are no one else around. This is not a park so it seems to be private. It could certainly use a few direction signs.
It's is cool to see and "touch" the glacier. We visited in late October and the glacier is small and seems to be melting. I'd imagine it will "grow" through the winter but I wonder how many years it will be before the glacier is gone in the summer / fall time.

I am in my 60's and wasn't sure this was the hike for me since the trail had a lot of boulders, but it ended up being a great hike. The glacier and surroundings were beautiful.

We are not avid hikers but decided to tackle this hike because it's only 1.5 miles round trip--the view is definitely worth it! There's a $5 self-pay fee to park, the trailhead was located between the 2 parking lots. Be prepared to step on and over rocks/boulders the entire time, this is not a smooth path! There are great "resting" rocks on the way up if you're out of shape like us. Our boys (22,17,15) had no difficulty with the hike whatsoever and once we were up, the trip down was easily accomplished! Beautiful view for sure!

Love hiking and Snow shoeing the Saint Mary's. Reasonable price for parking. The hike to the Glacier is easy and fun Follow the main path or along the creek. The lake is a great place to camp any time of year. Once atop the glacier the valley is beautiful. bring ski's, snowboard or tube all times of year to get down. Great for people of all ages, not to strenuous.

We saw a women skiing in July! We went up but without skis had to get down on our natural back slide. It was fun but, cold.
It is a great place if you don't mind the hike up.
There were a lot of people when we went. There were also tour groups, they were fun to watch. It was beautiful, a little crowded, fun and relaxing at the same time

Let me start with this hike is marked easy but should have an disclaimer by it. The hike consists of an almost 1 mile hike that has some decent steep walks and is very rocky. We drove straight there from landing in Denver and was not yet used to the altitude. Take your time and it will be ok. Make sure you bring a pen to write down your info on the parking pass and your $5 exact to pay the fee. Take some time and pull off and see the stream as it comes down the mountain. The lake was beautiful and there was some teenagers cliff diving into the ice cold water. The Glacier has melted to a point that it is no longer declared as a Glacier but still is awesome. Have fun and enjoy the views.

This is worth the hike but the glacier is very small now. The hike is a ton a rocks and boulders but the incline isn't bad.

This is a hidden gem that's nestled at the top of a short hike. At the top you'll see a glorious alpine lake and a glacier supplying it. This is a lovely hike for those not adjusted well to altitude since it is short - there is a good elevation gain for people who normally live a sea-level, so I would recommend this for visitors to the Denver and surrounding areas. The view is just breathtaking. You can see plenty of wildflowers bloom in the blooming season in late July thru August. Bring $5 cash with you to put in the parking drip box, and please remember to pick up your trash and belongings. There are some rather friendly chipmunks located at the alpine lake :) There are some porta-potties located at the parking area. Keep your dogs on a leash as there are many other dogs - the terrain is rocky, so watch out for their little feets.

This is a hike I have been taking my out-of-state friends for a long time. Definitely easy enough for newbies to the altitude If you take it slow. The views are very pretty and it’s an easy drive from the highway. Only have to pay a couple bucks to park and it’s based on the “honor system”. Overall I love coming here a few times a year and I’ll definitely continue to. Only reason it isn’t 5 Stars is because the amount of dog waste left behind IN bags on the trail is absolutely appalling. I understand the people on the property can only do so much to enforce it but I think if it’s going to be this bad they shouldn’t allow pets or should fine people that leave their waste. It really ruins the scenic trail when there are blue and green bags of poop everywhere. I myself have 3 dogs and I can still clean up. Otherwise, this is a great place to take visitors and family alike. Probably not easy for kids under 10 or so.

This hike is not for everyone. It is steep and rocky; however, if you don't mind the hike, the experience at the end is well worth it. We saw several people turn back, but they weren't prepared. Hiking shoes help a lot. Also, wear a hat and use sunblock. The hike is relatively short and allows lots of time to enjoy at the end. The view at the top is spectacular! You can also touch the glacier, make a snowball, and just sit on a rock and enjoy. There were several people and dogs walking on the glacier...this is not a good idea...one dog was close to the edge and fell in, but was pulled out by its owner. Don't temp nature.

The hike is short but quite uphill. The view at the top is totally worth the effort. You can hike beyond the lake onto the glacier. The views from the glacier are spectacular. Bring an extra layer as its chiller near the top.

This was worth the rocky, not always well marked trail. It was so beautiful. I was worried it would be crowded with all the people walking the trail with us, but there was plenty of room to spread out. Be sure you have $5 in cash to pay parking and a pen to fill out your parking info.

I was a little skeptical on the way up. Being from Florida and most comfortable at sea level, unsure of how the elevation, cold air and wind would effect this old Florida gal wearing tennis shoes and multiple layers of cotton, warm weather clothes, that actually kept me warm! It was very windy, gusty. Wasn’t expecting that. And cold, but certainly tolerable. Yea cotton! Could have used some gloves, though. Very sunny. A bit icy and had to carefully place your footing to keep from slipping and falling but it really wasn’t that bad. Lots of snow on ground. The view once you get to the lake was stunningly beautiful. Such a sense of accomplishment. The lake was totally frozen over and white with snow. A few people went to the top past the lake. We were not prepared to do that. Gorgeous, exhilarating experience. Highly recommend it. The trip down was actually more treacherous than the way up. But well worth it.

Hiked up the rocky trail to the picturesque lake at the base of the glacier. Watched other folks sliding down the snow fields on the other side of the lake. Watched local fishermen fly-casting for rainbow trout – who were busy jumping from the water to catch real flies ---not those of the fisherfolk.

The hike is really short, although it is uphill at high atmosphere. The views are beautiful and you can jump into the glacier lake if you are feeling adventurous (weater is quite cold). Well worth a quick trip and then down into Idaho Springs for some lunch.

The view was great. I definitely recommend coming here.
1. There is a $5 parking fee. Be sure to bring cash. There is a box with envelopes to put the money in and the parking ticket to put in your car. Bring a pen so you can write the information needed on the envelope.
2. There is an hour hike up till you reach the lake. The hike is not easy if you are a beginner. Its a path of rocks. So I recommend wearing active shoes or hiking shoes.
3. There are two paths that you will reach after walking up for a while. The path leading down leads to a waterfall\stream, which is very beautiful. The other path that is uphill leads to the lake.

Not too difficult of a hike up and worth the time to get some great views. The lake at the bottom of the glacier is beautiful

The hike to the actual glacier is not too difficult nor long in duration. You start at an altitude over 10,000 feet, so you may feel a little bit of altitude sickness. The elevation gain to the glacier portion is about 400 feet, which is not too strenuous. Two 13,000+ feet mountains frame the glacier and lake making this a very scenic hike. Some people continue on to summit these mountains.

We stopped on the way from Breckenridge to Boulder for a quick hike and it was like we found an oasis! We thought we were just taking a hike to see some snow in August and then after about 15 minutes we came upon the lake and the glacier . We was absolutely beautiful. plan on spending some time here...take a lunch or a hammock...There were some crazy people jumping off the cliff into the lake...you knew it was cold when they hit the water but they did it over and over again! A storm was coming so we left after just about an hour but want to go back again for much longer.

Decided to get one more hike in after the Incline in Manitoa. Its about a 3/4 mile hike with some rocks to navigate but very manageable for all ages. Beautiful lake at bottom of glacier. Peaceful and tranquil. Can easily do in 1 hour.

Keep going past the first St. Mary's Glacier sign - the trail isn't there. It's a very rocky and steep 3/4 mile hike but 100% worth it. Beautiful views from the glacier.

Well worth the walk. Having recently arrived in Colorado from sea level the altitude had an impact, so had to take it slowly. Had to be careful underfoot with the rocks, which meant that you couldn't take in the scenery when walking - but it gave an excuse for those all-important stops for breath.

I'd say it's a walk worth ging out of your way to do.

There are toilets at the parking lot - not the greatest, but they met a need.

This is a steep hill. Its not a long hike,though. The views are worth it. Pretty lake at the base of the glacier. Fun times sliding down the glacier!

We parked in the lot, there was a small fee, Also, I spotted some port-a-potties, but thankfully skipped that excursion. We continued up the hill to the trail. It is a sight of small boulders to climb through and over along with a vertical trail. I read that it is a 420' elevation gain and it's status is retreating. I wasn't sure what to expect, but arriving at the top, to find a breezy lake below the snow field. Lots of tourists, some jumping in the cold water and interesting scenery. We walked around to the glacier and loved the wild flowers fed my the water flowing from the snow. Trip worth the climb.

Took our 3 little girls up and had an amazing time with large groups of hikers all around. 20 minutes to the lake 10 more up to the glacier. 20 more tough minutes just for myself to cross the glacier and go up to the top of the cliff overlooking the lake. There were snowboarders, kids, dogs, all ages having fun, and yes, a beach and a cliff diving spot on the north of the lake. The views from the glacier area were unbelievable. The parking is a an issue, go early and bring 5 in cash for the drop box.

Even though it's the last day of August, there's still a lot of snow on that glacier!

The hike was rated as easy/moderate, but I might rate it more as a moderate hike. The beginning of the trail is pretty much nothing but rocks. The incline isn't that bad, but with the rough terrain and the high altitude, I noticed numerous people on the trail struggling a bit.

The trail itself is unmarked, and apparently there is more than one way to get to the lake. No matter which trail you end up on, just keep moving forward and you'll eventually end up at the lake. It's quite beautiful, and worth the effort to get there.

My boyfriend and I camped overnight this past weekend with our dog and I fell in love with this place. A steep but relatively easy mile and a half hike gets you to the glacier's lake where free camping spots prevail. There are fish in the lakes and the sound of the glacier's melted water running into the lake is intoxicating. There are plenty of hiking areas and people were skiing, sledding and snowboarding all over the glacier. I hiked to the top of the glacier and wild flowers were in bloom everywhere in the tundra-like terrain. Such a nice getaway. Just be sure to arrive very early in the morning or later in the evening. There are only two parking areas available, both costing $5 a day and they fill up quickly with day-hikers. We will be back again soon.

This was a highlight of a grand NP tour through Colorado. Did this hike in September and while it was warm at the start, it quickly got cold at the top. Beautiful scenery and a fun steep hike up rocks and around boulders to get there. Make sure to take a picture of the directions on the parking board when you arrive because the trail is not marked and it would be easy to go the wrong way. Parking requires $5 you put in a drop through the honor system so bring cash. Wear sunscreen and bring water.

Yes it's a little challenging to climb up the trail, especially if you're not used to the elevation. there is a $5 dollar parking fee that is based on the honor system. the hike isn't bad and once you get to the top, there is a beautiful, cold lake and a snow melt on the summit.

The hike to the glacier is not very long but it is kind of steep and rocky in some places. The trail is not marked. Luckily there were other hikers and we just followed them. The scenery is beautiful. Very cool to see snow in August. Unfortunately the day we went was kind of foggy. But it was still a great hike.

Always a beautiful hike. One of the best in less than an hour from Denver. Unless you are socked in by fog or a Blizzard, you will be treated to beautiful views at the base of the lake and all the way up to Glacier. Be sure to bring an inner tube or plastic saucer 4 a fun ride down. If you have just arrived in Colorado, you may feel the altitude a little bit, is the hike starts just about 10,000 ft. From Trailhead to Lake is a bit steep but less than a mile so don't give up if you're feeling the altitude. From the top of the glacier you can continue on to James Peak, a 13,000+ Mountain that lets you peek over the Divide into Fraser Valley. Trailhead parking is limited to a couple pay Lots, so bring $5 cash for the bigger lot and $10 cash for a smaller lot right near the trailhead. I titled this hike Shiprock, because that's how far we went past the top of the glacier before the snow and wind turned us around.

We were a mix of advanced and beginners with an 11 year old and we walked counter clockwise the lake to the waterfall. It was definitely longer way but easier the first half. The second half going back was a bit of beginner rock scaling and some wet feet during water crossings. This was over all a great family trek around. BEWARE of mosquitos at the falls! we all gave them our blood! Also we enjoyed filling up our water containers with fresh melted snow out of the waterfall and that was the most refreshing drink of water!! No issues after either :)

This is an excellent and pretty easy hike not far from Denver. Stunning landscapes and the odd bit of wildlife to spot too. Parking is straightforward - $5 in the trust box at the car park. Afterwards stop at Idaho Springs for a ton of dining options. A great day out.

My family and I really enjoyed the adventure to see St. Mary's Glacier. The walk up was on rough, rocky terrain, so you want to be sure to have good shoes on. Also, take your time because the physical activity and altitude may be hard on you as you go up the path. We had really wished we'd put our can of Boost in a backpack with us. Once you get up to the lake, the walk up to the glacier (snowfield) is easier and about the same distance. A highlight of our trip to Colorado from Texas for myself, my husband, and our preteens.

The weather forecast for an early November day was 40mph winds and 60% chance of rain. We drove to the trailhead and had only very light snow and reasonable winds, with a peek of sunshine now and then. It was gorgeous!

We had a couple of 50 year olds, a 72 year old, and some 20-somethings and the trail was very manageable for all. Don’t be shy about stopping to catch your breath - it’s normal to feel winded walking uphill at that altitude, whether you’re in good shape or not.

Bear right at the second and third forks or you’ll climb a little higher above the lake than you need to. Definitely walk around the lake to the glacier itself, it looks farther than it is and those views are awesome. Several people did not have the good sense to stay off the ice when it hadn’t yet frozen to the edges - it’s tough to die just for the sake of looking unconcerned and cool. Saw one guy go in up to his knee and back out like “no big deal,” but I can imagine he picked up the pace going back to his car.

We had a really great time - it was the perfect half day trip from Denver.

It's pretty up here, don't get me wrong but it just didn't wow me. There are plenty of far prettier hikes I would much rather go on. It's a short hike so it's worth checking out at least once. If you go make sure to do so on a clear day so you can get a better view of the mountains.

This is a perfect little hike, with an amazing worthwhile view at the end. It's on the highway going west of Denver. We stopped here on out way to Granby, CO. The hike is ~ 1 mile each way, probably less. It's a little uphill/incline, but not very steep. Aka, you shouldn't be too winded after. It's popular, so you'll see plenty of people. It's also well demarcated, so it's easy to find from the car, and easy to follow when on the path. Parking is $5 - there's no actual attendant, but there's a form to complete and drop box to leave $ in - so come prepared with cash. There were also a lot of dogs on this hike. The dogs LOVED it, and managed some of the rocky terrain much better than most of the humans. The view upon arriving at the glacier is nothing short of SPECTACULAR. It was wonderful. I've never seen a glacier before, so of course it was great for me, but even that being said, I think it would be beautiful even if you've seen one before. It's just something out of a painting. It almost doesn't look real. And there's this beautiful lake below it that makes it even more picturesque. What's not something out of a painting is the people you can see up on top of the glacier, get this, skiing! Crazy right? Couldn't get me to o it, but it was a special treat to see. Highly highly recommend this as an activity to do when in the greater Denver area. Easy hike for an amazing pay off.

The hike up to the lake isn't too exciting - the trail is very wide with tons of rocks. You need $5 for parking and have to walk a little bit to the trail head. Once you get to the lake it is so worth the hike up! Definitely one of our favorite hikes from our Colorado trip! We climbed up the mountain a little and the view kept getting more and more incredible. Would definitely go back!

It was my wife and I, 32 and 34 yrs old, my 14 yr old son and my 10 and 7 yr old daughters. The hike to the lake is pretty rocky and can be difficult for some, but when you get to the lake you feel amazing! Then my 2 oldest and I decided to climb the peak overlooking the lake. Very hard hike and I wouldn't recommend it if you have never hiked in a thin oxygen environment or don't exercise much, but the feeling of accomplishment if you do make it is soooo worth it! It was a true bonding experience between my 2 oldest and me. Don't forget the sunscreen! its easy to forget that you burn a lot faster at those altitudes lol.

We were riding motorcycles through the area and thought we would stop. First it's not a short easy walk from the only parking lot we saw. It's uphill and VERY ROCKY, loose rock at that. We're not fitness buffs but we're not overweight couch potatoes and it was a difficult walk.

That being said it was pretty when we got to the top. It was not however as spectacular as many of the other reviewers thought. In other r opinion and we are HUGE Colorado people.

We would never go up again but it was something to do to kill a few hours.

As others have said, a moderately difficult hike due to the terrain and elevation but BEYOND worth it. Proper shoes would have been great but I managed to make it halfway up the side of the mountain with my old tennis shoes. Mid-May there is still a decent amount of snow/ice on the trek to the glacier. Take time to soak this one in, it’s breathtaking and a must see when you are in the area. Go early to avoid crowds!

A nice little hike in to see the glacier. My niece and wife both loved seeing the glacier. Well worth a stop if in the area.

We have 15 and 20 year old who had never seen snow. We got there at 10am on a Monday- plenty of parking. Parking fills up so this is important. $5 fee. Take it slow on the climb. First level is the lake. Keep going across bridge up to the snow and if you want up to top of snow to top of glacier and across to see the western range. Bring warm pants or sled to ride down the snow. People ski down it. It's windy up there. Hiking shoes and walking sticks helpful. Caution- AVOID THE PORTA POTTIES if possible - where you park. They are unspeakable. This was one of the most fun activities we did and one of the most precious memories. Wear sunscreen!! Take water (beware of porta potties though remember). Take snacks. Can't stress enough how great this was and how wonderful the scenery was for pictures and just relaxing and taking in the beauty.

Found this gorgeous place on trip advisor to kill some time before white water rafting in the afternoon. It was crowded and a pretty decent trek up, but once you see the glacier and lake it is well worth it. Had our quick picnic lunch and enjoyed the hike down. :-)

Awesome outdoors. We didn't do much hiking as we had only one evening on our RV trip. But the landscape is enchanting and the drive was unforgettable.

We were in the Denver area for a conference and stayed in Idaho Springs for some outdoor activities prior to the conference. We stayed at an airbnb at the trailhead of this hike. It’s an easy to moderate hike depending on your ability. It’s a very rocky hike for 3/4 of it but it’s doable. The view at the top is gorgeous. Lots of hikers with dogs and some fly fisherman at the lake. Highly recommend taking the time to do this hike. Even the drive up to the trailhead is beautiful!

A rocky, uphill climb that is tricky going up and trickier coming back down; especially if you are trying to keep your dog on a leash and your balance at the same time. 8 and 10 year olds were able to climb with no problem, I saw young 3-yr olds and elderly up there but I don't know how long it took them. Once making it to the top it's lovely. We crossed over the bridge to get to the lake (though you can access via the dead tree area) and then we also went up to the snow. I saw people skiing down the snow pack and some brought sleds. I, personally, think this is a good way to get hurt. Too many rocks and too steep.

The first lot you come to is fine to park in, a short walk to the trailhead. Watch for rocks in the lot - it's a bumpy road. Go to the bathroom before you get there, the portapotty's were horrible (full, dirty and buggy). $5 for parking via an envelope system. There were quite a few dog poop bags left up at the top - we solved that by bringing a zip top baggie to keep in our pack to put the first pickup bag in. No smell.

We left Boulder at 88* - arrived before noon and it was 66*. When we left around 2 pm it was 80 in the parking lot when we got in the car but 95* in Denver. Fortunately it doesn't take too long to go down and we had wonderful, natural air conditioning up top.

We found out about this place by chance and so happy we had the time to visit it. The views were amazing. The trail could be challenging as there is not much information and no signs available. We passed the lake and climbed to get a better view of the area and experience the glacier. Go early morning especially if you enjoy taking photographs as it can get quite busy. There is a car park just before you reach the trail. There is a $5 dollars fee for the parking. Make sure you have the exact amount ready as this is a self service parking on a private land.

Up a mountain hike but well worth it. Took me about 40 minutes of taking my time and a taking breaks to get to the glacier but so worth the view at the top. Dogs are welcome but please don’t leave the dog waste bags on the trail.

The hike was nice and short. I recommend going early because the two paid parking lots filled up fast. You want to be at the lake and glacier when there’s less people there. I irritates me is people w/dogs who don’t pick after their dogs properly!

Fabulous drive to one of the most scenic places in Colorado. We strive to stay off I 70 and this is the perfect foil. Alice is a historic gold mining community with lots of charm. The hike to the glacier is a fitting reward for the drive.
If you need a place to stay, Silver Lake Lodge is one of the best B and Bs in Colorado.

Our family complete with 4 yr old and 10 month old granddaughters made the 1 mile inclined hike. Just when you wonder how much further, the trail opens up to one of the most picturesque views in Colorado

The hike is kind of steep as I am not the best in cardio,but definitely doable. The trail is a little unclear at times, we just followed others, or their footprints in the snow. When you get up by the lake it is well worth the effort! The scene is amazing! It was cold and the wind is very strong. However in June there were hikers in all kinds of clothing from shorts to heavy jackets. Also some were hiking up to snowboard on the glacier. A view you don’t get to see often!

The trail to the glacier is a very rough and rocky undeveloped road. It is a bit dangerous if you're not sure footed. The glacier itself was very small, however, it is situated perfectly for great photos! It has a waterfall right next to it. Parking was $5, which I was unaware of until I arrived. I was lucky enough to find enough scrap change in my car to pay the parking fee, otherwise I would have had to drive all the way back down to Idaho Springs to get cash.

Thanks Givings Day 1980, three men who had traveled the world skiing, hiking, ice climbing & rapelling glaciers, extremely beautiful day a.m. Afternoon, total white out, winds 60-70 m.p.h. One swiss, one french & an american went up, only the french man came down after being buried in an avalanche upon the glacier, he approached me in the bar at St. Mary's Summit House & only spoke in french. He was handed off to a paramedic whom I dispatched over a c.b. radio. Alpine Rescue was called out of which I was a member at 30 years of age. After several hours upon the glacier we recovered the other two with probing the snow with avalanche poles, tears freezing beneath our googles. It is God's country with all of his awesome beauty but do respect it's austerity..............

Pretty tough hike pretty much entirely uphill to the lake, not sure how far, take frequent stops since is up over 11,000 feet elevation. Soooo worth it!!! View is gorgeous of the glacier & lake!

We stopped on the way to Keystone. Hike up was OK and you can clearly see where to go. The views are amazing.

Sad part- doggy poop bags are everywhere.

this trail was amazing! the end view of the glacier was spectacular & breathtaking. The trail was filled with families which was comforting. (especially the dogs) 10/10 would recommend, keep in mind the trail is very rocky at the beginning.

Loved this! Prepare for a mile hike straight up - being from the midwest, the altitude can get you - be prepared! Our boys, 8 and 11, completed the hike just fine but we took it slow. Some folks on the trail definitely underestimated the hike - if you get 30 minutes in, don't quit!!!! Once you get to the lake, head around and up the right side for a great view and photo opp, or to sled down the side

One of the BEST places in Colorado, you must goo! The glacier is 20 minutes outside of Idaho Springs. It was a steep rocky hike up to the glacier which took about 30 minutes. Very picturesque, mini waterfall, lake and glacier. Overall quick hike to see something so beautiful. Parking was 5 bucks, with pulling your own permit.

We arrived around 4:00, which was perfect because most of the people were leaving, so very few cars in the parking lot and at the Glacier, once we got there. Make sure and bring $5 cash for parking. Once parked you walk up the road a bit until you get to the opening of the rocky trail on the left side of the road. Also, use a bathroom before going up to park, the port a pottys are disgusting!!
Its not a very easy climb for everyone. I definitely recommend good shoes and water.

Once up to the top, it is beautiful and well worth the hike up! The temperatures were in the 50s and it had a nice breeze. We took lots of pictures and my husband hiked up to the glacier. A thunderstorm was coming in, so we did not stay long. I do highly recommend if you are in the area to go see it. Its definitely another one of God's beautiful creations!

My fiancé and I hiked here recently. We arrived at the parking lot at about 9 am, and there was plenty of parking. From there you walk up the mountain to the start of the trail head. The trail is very, very rocky and there's lots of dust and gravel. A little ways up there is a waterfall off to the right- it is beautiful but it is not the trail! The trail is the steep rocky incline to the left. It is very easy to get lost, but we found there are many ways to get to the top. Would definitely suggest using a map/GPS once on the trail so you can find the top. The glacier itself is beautiful and there is a small lake at the bottom where you can swim if it's warm enough. The glacier is higher up and you can hike up to it if you want. We stayed down by the lake and surrounding area. Overall it was a beautiful hike! The parking lot was full by the time we got done around 10:30. Remember to bring $5 cash (exact amount) for parking. There are also outhouses in the parking lot, however no place to fill up water bottles.

What an awesome experience! Hike up to the lake area and the views were spectacular. Skiers, snowboarders and even a dog enjoyed the ride down the glacier. I definitely would come back again. Highly recommended!

What a beautiful hike with snow covering everything! I thought it was a very nice hike, relatively easy it was just slippery when I went. It's a pretty short hike as well to get there. The drive is longer. But definitely worth a visit.

Beautiful, easy enough climb. Pristine setting, snow pack, lush and green. The chipmunks are used to being fed, as they are fat and friendly. Lots of room to explore. Loved it!

Very fun and short hike. Very nice views that almost feel like Hanging lake. The walk is not marked very well. Its pretty easy to get up there. You have to pay 5$ for the parking. Bring a pen. They bathrooms were disgusting. We may have had a bad day but they were so full you could almost not sit on them. Great views up there. I wouldn't recommend skiing the glacier anymore. A lot of people have used it and its starting to get smaller. The lake is a very nice view.

On our way back from a Steamboat family vacation......We stopped in Idaho springs for lunch at Tommyknockers. After enjoying Idaho Springs we wanted to check out some local scenery. After coming across this hidden little treasure.....wow. what a cool place. A little glacier and a beautiful little lake. Hidden away. Was like walking into a different world. Decent hike. Uphile. Will go back.

Found this short, moderate hike up rocky incline by accident. Half mile up sat and ate lunch at a beautiful lake, watched folks jump off cliff to water and others slide down snowy, year round snow mound called the glacier. Beautiful, sunny day. We are both 60 and took our time, resting often. Last 1/4 mike to base of glacier was easy after a rest on the lake. Snow boarders have much longer climb up glacier. School group was sliding down on their bottoms. Wear good shoes, trail is rocky. Trailhead about 8 miles up main road off of exit 238 off I70. Have $5 for self parking. Need pen. Put money into envelopes provided and tear off top portion to display on windshield. Large south lot comes first on left. Trailhead is between north and south lots. Vendor sells water and $10 parking spot at trailhead if lots are full. We went at peak noon and found spot on south lot.

A must see! I can’t say this was an easy hike, but definitely worth it! With the incline and roughness of the trail, and the elevation I became winded and needed to take many breaks. Be sure to bring water and dress warm if going in the fall. My husband and I made it to the lake, but with the cold October air and fierce bitter-cold wind, we turned back.

Natural. Untouched by the masses ..It is only minutes off I70. historic interesting town. Beautiful glacier and lake ...a sight to see. I will return and I will recommend to others. Beautiful winding road up mountain.

This is a quick hike up to the lake and then onto the glacier. The view are great but the glacier is disappearing soon, sad to see them gone one after another.

For a city girl like me....I thought I was getting more of a walk than an actual hike lol. The views were great, the air is thin and I barely made it up. But for those of u who are even remotely fit....you'll like it. Happy trails!

Amazing place to visit. The views, the lake, the cliff jumping, people skiing at the end of July. all A++++. Only negative is the hike to get there - don't believe the "easy to moderate" - for the average person - it is moderate to difficult -- very rocky - wear sturdy shoes -- Parking also is limited -

We've visited St. Mary's several times and each time has been a blast!
Be prepared to pay $5 in the event you can't find a road spot. There are port-a-pottys near the parking lot, but no other place once you get up to the glacier area.
It's a short, steady uphill hike to the base of the glacier where you can hang out around the small lake. There are usually families, dogs, couples, and groups of people everywhere. We've always experienced sunshine early in the day, and cloudier weather in the afternoon. People hike, snowshoe, ski, snowboard, etc. up and down the mountainside of the glacier. Anything goes! Visitors always love going there.

Parking is sparse, but views are to die for. Not many amenities, but it is only a half day trip. Good walk in Pure Colorado Mountains.

We are in our 70's so we had to take this hike a little slower than most, but it was well worth the hike up.

Beautiful drive up and back, and trailhead had ample parking plus toilets. Hike is not easy, as it is a decent climb and since the "trail" is up the glacial moraine it is quite rocky. Wear good hiking shoes. Trail is not well marked, but as long as you stay on the moraine you make it to the lake with no problem. Not for strollers. Lake was beautiful, and the hike crosses a nice bridge to continue up and around the lake to the glacier. The actual glacier cannot be seen from the lake, you have to hike up the rather loose moraine to the northwest and climb over the ridge to see the glacier. We were there in mid October and the glacier was quite small. But well worth the hike!

This was a great hike for a novice hiker from Missouri! Even toting a screaming 2 year old, the final destination was worth the effort. The trail was rocky but not too bad. I was even wearing jelly, water shoes and the hike was fine. It was exciting to see the snow from the glacier along the trail, as well as up above on the mountainside. Also interesting to watch skiers and cliff jumpers. The one thing I wouldn't have minded, being from out of state, is more signage to let me know I was on the right trail to the lake and not headed off into the wilderness. There were plenty of people coming and going, though, to help. The parking was an honor system pay it into the box $5 fee. We didn't see that until it was too late--sorry. Again, more signage would have helped. The parking lot was VERY rough, rocky, tight. If you don't navigate well, you might want to rethink parking there. Interesting they had vendors at the trail head--t shirts and BBQ. So, if you want a souvenir shirt :-) I'm glad we went! They did have port-a-potties in the parking lot. We didn't use them, but they are available.

The hike is definitely challenging - I’d suggest hiking shoes because of all the loose rocks. And bring a lot of water and a hat because there isn’t a lot of shade on the way up depending on what time of day it is. But once you’re at the top, you definitely know the hike was worth it because the views are incredible. Most ages can do this - it’s just steep and rocky on the way up.

St Mary's Glacier may not be on the top of everyone's list for Denver excursions, but it should be on there. The ride up the mountain from Idaho Springs is nice and the hike is truly exceptional for modest hikers. You get all the feeling from the elevation and views of some of the top peaks with a relatively easy hike. Plus, you get to walk on an active glacier that flows into a stunning mountain lake and stream.

We took our son on this hike and we loved it. Walked up to the snowline. Saw many people skiing. Many dogs. Poop was everywhere. People are not respecting the area by leaving bags of poop all over the place. Its a great short hike with amazing scenery

St. Mary's is breathtaking! The lake and surrounding mountains are beautiful. The area offers great hiking and amazing views. Hiking up the mountain is strenuous, but well worth it. This would be a great place for a picnic with the family and adventure with friends or family.The parking is limited so either car pool or get there early. Parking is $5 so bring cash. I would highly recommend checking out this amazing place.

The pictures we took DO NOT do this justice! Absolutely beautiful, breathtaking views. The hike was a little rough, but im super out of shape. So if I can do it, you can too! Definitely worth seeing if you're in the area. We went after rafting in Idaho Springs!

This is a nice short hike for all ages. Seeing the Glacier is a treat. It is a bit crowded due to the glacier. We then stayed in Idaho Springs and did the zip lines.

The 3/4 mile hike from the parking lot to the glacier was a little taxing and I'm fairly fit but the Vista available to those who take the climb is well worth it.

Incredible hike, stunning views. GPS. . . not so reliable. Ok, first, when you arrive at the private parking lot DO NOT PUT YOU $5 DIRECTLY INTO THE BOX! We made that mistake. Find the form with the envelope, fill it out, and ONLY THEN put your $5 into the small envelope and drop it in the box. The directions on the signs are long, and I don’t think many people stop to read them all the way through. That way, the property owner has been banking on people just dropping in their money, late realizing there’s a form, and having to fill out the form and pay again for fear of towing. It’s abnoxious, but pay the $5 in the envelope and take the hike - it’s well worth it.

Magnificent scenery! How many people can say they walked to and stood on a glacier? This was one of the highlights of our Colorado trip.It is hard to wow teenagers these days but ours were wowed by standing on this glacier. The trek is not easy but not too hard either. And you can take as much time as you need to get to the top. The reward is GREAT. The lake and surrounding scenery are breathtaking. Sit on a rock and just feel the peace surround you.

The day we were there was clear. Wear sunscreen. Even though it is cool, the sun is going to burn your skin at this altitude. Take time to relax and even take a picnic or hammock and spend the day. Lots of people jumping into the lake and even some skiers coming down the glacier. Take the time to walk around the lake and up to the glacier. It is even more beautiful from that side of the lake. Fun to get a handful of snow. Perfect adventure for all ages.

A M A Z I N G! This place was a decent hike and the reward was so incredibly sweet! I would recommend to anyone who wants to see nature at its finest!

Just 1,5 h of drive from Denver, passing small town of Idaho Spring you can reach St. Mary’s Glacier. There is privet self-service parking where you need to leave a car, cost 5$ per day. You need to walk about 20 min to reach the lake area.

We were disappointed! After a pretty long drive up to the place we really wasn't sure where it was. There was only one sign when we got up the mountain and it didn't tell where to go. We just ended up coming back down and went to Echo Lake.

After passing the I-70 sign for St Mary's for decades, we finally decided to make it a destination one hot Denver afternoon. Great short hike up the boulder strewn road and you come upon the lake and glacier above - from there you can go as far up as you like. A lot of fun.

$5 parking lots weren't full at all early afternoon

I went with my two black labs; the hike is rough but short. Wear hiking boots if you have them. It only took us 20 minutes to get up there, including a water break. I highly recommend it, we will be going back soon!!!

After reading many reviews online of hikes near the Denver area, I chose this one due to the overwhelming positive reviews and photos. Photos do not do it justice, it is absolutely gorgeous in person.

As many other have mentioned, get there very early. We arrived at 6:30 AM and there was already three cars in the lot. It was during a very hot weekend in Denver so a lot of folks were heading to the mountains. When we left at 8:00, the parking lot was almost full. When we went to pay the cash fee, there were no permits left. The owner told us he frequently runs out and doesn’t leave pens anymore because he went through thousands of them.

The hike itself isn’t too challenging if you’re up to hiking in a higher altitude. Lots of rocks/some light bouldering on the way up. I noticed a small spur on the way up that led to a gorgeous waterfall. No one mentioned that in any of the other reviews I read. Once you get to the lake, you could turn back but we opted to hike up to the snow pack. Glad we did! Very fun hike!

Taking time away from work to visit this nostalgic piece of history was an absolute trip to see in person! The long decent into cold, thin air was absolutely worth the hike to see before our very eyes. One day we will be able to bring our kids to show them the same piece of history to appreciate like we have.

It requires walking almost a mile on rocky terrain. The walk is challenging, and when you get to the lake and glacier, it is so worth the effort. This view is one of the most stunning I have ever seen.

NO parking; no Rangers; no rules. Be careful especially if jumping from cliff into the lake. It is a very nice place to hike up a mountain.

Highlight of our wknd to Denver for soccer tourney. 25mins from Idaho Springs, we found the trailhead. Paid for parking and made the trek. Took us under 30mins to ascend with teenagers. Snow packed trail towards end. The view was absolutely beautiful. So worth it. Temps were at “feels like” 10degrees with 30mph wind gusts... so we didn’t stay long. Still a must-do!

This is a beginner to intermediate hike. Ok for youngsters and dogs. Make sure you have good shoes for icy spots even in warmer weather. The glacier is lovely site overlooking a beautiful alpine lake. In the right weather you could spend a fair part of your day there. If taking children they obviously have to listen, and be rugged for a rocky hike. We have seen people ski the glacier as part of their excitement. Parking can be an issue if the two pay lots ($5) are full. DO NOT PARK ON THE ROAD!

Definitley a must-do when in the area! We stayed at Flying Moon Cabins and trekked here. We enjoyed the views and the hike.

This is a really cool thing to see that we had not done previously in 16 years of living here. There is parking and then a little walk up through a gravely/rocky hike. The turnoff for the glacier is not well marked and luckily I had read the TripAdvisories to take the right fork when it branches or goes further up. Even then we when the wrong way (up the mountain) for a little while. When you get to the lake and glacier, it is well worth it. It's so pretty and my 12-year old had some much fun skiing in his shoes down the snow. There are also gorgeous wildflowers. Don't forget to take a jacket because it's pretty chilly!

My husband has a bad knee and is overweight. He did this hike and was very glad he did despite the pain.

We came here more for the hike than the lake, and decided as locals that there are far less crowded places to hike where the parking is free and the restrooms are clean. The signs indicate that there is no street parking and that the $5 parking lot is on private land. There was a row of filthy portable toilets full to the top and infested with flies. Many had bags of trash inside them because there are no trash receptacles provided. The parking lot was full on a Monday, with cars circling and waiting for spots. So what is the "private owner" doing with the parking revenue? Perhaps a few calls to the county (Clear Creek) health department might urge them to put some of that income towards servicing the bathrooms and providing trash receptacles......just a thought.

This is a 1.5 mile roundtrip hike that starts out over 10K ft elevation with a 350+ ft ascension in .75 miles. A little strenuous if you're not used to hiking in high elevations. Well worth it. I fell in love with the view. Not overly crowded when we went. People were swimming... even though the water was cold. I think we even saw a snowboarder. Trail isn't marked very well, but multiple trails lead to the same place.

Parking: Pay the $5 fee. Locals were having cars without passes towed.

My husband and I stopped here on our way out to Breckenridge from the Denver airport. It may have been a bit ambitious to tackle this our first day. In the winter, this is definitely not an easy 15 minute hike, but the effort was worth it! Beautiful view and very peaceful and quiet once we reached the top. Would definitely recommend taking the time to see this.

We stop and hike up the Glacier and then we hike up to the top behind the Glacier. We have seen other with there skies hiking up to be able to ski down the summer time. If you end up coming down the wrong way you will end up wet.

Great hike, fairly moderate on the way up, but kids had no problems and really enjoyed hopping over all the boulders. There was a large parking lot down the hill from trailhead, but it was filling up quickly on mid-morning on a Sunday. Beautiful views once you arrive at lake and short climb up to glacier. Kids really enjoyed sledding down in the middle of summer.

The hike to St. Mary's Glacier is very steep and rocky but I was able to complete it in Chaco's with no stubbed toes. Others in my party used hiking poles to assist with the accent and descent.
On the hike, we saw many chipmunks and other small wildlife. Small waterfalls from the melting glacier above streak the mountain side and can be seen pooling near the parking spots.
Make sure to bring your camera! The vast lake beneath the glacier is perfectly still and makes for wonderful photos. You'll also want a jacket as it is quite cool at the top and gloves for littles that want to touch the ice.

Really enjoyed the scenic drive and the short hike up to Mary's Glacier. Very popular place with many people there when we visited. Paved road to parking lot which has a small fee($5) and 3/4 mile hike up to lake and a little further to get on glacier. Many were jumping off rock ledges into the lake and skiing on glacier. Very convenient to Idaho Springs and well worth a 1/2 day visit.

It's really rocky, kind of steep but really worth it. I went with my mom, she's from below sea level, and she made it just fine. Take your time, watch your footing, and be prepared for some wind and cooler temps when you get to the top.

Parking is $5 - one lot has room for about 15 cars and the other maybe for 50. From the trail head (in between the two lots), this hike is pretty short about a mile. If you want to make this hike in the winter, snow shoes would be helpful but aren't mandatory. Be sure to bring a camera because WOW! BEAUTIFUL!!!

We started off in the lower parking lot because there were no spots left in other lot. We should have asked to be dropped off at the starting point instead. Yep- coming from someone with knees that decided too much volleyball in younger years - it was unnecessary stress to begin the hike going up hill just to get to starting point. Its $5 to park and it's a self pay system. If you don't have correct change, you can write your address on payment envelope and they will mail it to you. We had been told the hike was "easy". Yeah- right! Our middle aged muscles were screaming. My very fit twenty nine year old son who works out for a minimum of an hour a day - stated that as soon as his heart started racing he knew that my sister and I may not make it to the glacier. Wear tennis shoes or hiking boots. The path is rocky and has lots of loose dirt and stones. It took us a little over 20 minutes to reach the glacier but we were hurrying due to having another commitment. I would not suggest doing that. Take water and give yourself plenty of time. You'll come to a point where you'll need to decide right or left fork. Take the right one. Luckily, a couple coming down was kind enough to warn us that the left fork was a nightmare. As others were coming back down, several stated it was worth the effort to get there. I was beginning to believe there was no way we would walk high enough to see the glacier. Finally, the wind got cooler and we caught a glimpse of whiteness. There were a couple paddle boarders and a few folks fishing. Of course, the water was freezing cold so no swimming. We saw a few hammocks strung between trees that people carried up to use to spend the day there Another great place you don't want to miss. Unbelievable beauty!

We went the day after a large snowfall but it was still pretty and worth it. You couldn't see the glacier because snow was everywhere, but it was beautiful and definitely an unusual experience. The wind was very strong at the glacier and the hike interesting with all the snow. Definitely worth the $5 to park.

St Mary's is a good hike to allow out of town guests see an alpine lake and great views without too much exertion. Lots of complaints about the lack of trail markings but directions are posted at the parking lot and it is very simple: start onto the trail by following the chain link fence along the road. At the end of the fence, turn left onto the trail. Bear left at both of the intersections on the trail. It is 3/4 mile to the lake. Hike above the lake for better views. Snowshoes needed for much of winter. When the snow is compacted late winter/spring, traction devices are helpful. The parking lot fills quickly ($5 fee) so go early. It is not appropriate to park anywhere other than the lot (respect private lands please). Enjoy!

We had a very nice time. Parking is the honor system, $5 per car. It is 3/4 mile hike up hill the entire way. There is quite a bit of loose stone co-mingled with rounded stone. Bring a water, insect repellent, camera, and wear boots.

Wonderful colors in the autumn. The hike is relatively easy up about 3/4 mile after about a 9 mile drive off I 70. Nice alpine lake at base of glacier then a short hike to the divide and big vistas. Pack a lunch and some beverages. Play in the snow. Remember to carry out what you bring in. As with all mountain hikes the weather can change quickly. What is so nice here is that you can descend back to your vehicle quickly if necessary.

I googled "Things Not to Miss in Colorado" and St. Marys Glacier came up in an article. I planned the trip to Colorado with myself, my 12 year old son, and my dog in less than 24 hours based on this initial trail I googled. It did not disappoint! It was a fairly easy, short, but very rocky trail. Wear good study shoes! I was originally attracted because you could bring your dog. We hiked with our 50 lb shepadoodle and she had a blast on the trail hiking, hanging with other dogs, and playing in the glacier. My 12 year old son loved it too. I do suggest to download the paid version of All Trails to get everything every trail has to offer. Right after the trail head for St. Mary's if you veer off to the right there is beautiful waterfall that can't be missed! My son loved it! We brought a light lunch in our packs and stopped about "halfway" right at the foot of the glacier to enjoy the scenery and eat. If you want bring a picnic blanket to sit on the ground or there are plenty of large rocks to relax on for a bit. Then from there it was a short hike up to the glacier.

Some notes:
-Bring exact cash for parking. The parking fee is paid via stuffing cash into an envelope and putting it into a lockbox. The fee is $5 but I only had a $20. So I paid and extra $15 bucks to great state of Colorado. :)
-If you bring a pet. Pack accordingly. Make sure to bring to doggie bags and a bag to put the doggie bags in in your pack. Leave no trace
-Pack a light pull over in your pack because even in July it got a little chilly.
-Sturdy shoes are important because the trail is very rocky.
-Try to get to the trail head decently early because the parking lots do fill up. There are two lots one right before the trail head and one shortly after. We drove up to the one after the trail head and it wasn't as full or hard to get to.
-It's a pretty short trail but plan on taking your time to enjoy the views!

Easy, fun hike. A little uphill, but not bad. Great in the summer- it definitely is cooler up there on a hot summer day. Take you dog, but be considerate about keeping him/ her leashed, and pick up after them. Take a picnic to enjoy.

You can drive most of the way up the mountain and park ($5 parking fee) and walk straight up about 30 minutes and you are treated to the most gorgeous view. Definitely worth the hike up.

I think the best part of this climb is after you get to the glacier. The hike keeps going and going up to a jeep trail. There's no 360 mountain top view up there - but there aren't many people, and you just feel really far away from the hustle and bustle that's down below at the lake.

The hike up with difficult with all the rocks, but well worth it. We hiked up the mountain to the right, which was also treacherous because of unstable rocks, no clear path. There were several skiers enjoying the knee-high packed snow in July! Good place to bring a dog hiking too, but watch their paw pads.

It's a short, rocky climb up the mountain to get the beautiful lake and the glacier. Sorry to see it melting away. You can climb all the way up the ridge but we stopped and enjoyed the glacier and wildflowers on the tundra and vista down to the lake and beyond.

Definite five stars all around. Best glacier I’ve ever visited, and this includes the northern Canadian Rockies. St. Mary’s does not seem to suffer from global warming as much as other glaciers, although for us it could have been because we were visiting in May, and the glacier could have been showing residue from the previous season’s snow. Nevertheless, most of the mountain was covered, particularly after hiking for 45 minutes up to the mid-way point. Here, at about 11,000 feet, we relaxed by a picturesque pond/lake and decided whether to continue our trek upward.

There were a lot of people making the hike, but this was by no means a crowded rendezvous. There was plenty of room around the lake to relax and take in nature’s beauty, and an enormous open space to venture up the snow-covered mountain with even less company. At times, there was nobody in sight. The altitude took its toll on us, especially since we had departed from Boston earlier in the day. Our low-cut hiking boots were fine even though we got snow inside on the descent. I would not have wanted to wear sneakers like the few uncomfortable, unsteady folks we passed.

Parking is self-paid and $5 in a small but well-indicated parking lot.

This is a must-see if you’re in the area.

The climb is extremely steep and there are so many rocks that you really need to watch your step however, that being said, its short. Really, about the shortest hike to get a huge bang for your buck, so to speak. We recommend going early. The fee parking lots fill up fast and people park CRAAAAAZY. You will not find seclusion here. This is one of the most popular hikes for visitors to our beautiful state as well as being super close to the entire Denver Metro. It is packed every time we go, from babies to the wiser generation. I'm not saying don't go because surprisingly enough, if you keep going in multiple directions, you can escape the crowds and find a quiet spot. It is generally windy. Like, gusts that almost knock you over sometimes. If you are a contemplater, you can sit and watch the water, the mountains, the wind in the trees offering a delectable soundtrack. If adventure is more your thing, you can ski here, with a little effort, all year long. You can cliff jump into the balmy waters of the lake. You can hike further up the surrounding hills for even better views. Just hiking up to the snow field offers a totally different perspective.

This is a short hike up to the lake. In the summer there are people swimming and skiing so it is a fun trip for anyone new to Colorado. You can continue to hike up although there is no definite trail.

We hiked with our kids 3, 5, and 7. I wish we would have brought a sled to bring them up, it was a rough climb for the little ones. The view at the top was totally worth all of the whining from our children on the way up!

You have to really feel like trudging on and around huge boulders intentionally put on the long road up to the glacier. It is also a good idea to go on a coolish day, as it is really no cooler at the "top" than at the bottom, and you do work up a sweat. Also, you have to make sure to stay on the rocky road rather than the easier path through the trees on either side of it, as that is private property, and has many signs to that effect.

Once you get to the top, it is somewhat underwhelming, compared with so many of Colorado's awesome views. In the summer, some hearty individuals actually climb it with skis on their backs to skid down the teeny patch of ice/snow across the lake. It actually looks a bit treacherous to do that. There is not much room to walk around the lake, and no shade to speak of. Underwhelming. You also have to make sure to begin going down before dusk, as the climb down over the same boulders is just as difficult, and it takes a long time. It is not the place you want to be caught in the dark. Basically, it is a fun hike in cool weather if you are up for it. If you end up having to carry small children up or down, it would seem to be less interesting.

We had friends visiting us and wanted to find a hike that was not too bad from altitude perspective. The hike starts out a little steep up an old fire road but then mellows out pretty quickly. There are beautiful views of the mountains and the lake - a perfect spot for the picnic.

The glacier is super cool, especially since there was a skier coming down when we were there. We hiked the bottom part of the glacier which was super fun for the kids given it was August.

Great close-in hike in Denver.

The 3/4 mile hike to the glacier is somewhat steep. My husband and I are not experienced hikers and in average shape and did this hike. We just took lots of breaks when needed and took our time. Bring water! Once you get there you'll be glad you did. For us it felt like a great accomplishment. If you get confused about which way to go just ask other hikers. There are lots of areas to explore, just be sure to stay off private property. Good hiking shoes are a must as the terrain is very rocky but the views are amazing and well worth the visit.

I love glaciers and I love St. Mary's Glacier, but having not been there in years, I was mortified with the current set-up. We were there June 30, before peak season and it was crazy! Pay parking lots that were nothing more than rough, pot-holed spots, with people parked haphazardly. Lines at the smelly port-o-potties, families with kids running around and dogs everywhere. Though I love kids and dogs, this was not how we envisioned a visit to the glacier, so we opted not to go.

The views are wonderful, worth the hike. The hike is not as easy as they say. Very very rocky, and a bit step, but worth every second. Get there early, becomes crowded after 10.

If you're fortunate enough to be here in Colorado a full moon snowshoe up to the top rewards you with spectacular panoramic views of the front range and Denver (as long as it is a clear night). It could also turn into a whiteout rather quickly so you need to be prepared and not approach a night time winter hike as a lark.

We had heard so much about the hike to this glacier but it did not live up to its reputation, sorry to say. It was very crowded for a Monday - can't imagine what it would be like on a weekend. And I don't mind paying to park but for what exactly? The parking lot was just a field of rubble. For the privilege of using port-a-potties that were brimming and hadn't been emptied since April (?). It seems like an environmental disaster in the making.

This spot was amazing. So beautiful yet completely tucked away. I couldn't believe this area existed so close to the roads. It took us about 20 minutes to get up to the glacier lake, going slowly. Once up to the little lake, there were more trails and places to spread out and take it in. It's a wonderful place for a picnic or nice swim. There's even a 'beach' area that makes it easy for playing around in the water. It's a must-see. From the Denver area, I'd give it about 5 hours total for travel time up, hike and taking in the scenery, hike back, and drive back. Note: need to TAKE CASH for parking ($5 as I remember it).

I wanted to experience an actual hike up a mountainside. This is it! It's a moderate challenge. Just enough to give you the experience of climbing - wear your hiking boots and be prepared for rocks moving about your footing. You will love what you see when you reach the first level. And standing on a glacier is now checked on my bucket list!! Bring a bottle of water. Be prepared for snow. Let someone know where you're going! Give yourself 1-1 1/2 hours to get to the first level and back - which you will love! 2-3 hours to the peak and back. Best to go in morning or early afternoon- wind picks up in late afternoon.

Well worth the hike to the top- views are spectacular. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the trek and your time at the lake and on the trails surrounding the area.

Visited on recommendation of friends. It well exceeded our expectations. We were amazed and blown away. The hike in is rugged and steep in spots, but only about 3/4 mile each way. The trail is not marked particularly well and you may need to stop and rest on the way up. At the end of the trail it opens up and you see the glacier and lake. You can stop and take in the views or continue to walk around the lake and climb up the glacier which is what we did. Stayed there much longer than we expected as we enjoyed it so much. Had a few snowball fights with the family and took in magnificent views. Hiking sticks, ski poles, hiking boots, sunscreen, snowboard, and/or skis can be useful especially if you want to climb the glacier. Don't forget to bring water. You can walk along and over the many boulders to get higher if you just have regular athletic shoes.

Love snowshoeing up to this wonderful spot! A pretty easy climb and so beautiful! This is our second time up and we haven’t been disappointed...

An absolutely spectacular view!!! Only 1.5 mile climb but be aware that the trail is extremely rocky.

This was a nice hike with a glorious view and breathtaking scenery. We enjoyed our hike so much that we plan to visit again and maybe take the longer hike to St. James Peak. St. Mary's Glacier was a shorter hike if you don't have a lot of time and it's a shirt drive from Denver. Don't miss this if you are in the Denver area!

As many times as we’ve visited Colorado we didn’t know there was a good hike without hiking 12 miles we found this hike on trip advisor and loved it. The only complaint we had and maybe we just don’t know the rules for hiking with your dog ln Colorado but there was dog waste bags all over the trail. Maybe someone can enlighten us

My son and I have hiked up the snowy mountain in July with shorts on and watched other s enjoying sled riding. The water is gorgeous

The hike was over a rocky path on a continual incline. The path is not well marked, so using the All Trails app was helpful to keep us from turning the wrong way. View at the top was beautiful and we were able to scramble up to the glacier itself and throw some snowballs in August.

Our whitewater guide told us about this place. This is a must do! It’s a moderate hike up the mountain on rocks but manageable for most people. Take your time and you will be rewarded in the end with what you see. Wife and kids loved it. Said it was their favorite thing.

This dog friendly hike is semi challenging to climb with the very rocky terrain, BUT 100% worth it. Only takes ~20-25 minutes to climb at a moderate pace. If you want to walk over to the actual snow across the lake (which I recommend) is another 15. My dogs loved running through the snow and watching people ski down. Amazing views, take the climb!

Less than an hour from downtown Denver, you can walk on a glacier! There is a shortage of parking if you get there after 10am, but the hike is pretty easy (very rocky) and not a hard climb. Great for families. I believe there is a $5 self parking box, but well worth it. I will post some photos of hike on this site.

This is a great place to visit if you are new to Colorado. The views are to die for, and a gentle ride up the canyon to the glacier is an easy feat for any vehicle!

If your knees are good and you can breathe, go for it! If you walk along the edge of the trail, there is soft dirt as opposed to trying to walk on loose rocks.

We hiked at St. Mary's today. Although the hike was not easy, probably moderate, the 25 minute trip was WELL worth the experience. We were able to dip our toes into a glacier lake! We were in shorts and t-shirts in 74* weather while walking on a glacier. It was truly majestic.

The only two negatives:
1. Port-a-potties had not been serviced for a MONTH! Whoever used to service was doing every week in March-May. But the last check was May 29 and they were beyond gross. So use the RR before you go or plan to use the trails.
2. Markings on the trails are not good. There are several forks in the road, and having never hiked there, we didn't really know where to go. Many people were in the same boat and we were sort of all wandering around until we found the lake and glacier. Simple signage would help make the trip even better. (For example, there is one fork that takes you to the lake or take the right and you find a waterfall. Both are good, but when looking for the lake, that 10 minute round-trip detour wasn't great.)
3. Dog poop. There are a LOT of dogs. And even though there are signs that say "keep dogs on leash," most do not. I understand letting them frolic in the lake. But hiking up and back and when not in the water, dogs should be on a leash. We saw one dog attack a skier and the owner hollered but the dog just kept at it. The worst part was the dog poop left in blue bags on the trail and around the lake and glacier. If you're going to take a dog, pick up after the dog and take the bag with you.

Those 3 negatives said, I will go again on my next trip to Colorado. There are places to set up hammocks and nap. We took our lunch and ate at a beach-like spot. There were several snowboarders and a person paddle boarding. One guy was fly fishing. There is a place to jump off about a 15' cliff into the lake. We saw several people continue their hike up to the top of the mountain. A lot of options. Just take your time going up, take plenty of water, and spend some time in quiet and rest.

Beautiful hike! Mostly snow for the whole hike and we were not prepared with the right type of shoes, so our feet got soaked, but it was worth it!

Soooo worth it. Take the short drive up, bring $5 in cash for the parking, and a short hike gets you to an alpine lake on a glacier with snow in June! I only wish I had set aside more time on vacation for this activity and brought a picnic lunch or snacks to stay longer at the lake.

I have been several times and it's never the same twice. The snow varies with the season and allows for a somewhat difference experience each time. There is always some snow, so that is nice. It is a beautiful short hike that you can make into a much longer one should you head out to James Peak. Usually has a quite a few people as it is pretty close to Denver. As with all such places, the further you hike the more solitude you will find.

Great hike, not too long, and beautiful scenery. Trail is Rocky, and still some snow in placed on the trail.

My mom and I did this hike in September. The leaves in Idaho Springs were starting to change, so the drive up from I-70 was beautiful!

We paid $5 cash to park in one of the lots near the hike entrance. You have to fill out a parking permit and put your money in the envelope, then drop it in the box.

The hike itself is at a pretty steep incline, over small and large rocks. Mom (who lives at sea level) and I took it slow going up, stepping out of other people's way. It took us probably 45 minutes to an hour to get up to the Glacier and lake.

A gorgeous view! There's a small beach area around the lake where people can hang out. We didn't hike up to the actual glacier, but hung out at the lake for a while, taking pictures.

It was a little chilly at the top. I would recommend bringing a jacket. Also a water bottle, towel or blanket to sit on, and maybe a snack. Pack out what you pack in! A lot of people brought their dogs, which was super fun.

Parking was 5$. Cash only. There were plenty of spots available. We did the hike on a Tuesday afternoon. There were many people there and made the trail crowded. It is a steep, rocky walk up. The view at the top made it well worth it. There is a lot of room around the lake and glacier area, so it didn’t feel as crowded as the trail was. There is a short hike from the lake right up to the glacier. Excellent picture opportunity. Our kids enjoyed climbing around the rocks, touching the glacier, and stepping into the cool lake.

We went in early October when the glacier was probably at its smallest. Even so, it was still interesting and the lake and other views were gorgeous. It's about an hour from Denver, which is super close for something as spectacular as this!

The hike to the lake and glacier is short and easy. We went up quite a bit more, which had some challenging parts, especially considering it's at about 11,000 feet.

If I go back, I think I'll want to go in Spring so I can see a bigger glacier (though with climate change, who knows how long this will even last).

2 moms, 3 11-year-olds, 2 14-year-olds and it was no problem to get up to the lake in no time at all. Trail is not marked particularly well but I think all paths lead to the lake. One trail that goes off to the right leads to a waterfall so if you find yourself there be happy for the detour and go the short walk back to the trail. Mutiple people brought snowboards and hiked to the peak and snowboarded down the glacier! Fun times for all

Don’t miss this short side trip just outside of Idaho Springs. Worth the drive and hike!! Wear your hiking shoes and a rocky trail.

We really enjoyed this hike! It's relatively short, but we were still expecting the kids (15 & 11) to want to turn back once we got to the lake (about 3/4 mile from the start. They really enjoyed scrambling over and around the rocks, and wanted to keep going up to the glacier. The scenery was very beautiful, and it felt like we were in a remote place even though it was only a short hike away. I really enjoyed the time with the kids, and took away a very nice family memory.

This was our first time to climb this trail, and it was very rocky. There are boulders everywhere but thankfully you could find clear paths around them. It's a bit slow going though since you have to watch your footing most of the way up and down, but the hike up is only about 30-45 min. We arrived to a very warm and windy day, and the wind hurt my ears so I would recommend something to cover your ears. Otherwise, once you're in the sun you warm up quite quickly.

My husband and son brought fishing poles and caught a few small brown trout. There were also some crazy people jumping off the cliffs into the freezing cold water in October. We arrived just after most of the colors had passed, just a few willows were left, but most everything was pretty barren and rocky. Didn't make for very good photos and as a photographer, that was a bit disappointing for me.

The parking lot costs $5.00 with no one to give you change so many people were standing around asking anyone who pulled in if they had change, so be sure and bring exact change with you. It's also the only place with port-a-potties.

This is a reasonable hike, not too hard, though I did have poles. The parking is by $5 fee. The snow was fairly hard packed and I would suggest definitely using proper hiking boots in winter and spring. The views at the lake are very pretty, we had our sandwiches here. Super for someone wanting a hike but not having all day to do it and the views are spectacular.

It is called st. marys alice now, the glacier melted (sigh), but it is an epic hike, totally hidden as in good luck finding it, no signs (don't fret you will find it), and you are all alone in the wilderness at tree line and all, 100% worth it.

Great hike and beautiful views. Be careful on your hike up to the glacier, make sure to take your time and bring water, as the elevation can be difficult for some. Once you get to the glacier, views are amazing, there are places to sit, have a picnic and you can even climb higher if you wish. Great hike with family.

Good, good way to spend an afternoon or morning. Nice drive up the mountain to parking, then a brisk uphill walk to a beautiful spot. I recommend it.

We wanted to find a hike that my boyfriend and I could both do. I have asthma so this short hike seemed like a good initial intro into Denvers beautiful mountainside. You hit a good altitude, so even my uber athletic boyfriend was out of breathe a few times.... but the pay off at the top was well worth it. The whole hike was pretty and it felt really great getting to the lake at the top. I highly recommend this trail!

Took the family for a hike. The parking is limited, so you have to walk a bit to the trailhead in some instances. The hike is moderate in difficulty with a lot of rocks. The glacier and beautiful lake at the end of the journey were worth the trouble.

There are 2 parking lots (each $5) and the trailhead is between the two lots. There was snow on most of the trail, but still some gravel/rocky sections. It was in the 20s and very windy when we hiked in mid-December. It is 3/4 of a mile to the base of the glacier where there is a lake and beautiful views. We took lots of pictures and were back to our car in an hour. Highly recommend this hike!

It is about a 3/4 mile hike up the hill over a rocky terrain but soooo worth it. At the end of the trail is a beautiful lake and the snow/ice glacier. If you're the brave and adventuresome type you could join those jumping off the ledge into the lake (take a change of clothes). We chose to observe.

This is really a great hike to see something so wonderful. It's about a 3/4 mile hike to the lake which is amazing nestled in the hills and mountains. Wonderful views and fun walking along the lake shore. Dogs and kids were having fun playing in the water.

From the lake it's a short hike to the bottom of the glacier, and longer/steeper if you want to get to the top of the glacier. We did the hike to the bottom of the glacier and I got to make a snow ball out of glacier snow in August (cool). This is so worth the effort. One of the best hikes we made on our trip.

Kids, teens, and 20 somethings hiked up with skis or snowboard and used them on the glacier. They were having a blast sking/snow boarding down the glacier. If only I was 30 years younger...

A little advice:

- Be prepared for the weather. Last time there was a 30 temperature difference between Golden and St Mary's and we didn't do the hike because we weren't dressed properly. This was August and it was very warm on the mountain.

- The hike is short, but steep and rocky in several areas. Have the right footwear.

- I leave a 600 feet above sea level, and the hike/glacier is at 10,000 feet ASL. I'm not in great shape, but not a couch potato either. You will feel the difference, and we stopped several times to catch our breath. Take your time, bring water, and rest when needed.

- Other than the sign at the trail head there are no signs on the hike. The path is well worn, but there are several options to go right or left that aren't marked. You won't get lost, but some choices make things harder than others. Before you decide take a look around for the easiest path. When you get to the lake if you walk on the shoreline until you get to the side closet to the glacier there is path from there that is pretty easy until you get to the base of the glacier. If you stay to the right at the top of the like the hike is harder.

- Have $5 in cash and a pen so you can pay for parking. You need the pen to fill out a ticket that you put on your dashboard to show you've paid. Parking lot was crowded on a summer Monday afternoon.

- There are pot-a-potties, but they are pretty nasty - not sure how often or if they get cleaned.

This is a great experience - you've got to do it.

Our family enjoyed hiking up to St Mary's glacier. It was a bit of a rough climb, but we wouldn't let the 5 and 7 year olds and their parents get to the to before us! It was another long walk (1/2 mile?) to actually get to the glacier and with thunder rumbling in the distance, we decided to go back to the car. Parking is $5. One family member was having trouble with the altitude (1st day in Denver) and decided to stay at the car.

Beautiful spot but the number of off-leash dogs running around shaking their wet fur on people, people operating noisy drones and people blasting musics from their iphones was really annoying. Try to come when its not busy is the lesson learned I guess.

We hiked to the glacier which was very fun. Not too difficult of a hike. The views were absolutely stunning!

I am visited from the east coast so the altitude took my breath a bit on the hike up.. But taking some breaks to catch my breath helped! Overall easy uphill hike to the top. Beautiful views of the lake and mountains.. Hiked up to the very top by the snow/glacier for an even more breath taking view! Definitely recommended!

Most of the other reviews here cover the basics and I found that helfpul but here's a few tips:

*Arrive early if you can! We arrived just before 8am on a Sunday and there were already about 8 other cars in the parking lot. This gave us a bit of time to enjoy the hike and scenery without too many people. By 10am there were a lot of people arriving and by the time we left at noon, there were sooooo many people coming up the hike that it was kind of a pain coming back down....and the parking lot was absolute madness trying to leave.

*There are tons of dogs. People don't always pick up after their dogs, which is just so disrespectful and unfortunate..just beware

*The hike is very rocky, with loose rocks, larger rocks, even boulders, that you have to climb up a fairly steep incline. Wear appropriate hiking shoes with ankle support if possible but my kids did the hike in their cross trainers. It is high altitude so bring lots of water and take rest breaks along the way if needed. There is plenty of space. I also found my hiking poles to be super helpful.

We really found this hike to have a lot to offer..waterfall, lake, beautiful scenery, wildflowers and wildlife. We saw deer on the drive up, a fox and there are many little chipmunks around who are very used to people. The glacier is really neat. We spent much more time there than we anticipated because there was so much to see.

This was a great hike with amazing views. Definitely recommend going with kids. It’s not too difficult.

Beautiful trail all the way, with a lake where you can swim and spectacular views at the end. Moderate hike, this was during the summer though.

If you are in the area, this is a MUST see and do! This is a relatively short hike, but how long it will take you depends upon many factors....your general physical condition as well as how well you are acclimated to the high altitude. Even if you have to slowly climb, you will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery in every direction you look. And the vistas once you make the climb are magnificent. Be sure to dress in layers and have a wind blocking jacket to protect you from the 40 mph winds that we encountered. A person can have some very Zen like moments here, so savor the beauty and the quiet it has to offer.

St. Mary's Glacier is a lovely drive up from Idaho Springs and makes for a perfect day trip. The hike is very rocky and a little steep but very doable for most any skill level. Once you arrive it is the perfect setting for hammock hangs, picnic lunch, more hiking & cliff diving. Fun for all!

It's a 7 mile drive up Fall River Road. We walked the rocky trail and were very pleased at our end resulting view. We spent a while taking pictures of the view and walking around the lake. I was disappointed in seeing dog poop bags left on the sides of the trail in many spots. This seems to be a very busy place and parking may be difficult on the weekends.

Took my husband who hiked to the lake and stopped there to fish and 2 teens who continued with me up the glacier. They totally enjoyed the snow capped mountain and we have lots of slipping and sliding videos to prove it! Definitely do not miss this if in the area!

This is a great hike. Not too long, a bit steep, and worth every step when you get to the lake and then the glacier. Did it 2/22 and trail conditions were snow packed to the lake and then deeper snow as you climb up the glacier. We had micro-spikes and did fine; however, snowshoes are handy if you go off trail or up the glacier. I think the hike is actually easier in the winter. The snow pack smooths out all the rocks...

DO NOT park on the street (Fall River Rd.). The main parking lot was not plowed, one entrance was unusable, and the other was barely open enough to get a car through. Only 8 or 9 cars were in there blocking access to the rest of the lot, and all the other small lots were full. Parked on the street like a lot of people did (it was a great day for a hike). Came back to find the lovely folks from the Clear Creek County Sheriffs Office apparently needed a big revenue day. Every car parked on the street whenever they came through were the happy recipients of an $87.50 parking ticket. Seems like a big overreach when there was clearly no alternative and this isn't a major road. Be Aware.

$5 parking, bring cash! Porta potties available at the parking lots, and bring a jacket-sometimes windy at the top! Not really marked trail, be sure to ask other hikers where to turn to head to the lake. The hike up is mainly over rocks-wear good shoes! In the winter you will need great snow boots-lots if packed snow gets really slippery!!

At start it is rocky, steep, icy,snowy but very short incline and rest was perfect for kids, dogs, older hikers! Gorgeous at the top! See it now before glacier disappears!

A local recommended St. Mary's Glacier to go hiking. It was the best hiking that I've ever done (I'm just s recreational hiker). My kids (14 & 15) had s wonderful experience. There were people of all ages on the trail....many with young children and dogs. July seems to be the perfect time of year as thee is still some snow at the top where people ski and sled. There's a beatiful lake at the top where some people were jumping into from rocks anywhere 20 to 50 feet high. The hike to the lake is about 3/4 mile from the parking lot....it's a very rocky hike but safe. You can hike in any direction from the lake. We made our way to the snow (we felt the need to make snowballs in July). The scenery is truly amazing....perfect picture taking landscape! About 60 minutes from Denver with plenty of places (food, shopping, activities) to stop along the way. Perfect activity for a vacation to/near Denver!

We live in Boulder and have been wanting to go to St. Mary's Glacier for a while. Decided to knock it off our places to go this past weekend. We have a 10 yr old and 6 yr old. It had snowed this past week so we brought our snowshoes. I glad we did. We ended up snowshoeing right up to the glacier and part of the way up. So worth it. If you haven't gone please do.

This is one of the hidden gems in Colorado. The hiking options are unlimited and the views are simply amazing!

Travel eight miles to lake Mary and walk in 3/4 of a mile. Great glacier to walk on and view flowing into lake Mary. Well worth the hike

If you want a great easy hike with views to die for; I recommend St Mary's. You can either hike up to the glacier, gorgeous and people were skiing down it, or hike all the way round the peak. We didn't have time to do the full trek that day but it would have been awesome. It would take about 1.5-2 hrs to do the full trek. Go early to get parking and it's also very peaceful, oh and bring and sandwich. Sit and enjoy the views for awhile when you get up there. I recommend good hiking shoes for this trail.

My family was staying in Golden for a wedding. We had the morning free and wanted to go higher into the mountains but didn't have that much time. I am so glad that we found St. Mary's Glacier. It was exactly what we were looking for. I wish that we had worn warmer clothes. Wear layers!

good easy hike, with a great payoff. Trail is a bit rough, and quite a bit of trash from irresponsible hikers

- I believe this is on private property and the owner wants $5.00 a car. Remember to take a $5.00 bill (no change provided) and a writing instrument. You need to fill out a form (have your license plate number written down) and submit with $5.00. The paying station is near the portable toilets. If you don't pay you are liable to be towed.

- The toilets are a total mess. Be prepared to go quickly.

- The climb to the glacier and lake needs to be better marked. The hike will take 40 minutes (for slow walkers, young people could finish in 30 minutes.) 30 minutes into the hike bear to the right for the most direct way. Rocky all the way. Good shoes and walking sticks recommended.

- Despite all the above issues the final destination makes it all worthwhile. A placid mountain lake (people were wading and the brave were diving from on high).

- Take a short hike to the edge of the glacier, the hike is not as long as it looks.

- The hike down takes half a long.

Take the time to enjoy the entire Glacier. We climbed to the top, across the snow, and to the top of the mountain. Outstanding views.

My wife, her parents, my 4 month old daughter, and myself hiked this trail to the lake with ease. Didn't take long and was able to enjoy some nice views. We hiked in jeans and tennis shoes without any problem, but I wouldn't do this if you attempt to hike to the top of the glacier.

The only thing I wish I could have done differently is bring my ice skates to the lake

The hike up to the glacier is quite rocky--you have to step carefully. It took about 45 minutes just to get to the lake, and this South Louisiana Cajun was really out of breath at this altitude--over 10,000feet. We made it despite the rocks and altitude. It was a nice day and we enjoyed the views, but when we returned to our room we needed a long nap.

In all the research I did for the Denver trip, this was the most highly recommended activity. And I must say, it delivered! The 1 mile hike to the top wasn't too bad although it was fairly steep. We took lots of breaks on the way there. Once you arrive at the glacier, it is simply breathtaking. The mountain is so colorful, the lake is gorgeous. You can swim or fish there. There's a beach area as well. I would recommend water shoes and maybe an inflatable to relax in the water. People were hiking with skis in order to climb to the ice and ski down it, very cool. Others were hiking to the top of the mountain, we stayed at the lake and had a wonderful time.

The trees in the area are amazing and there is a creek that you can walk down as well. It is very tranquil and calming and I definitely recommend it.

I visited St. Mary's Glacier with my mom, and we both loved it. We weren't sure what to expect, but the hike wasn't as bad as we thought and the views were better than we anticipated. Would be a great place for a picnic. We saw people of all ages and abilities on the trail. It took us about 2 hours total, but that included time hanging out and taking pictures at the top. Only took about 15 minutes to come back down.

Pros: The views at the top are amazing. Definitely continue your hike to the foot of the glacier - the views of the lake and the mountains in the distance are amazing. The trail from the lake to the glacier is pretty easy, and it's a pretty short walk.

Cons: The trail is steep, and in places, pretty rocky. There's a nice shoulder to the path with some larger rocks here and there, so we stopped along the way to rest. If you take it slow and drink lots of water, it's not bad. The trail isn't well marked, and at times, we weren't sure which way to go. Other hikers seemed confused at some points, too. Would be great if they marked the trail.

This is a terrific short trip from Denver into the mountains to hike up to see an Alpine Glacier and glacial lake. It's about a 1 hr. drive from Denver to reach the trailhead, with self-parking available for $5 (honor system). Then, with a moderately strenuous hike (1.5 mile round-trip) further up the mountain, one arrives to enjoy the beauty of the glacier, lake and surrounding mountain terrain. You can actually walk around the small lake and climb onto the glacier. Plus... the drive up into the mountains is itself stunning.
This year round snowfield is located within the Arapaho National Forest.

Such a beautiful place, beautiful lake, surrounded by rocks and vegetation which was changing their colors in the end of September.
Monday looked to me like best time for this trip. Anyway, there was a lot of people there. I can imagine what's going on during the weekend.
Hiking was not very easy due to the big rocks laying on the trail in lower section.
The upper section, above the lake is not easy too. There was a lot of movable rocks mixed with the soil dirt, so I had to hike with carefulness.
It's worth to pay $5 at the parking spot.
I wish to come back with my family members.
I spent about an hour sitting by the lake and watching people and the nature.
I strongly recommend this place.

RomanP

This was our second trip to St. Mary’s Glacier. Although most of the snow had melted, the glacier was still very pretty. (Our first trip was in early June 2015 when there was still lots of snow and cooler weather. It was spectacular!) The hike is only 3/4 mile and was doable even by the five year olds in our group. If you are in the Idaho Springs area, this is a “must see” any time of year!

Great hike, snow covered so be prepared. We used poles, yak trax. 3/4 mile hike to lake, but venture on further for great scenery. $5 parking . Beautiful views.

Beautiful views. Reasonable hike for kids (14, 11, and 8) and grandparents (age 69). Glacier was stunning. Met a couple who planned to hike over the glacier, which would be a cool activity if you had a full day!

Beautiful. Short hike and views. If you like the outdoors this is a good stop. Been here when it’s snowy , you will need snowshoes to get to the top.

Glacier was a little underwhelming to be truthful but... gorgeous hike with lake and views. Trail splits with left going up and up with great views. Right goes by the lake and then you can hike to glacier.

First, you need to fill out a form to leave on your dash, and put the carbon copy with $5 (cash or check) in the envelope provided into the lock box to park, then you walk up, up, and up. You can take a side trail off to the right to follow a nice waterfall up and then rejoin the main trail further up as we did. not a easy hike, but once you get up to the top, it's breathtaking, totally worth it., besides, it's downhill all the way back! there were actually people skiing and snowboarding on the ice pack, also 3 young women on paddleboards in the middle of the ice-cold lake doing yoga. highly recommended if you're physically able. Proper footwear is highly recommended, quite rocky in places.

I come up here once or twice a year. It's a great one to take visitors as it's close to Denver and a fairly easy hike with a lot of pay off. If you visit during the winter, make sure to bring snow shoes if you're coming within a day or two of a recent snow storm, otherwise it should be packed down enough to hike without them.

I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. This was one of my favorite trips when we were out in Colorado. The hike was pretty rocky and steep in areas (don't wear Nike fly knits) but it was SO worth it getting to the lake and the glacier it's self. It's still taking my breath away looking at the photos a month later. LOVE and absolutely recommend, PURE NATURAL BEAUTY!

Took us less than an hour to hike up, enjoy the view, and hike back. But people can and do spend the entire day. Gorgeous.

We set off with a 12, 13, and 4 year old to visit St. Mary's Glacier. An easy drive up to the trail head, we parked the car at the second lot (easier walk to the trail head and can short cut back to the car on the way down). Paid $5 to park and we were off. Brought a backpack full of warmer clothes, and a couple of water bottles. Should have brought the walking stick. Would have come in handy when my husband had to carry the 4 year old at times as he got tired. The trail has a lot of rocks on it-not pebbles, but rocks. Stick to the sides of the trail where they have washed away a bit and the trail is smoother. The first stop is St Mary's lake. A gorgeous Cold lake surrounded by mountains. People cliff jumping into the lake. People in hammocks hanging out at the lake. People sitting with a snack. This is about 3/4 of a mile up the trail. But who can stop there? Then over a pretty wooden bridge on to the snow. The 12 and 13 year old were up for the challenge. We built a small snowman, they brought small donut floats up with them and used them as a sled. They ran back to me to put on their warm clothes. My son adds to "bring gloves" I was up there with them-the snow is another 1/4 mile up a hill-and definitely getting more winded than usual. The elevation is 10,079ft. On the iPhone video of them sledding, I can hear myself breathing. But the hike is worth the thrill and bragging rights of "snow in July". Someone told me when the kids get our age there may not be glaciers in Colorado to climb to as they are melting. Who knows. But it was fun and challenging (especially with the 4 year old). On the way down, we chose the path more carefully and we and another family short cut it to the second parking lot down a steep but safe incline to our cars. We were dirty from the snow, but happy. Saw a snow boarder and a skier with their equipment up there, having a good time. Not very crowded at all. We had the hill to ourselves for most of the time. We went in the afternoon-about 4pm. We timed our adventure-from the time we left the car to the return it was....1 hour 50 minutes.

Being Floridians, the hike was a little challenging for us, given the altitudes. Plenty of places to rest, as we did many times, while local toddlers passed us by effortlessly, lol. It's not long, just a bit of a rocky climb. When you arrive, you'll be happy you did it. Spectacular views!!!!

A beautiful, exhilarating hike!! The scenery is unsurpassable! Wear hiking boots or tennis shoes as the terrain is rocky and uneven.

I had a blast making this hike. It is a modest hike at the beginning with alot of elevation but man is this worth it. Such spectacular views at the top. It only cost $5 to park and man what a value !!! Bring some water with you and be prepared for a snow ball fight at the top!

the glacier is outstanding, high in the mountains, in Idaho Springs, CO. if you wanted to they have a trail to explore., but, the expansive views were enough for us., take the plunge., head up the mountain. snow, cold, yes,, beautiful, yes. see you later, p

St. Mary's Glacier holds a spot in our heart. We recommend going in April. The trail is pet-friendly (with a leash) and the trail is a little under 2 miles. Beautiful views all along the trail. We recommend this to every guest that stays at our properties in the area.

It was a hard hike up the mountainside, but the lake and glacier were magnificent even at summer's end. Views everywhere. Peace and quiet.

A great hike up to play in the snow in the middle of July! GPS is not real helpful in finding the parking area for this hike. You want to be in Alice, Co. and stay on Falls River Road, there are two parking lots. Helpful hints:

1) bring $5 cash for parking (exact change) and a pen to fill out the parking stub
2) get there early as parking fills up
3) go early to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful hike
4) were good shoes / hiking shoes as the trail is rocky
5) bring plenty of water
6) wear sunscreen - high altitude and you get extra sun if plan to climb the glacier

We were the 5th car in the parking lot around 8 AM) and had a nice hike up to the lake area (less then a mile, but it is rocky and steep in some places). The trail splits several times, stay on the trails that go up and are rock strewn. I am sure there are many ways up, but there is a lot of no trespassing signs. The lake is gorgeous. It was spectacular and we had the place almost all to ourselves. You can hang around the lake area and do nothing else and would have a good time. We chose to climb to the top of the glacier, this added another 1.5 - 2 mile hike to the top of the glacier and on into the mountain meadows beyond the line of site from the lake. This is a bit more strenuous considering the altitude and the chosen path: rock field or packed snow. On our decent we saw several snowboarders bring their boards up for a run. When we got back to the lake, their were literally 100s of people and many people swimming in the frigid waters. Would absolutely put this on a "must see" list when in Denver, just remember the hints from above.

Located in Idaho Springs ,Colorado is this short but well worth it hike. This is a 3/4 mile hike to the bottom of the glacier area and pretty much constantly up up up and it does start out rather rocky so be prepared with footwear with good grip and bring water. Next time I would pack a lunch in my backpack too. Lots of picture opportunities so bring a long the camera if you enjoy taking photos I would suggest a light jacket or sweatshirt as the weather does change and can be cooler once you get on the glacier. There were some skiers and snowboarders on the glacier and a sled or two. I did wish I had a saucer to get a sled ride but I didn't so I improvised and just slid down. Thankfully my quick wic dry bottoms dried very quickly in the breezy sunshine. Take the time to explore around and hike some of the different paths. You can even jump the cliffs into the chilly mountain water below- this is fed directly from the melting glacier. There are no public bathrooms so be prepared for only a port a potty in the parking lot. You also need to pay $5.00 ( honor system) so bring cash for the parking.

One of my new favorite places in the area.

It's not a long hike, but it's high elevation, so a bit strenuous. The trail is terribly rocky and not very well marked.

When I was there on an early Tuesday morning, there weren't very many people, but the scenery is incredible. I made the hike up to the top of the glacier and then around the high prairie up top where there was nobody else around.

I'll definitely be back here sometime soon.

The Glacier and hike to the Glacier was underwhelming. The slog up 3/4 miles on boulders was not pleasant. This is a tourist trap to get people to pay $5 to park.

I've been here twice now; once in Feb 2020 and again June 2020. The hike up is pretty strenuous but a good work out and beautiful reward at the top. Bring a jacket, the wind is chilly coming off the lake. Many people picnic up here, it is lovely so plan to hang out. Parking is challenging, plan to pay the #5 fee and park in the lot (cash only). If you park on the side of the road you WILL be ticketed. Satellite bathrooms available in parking lot.

Beautiful views from the top of the glacier. Well worth the trek if you have time. Hike is about 30 minutes and how high you go is up to you. Dog friendly and great relaxing spot.

3/4 mile access trail is sufficiently rocky and slightly inclined that proper hiking footwear is worthwhile. But it really just is a wide access path; not by any means a worthwhile nature hike. We were there on a Wed. morning and it was already pretty busy. Weekends must be insane. The lake and glacier were pretty but very small and lots of garbage left by others. Parking lot restrooms (portajohns) were clean. The parking lot had huge rocks that, if not very carefully navigated could damage a regular passenger car. $5 fee for parking lot. No picnic facilities. "Private, keep out" signs everywhere...understandable but unsightly. Overall, a nice place for a scenic photo but lots more nature to be found in nearby National Forests.

We were so happy we found this place. The hike was not overly difficult, and the payoff at the top was more than worth the hike. The lake was gorgeous and the kids getting to play in the snow was priceless. Our kids are 6, 8, and 11. They had a blast. We saw other kids as young as 4 make the hike, though that may be a stretch for a little one.

Easy hike for the family. The kids loved standing on snow in July. The trail isn't well marked but all paths lead to the lake at the base of the glacier. Just keep going, it is impossible to get lost.

Echoing previous reviews, it is simply shameful that the locals who collect the parking fee do NOTHING about the state of the portable potties on site.... it is beyond awful so heed the warnings and go elsewhere first. The parking is a total crap shoot with no designated spots, very steep and full of holes, no parking attendant, so do not bring your prize sportscar... it will be dinged up. You must arrive early and hope to heaven you can find or make a parking space, and don't forget to pay the fee, though I have no idea what it goes towards. Make plans to do other things nearby if the parking is simply too full and maybe come back later to try again.... With that said, the hike is rocky and rigorous but not super long. Wear GOOD shoes and be prepared to have your balance tested.... the hike is not that beautiful or spectacular partly because of the dozens and dozens of others, but, once you arrive at the lake's edge, it is a very beautiful and photogenic spot. Bring a thick blanket that is waterproof on one side and you can sit and enjoy the view longer. Be prepared for the weather to change rapidly and become suddenly very cool or warm. Please pick up any pet messes and toss them in a trash can (there are none along the trail). Bring a selfie stick for some great shots against the glacier, and the mountains and the lake.

A bit of a hike, 3/4 miles up a rocky road. But worth it. Pristine lake, Huge boulders to jump off into water. And a Glacier just inviting climbing or snowboarding on. Do need to bring $5.00 for parking along road, worth it.

Apple maps has it wrong. St. Mary's Glacier is 9 miles off I70. Apple makes says 7.5 miles. Once we got there we parked and payed the $5. We went on Labor Day, expecting there to be lots of people...but there weren't. Hike up is over rocks and a few boulders but not bad (there was a family with little kids headed up and the kids did great). Once we reached it...we just stood there in awe for a few moments. It was EPIC! We took our pics and headed up to the glacier. Just beautiful!!! It started to lightly rain and we got some AWESOME pics with a rainbow. Then the light rain turned to light snow. This place is worth the little drive and little hike! A little over an hour from Denver and 3/4 miles hike to the glacier. We will DEFINITELY be going back! And we'll be taking family and friends when they come visit us.
Next time we'll be taking matches to make a little fire. HAPPY HIKING!!!

Wow!! It is incredibly beautiful!
Get up there early before everyone else! We took our two girls 12 and 9 and it was their favorite hike of our whole trip!
You will come up the road to 2 parking lots where you pay your $5 (via envelope) park in either and then walk along the road to the trailhead. This trail is very rocky but fun. There are no sign so just follow the path most worn. You will come to a beautiful lake! We then hiked up to the base of the Glacier and let them play in the snow and take in the view. Take your fishing pole...it's so clear you can see them swimming. We ❤️ this place!

Once you secure a parking spot you begin by hiking up a rocky trail for about 1 mile. Keep in mind the trail is all uphill and super rocky so it will take about 45 minutes until you get to the St Mary's Lake. Once you are at the lake you will get to see some pretty spectacular views. At this point the hike can be over or you can continue to the glacier which is further uphill and about another 30 minute hike. Seeing the glacier up close is a must. Some folks were skiing and snowboarding on the glacier even though it was small b/c it was late summer. My group decided to take it a step further and hike up to the top of a mountain. This 3 leg of the hike is not for the faint of heart. You have to be fit and ready for a workout b/c not only is the hike difficult but the air is thin so you run out of oxygen pretty quick. Once we got to the top you get a 360 view of the mountains and it was breathtaking (figuratively and literally). You're only half way done. Now you have to go down which was easier than going up.

Some tips and tricks:
1. Invest in some hiking boots with some soft insoles with layers of socks.
2. Bring plenty of water and snacks.
3. Pack a backpack for easy carrying.
4. Bring a camera - although the picture you take will not capture the moment do it anyway.
5. Take breaks and soak in the beautiful scenery. Its soul changing.
6. I saw some family dogs and made me wish I brought my dog. he would have had a blast.
7. Bring extra layers (hoodie/jacket/flannel). It was crazy cold on the glacier (45 deg) but was warm at other spots (75 deg). Mainly due to the wind.

Please be warned!! People have been jumping off the cliff and getting seriously injured!! My nephew hit rocks when he landed and ended up with a very serious leg injury. He was in surgery for 3 hours and will be unable to walk for many months. Luckily he was able to swim out. Another jumper was killed doing the same thing on 7.6.20!!

I went twice in two days because I was staying a few minutes up the road. The first was around 4.30pm, literally only one other family there at that time. The other was 7.30am and people starting filtering in around nine. When you reach the top take the time to go around and see it from the other side. Gorgeous. You will not regret this. Take short breaks and drink water. My father is 65 and he had no issues making his way up but I'd say he is fit. When you go down you will see a split in the road. To the right takes you to your car but if your feeling adventurous go to the left. This takes you to the creek heading downstream and it's beautiful too. Have fun!

This past weekend we decided to check out St. Mary's Glacier. I am glad we did. The hike is not that long, nor difficult. There was still some snow in some spots of the trail which made it a little slippery. You just have to be careful. Once you make your way up to the glacier it is beautiful. Def. worth the hike up. It's so beautiful and peaceful.

There are two parking lots that you can park in. The cost for parking is $5. There are port-a John's in the parking lot.

I wouldn't mind doing this hike again!

Hiking up to the glacier is a must, and up there it's gorgeous. Lots of people though. Hike carefully due to lots of rocks on path and high altitude. Take water, wear appropriate shoes.

We had been to the glacier in mid 1970's and wanted to see what was left. Back then there was a huge amount of snow. In September 2019 we had just arrived in Colorado from Houston area and while driving west on I-70 we thought we'd go see what is left of the glacier. The drive up to it is very winding and curvy which we enjoyed while seeing beautiful aspen tree leaves. When we got to the parking area, we saw that you had to pay $5 to hike a rather strenuous hike for those of us over 70 plus not being acclimated to the altitude. So we continued driving the a lake above but there are signs everywhere stating private property. I'm sorry I chickened out on the hike as other's pictures look beautiful.

We started this hike just planning on the one mile up to the lake... but ended up hiking up the glacier and to the top of the mountain (up and down ended being 5 miles). I'm not an avid hiker, I'm from Kansas and was wearing tennis shoes, but I made it to the very top! It was amazing. The lake at the 1 mile point, the glacier (although sadly small right now), the breathtaking views and just the feeling of accomplishment make for a great hike! Definitely take water and a few snacks. Also, wear sunscreen or check the weather. I got a gnarly sunburn and was not suspecting it. It's a hard joke but small children were doing the beginning part up to the lake so I figured if they were doing it, I could too! My very last picture I added is a view from the very, very top of the entire mountain