This was one of the trails that a lot of our friends, and locals told us we had to check out. It is super popular so expect crowds.
We arrived at the trailhead parking lot at 7:45 AM and there were only a few other cars in the parking lot. There is a $5 fee for parking fee which requires cash or check. You have to fill out a little form with an envelope.
The trailhead is up the road from the parking lot but not far at all. This short hike to St. Mary’s Glacier offers spectacular views and the chance for some amazing photo opportunities. Though it can be done year round, but make sure to bring proper gear in the winter.
You won’t want to miss this! You’ll arrive at a beautiful lake after about halfway along the St. Mary’s Trail, where there are plenty of places for you to take in your surroundings and enjoy fantastic views. We saw many people taking a break and having a lunch around the lake and on the rocks above the lake.
The glacier itself is only a short distance up from the lake. We were there at the end of the summer so the glacier was fairly small and had a stream running out the bottom that flowed to a little waterfall up from the lake.
There are more trails that you can take past the glacier that lead to Little Echo Lake, Kingston Peak, and James Peak. We ended up turning around at the glacier and making our way back because we did not have poles or spikes with us.
| Distance | 2.4 Miles |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Duration | 1.5 Hours |
| Trail Type | Out and Back |
| Elevation Gain | 1030 |
| Peak Elevation | 11,509 |
| Trailhead Location | https://goo.gl/maps/ny6vvs1tTMW1tGhBA |
| Parking | Lot With Bathrooms |
| Town Nearest Hike | Idaho Springs, Colorado |
| Fee | $5 Parking |
| Date Hiked | 9/22/21 |
Really Good Hiking 