If you’re looking for a relatively easy hike with tremendous rewards, take a trip to St. Mary’s Glacier near Idaho Springs and explore to your hearts content. The short trail covers all your Rocky Mountain bases from woods and wildflowers to streams and waterfalls to cliffs and lakes and mountain peaks, all in under a mile. Snow remains on the glacier year round, which makes it a great destination for out-of-towners or Denverites who want to beat the summer heat. St. Mary’s Glacier is a beautiful hike near Denver, is suitable for all skill levels, and rewards your efforts with phenomenal vista views of surrounding peaks.
Flickr/John B. Kalla The short, rocky trail up to St. Mary’s Lake is a mere three-quarters of a mile and reaches the lake at 10,848 feet with roughly 400 feet of elevation gain.
Yelp/Steven C. The trail itself is fairly uneventful, save for the incredibly prehistoric-like trees along the way.
Flickr/Photo Phiend However, once you reach the lovely lake there is much to explore and discover.
Yelp/Erica C. There’s even a common cliff jumping spot if you’re feeling brave and looking for thrills. But be forewarned: The water is quite crisp! (Can you spot the daredevil taking the plunge!?)
Yelp/Justin W. If the light is just right you can catch an immaculate reflection of the surrounding mountains and glacier in the lake, especially in the early morning calm.
Yelp/Tiffany N. After you’ve done an ample amount of wandering, continue over the bridge and up the trail to the glacier for stunning views of the surrounding Rockies.
Flickr/Photo Phiend Enjoy the streams and wildflowers along the way and perhaps even stop off for a picnic alongside them.
Yelp/Justin W. Views for days!
Yelp/Stephanie O. Of course, you can continue to trek up the trail for as little or as long as you want, but I highly suggest hiking up past the glacier if you’re able.
Yelp/Erin M. The vistas only get better…
Flickr/Tyler Hitchcock …and better!
Yelp/Justin B. The glacier will suddenly taper off into a narrow gulch then level abruptly to reveal a vast open tundra where bighorn sheep, elk, and mountain goats are known to roam. (You’ve now traveled approximately 1.1 miles and are at an elevation of 11,236 feet.)
Flickr/Ryan Ludwig At this point, most hikers will likely want to descend and head back to the parking lot and into town for burgers and beers. But just so you know, there’s also the option of continuing on up the unofficial (but well-marked route) to the James Peak summit at 13,294 feet. Just a suggestion for the adventurous souls out there. Drink the marrow!
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Flickr/John B. Kalla
The short, rocky trail up to St. Mary’s Lake is a mere three-quarters of a mile and reaches the lake at 10,848 feet with roughly 400 feet of elevation gain.
Yelp/Steven C.
The trail itself is fairly uneventful, save for the incredibly prehistoric-like trees along the way.
Flickr/Photo Phiend
However, once you reach the lovely lake there is much to explore and discover.
Yelp/Erica C.
There’s even a common cliff jumping spot if you’re feeling brave and looking for thrills. But be forewarned: The water is quite crisp! (Can you spot the daredevil taking the plunge!?)
Yelp/Justin W.
If the light is just right you can catch an immaculate reflection of the surrounding mountains and glacier in the lake, especially in the early morning calm.
Yelp/Tiffany N.
After you’ve done an ample amount of wandering, continue over the bridge and up the trail to the glacier for stunning views of the surrounding Rockies.
Enjoy the streams and wildflowers along the way and perhaps even stop off for a picnic alongside them.
Views for days!
Yelp/Stephanie O.
Of course, you can continue to trek up the trail for as little or as long as you want, but I highly suggest hiking up past the glacier if you’re able.
Yelp/Erin M.
The vistas only get better…
Flickr/Tyler Hitchcock
…and better!
Yelp/Justin B.
The glacier will suddenly taper off into a narrow gulch then level abruptly to reveal a vast open tundra where bighorn sheep, elk, and mountain goats are known to roam. (You’ve now traveled approximately 1.1 miles and are at an elevation of 11,236 feet.)
Flickr/Ryan Ludwig
At this point, most hikers will likely want to descend and head back to the parking lot and into town for burgers and beers. But just so you know, there’s also the option of continuing on up the unofficial (but well-marked route) to the James Peak summit at 13,294 feet. Just a suggestion for the adventurous souls out there. Drink the marrow!
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