St. Mary's Glacier
St. Mary's Glacier
4.5
About
St. Mary's Glacier is stunning snowfield just outside of Idaho Springs. The 1.5-mile round-trip to the glacier is one of the area's most popular hikes, moderately difficult with rocky terrain and reaching an altitude of 11,000 feet. Keep an eye out for a spur in the trail that leads to a lovely waterfall. If you enjoy the hike, you can keep going past the glacier. Aim to start your day early as it gets busy, particularly during the summer months—you’ll see many enthusiasts carrying skis and snowboards up to the glacier, where there is snow all year round. – Tripadvisor
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
418 reviews
Excellent
330
Very good
65
Average
13
Poor
3
Terrible
7
Andrea O
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico1 contribution
Jul 2021
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 $5 parking lot is on private land. There was a row of filthy portable toilets full to the top and infested with flies. Many had bags of trash inside them because there are no trash receptacles provided. The parking lot was full on a Monday, with cars circling and waiting for spots. So what is the "private owner" doing with the parking revenue? Perhaps a few calls to the county (Clear Creek) health department might urge them to put some of that income towards servicing the bathrooms and providing trash receptacles......just a thought.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blessedsights2c
Ridgeway, WI36 contributions
Aug 2020
Parking was 5$. 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.
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas H
Cleveland, OH23 contributions
Jul 2021
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.
This year round snowfield is located within the Arapaho National Forest.
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michaeljones46
Oklahoma City, OK457 contributions
Oct 2021
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!
Written October 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
romanpiekosz
Chicago, IL8,983 contributions
Sep 2020
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
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
Written October 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
itsasmallworld2015
Sarnia, Canada68 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
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.
Written October 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Otter2269
Lincoln, NE297 contributions
Jul 2020
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.
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thekookykorinn
Springfield, IL19 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
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.
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie L
Raleigh, NC37 contributions
Aug 2020
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.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cryptic_Tourist
Saint Louis, MO1,021 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
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!
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!
Written July 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can this be hiked in the winter months? March specifically?
Written February 14, 2023
We hiked in November with several inches of snow. But I have no idea how much snow is there now. Prob check with Idaho Springs weather or perhaps an outdoor store around there.
Written February 17, 2023
Hello,
Can we hike this tomorrow?
I’ve tried the the website and calling but neither are working. Please advise. Thank you.
Written January 15, 2021
I wish to help you, but it's all about the weather...
First you should check if road connecting this place and I-70 is open. Some of these off roads are closed for winter.
I was in this area 2 weeks ago and situation was not bad, there was not much snow. With this condition, hiking to that lake would be possible. Going higher to the glacier, probably not doable.
The last info from the web site was, that this place is used all year, by skiers too. It means you should be good to go!
Good luck.
Written January 17, 2021
Is the drive up or the drive down from the trailhead scary, difficult?
Written June 1, 2020
do you think it would be ok to go this weekend, November 11th? or is it getting too cold to go this time of year? we plan to bundle up
Written November 5, 2018
It is getting cold this time of year... and if you plan on bundling up I think you would be fine. You defiantly will generate some body heat in the effort hiking up. If you have gloves & hat with a good jacket/coat you should be fine. I would note if there is wind or snow/rain in the forecast you can count on it being cooler than you think.
The beautiful part is when you get to the top & you do get a lil' cold, you are a short walk back down to the parking lot & just a short car ride to town for some hot chocolate or whiskey ;)
I know friends hiked yesterday & there is a dusting of snow and a thin layer of ice on the lake perimeter. I would suggest maybe checking on Instagram for #stmarysglacier and you should get the most recent post which would give you a little insight to conditions.
adventure on!
Written November 5, 2018
Hello! Will be our first time to Colorado arriving Sunday and staying a couple days planning to spend some time hiking at St. Mary’s and Golden Canyon State Park. So, where we are coming from (STL) we are having 80 degree weather. I was wondering what to wear for these hikes since of course, the elevation and possible wind will make it cooler but it is still summer. What do you suggest? Any thoughts, tips welcomed! TU
Written September 13, 2018
As someone else said, the weather can vary greatly. I would encourage bringing a rain jacket or wind breaker, as the rain can sneak up on you, but this type of outerwear will also keep you warm at the top of the hike. The weather on your hikes will be much cooler than the weather in the city, and hopefully you’ll love it!
Written September 25, 2018
We were there this past summer. My boy turned 3 in August. He has high anxiety issues and at first he was howling about the new adventure, but soon really got into hiking up the glacier mountain and LOVED it. It is a pretty easy climb over all, rocky but not difficult. There was even some snow that he was able to climb on and play with about 3/4 of the way to the top. The lake was wonderful and he was thrilled to see the lake and snow up above it. It was about an hour or so trek up because I was hauling him a lot until he settled down. The way down was much quicker. I saw quite a few children going up and down, some were being packed on adult backs or necks and older ones were walking on their own. It was a fantastic hike. I don't see any problem with an able bodied toddler to make the hike. I hope you will or did (if you've already gone) enjoy it!
Written November 5, 2018
This place looks so cool, I want to hike up near the lake and pitch a tent, is it allowed?This place seems really cool and easy going.
Written July 23, 2018
They close the park at night, sorry no camping.
Written July 24, 2018
Hi Kelly we will be there Monday the 23rd
Our 7year old Grandson wants to touch snow
Was there snow on your hike and how long did it take to get to that point in the hike?
Any help would be appreciated
Written July 13, 2018
I suggest going up Mount Evens. It’s a beautiful drive (but a little scary since the some of the roads are narrow). I’m sure there is snow up there it’s over 14,000 ft up. There are several places to pull over and play in the snow. It was totally worth it.
Written July 18, 2018
How long does it take to hike to the glacier?
Written June 26, 2018
It took me about an hour to go up. I had to stop and rest several times. It depends on how your physical condition is. The way down was about 35-40 minutes.
Written June 27, 2018
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