Idaho Springs, CO: St. Marys Glacier
This Front Range dayhike is short on mileage and big on payoffs. In less than a mile, you'll skirt a mountain lake and climb the snowy slopes of a Rocky Mountain glacier.
Located just north of the ghost town Alice, this popular, 1.5-mile out-and-back in Colorado’s Front Range follows dirt roads and rocky trails up to the snowy slopes of St. Marys Glacier. Start at the pay parking area next to Fall River Road and walk southwest to reach the trailhead. The first 0.3 mile climbs up undeveloped roads before turning onto a rocky trail that leads to the banks of St. Marys Lake.
Half a mile in, cross a small bridge over the lake’s outlet creek and continue north, passing up-close views of Fox Mountain to the east (look for yellow-bellied marmots in the surrounding rocks and meadow). After 0.7 mile, the trail reaches the base of St. Marys Glacier. Climb another 100 yards up the glacier and take in views across the Silver Creek drainage. Follow the same route back to the trailhead.
Note: Stay on the trail. Most of the surrounding land is private property.
-Mapped by Eli Boschetto, Bosco Mountain Photo
St. Marys Lake
Lake and meadow below St. Marys Glacier. ©Eli Boschetto
Glacier Trailhead
The hike starts at this sign on the west side of the road. ©Eli Boschetto
St. Marys Lake
View across St. Marys Lake above the bridge. ©Eli Boschetto
Fox Mountain
Views of Bristlecone pine and Fox Mountain. ©Eli Boschetto
St. Marys Glacier
Sun peeking over the ridge above St. Marys Glacier. ©Eli Boschetto
Trail Facts
- Distance: 2.4
Waypoints
SMG001
Location: 39.8278603, -105.6423104
From the pay parking area, walk southwest along Fall River Road for roughly 400 feet to reach the trailhead.
SMG002
Location: 39.8270775, -105.6434047
Turn right at the signed trailhead for St. Marys Glacier and hike northeast. The rocky road climbs steadily toward St. Marys Lake and Fox Mountain.
SMG003
Location: 39.8287378, -105.642879
Bear left at the fork in the road, heading north. A campsite is located straight ahead near the creek.
SMG004
Location: 39.8295988, -105.6433618
Bear left onto a trail at the 3-way junction. Hike west.
SMG005
Location: 39.8296564, -105.6438661
Pass a campsite with a fire ring. Ahead, the trail rounds to the north for the remaining 0.2-mile stretch to St. Marys Lake.
SMG006
Location: 39.8322188, -105.645411
At the southeast edge of St. Marys Lake, cross a bridge over the outlet creek and continue north (an unnamed 11,716-foot peak borders the western edge of the lake). Ahead, the route passes 10,921-foot Fox Mountain.
SMG007
Location: 39.83447, -105.6453601
Continue north at the base of St. Marys Glacier. Look south for photo-worthy views of the lake.
SMG008
Location: 39.835333, -105.6453976
This snowy perch (a year-round hangout for backcountry skiers and snowboarders) offers more views down the Silver Creek drainage. Look for the sun peeking over the ridge above St. Marys Glacier. Turn around and return to the parking lot.
St. Marys Lake
Location: 39.8346822, -105.6453627
Lake and meadow below St. Marys Glacier. © Eli Boschetto
Glacier Trailhead
Location: 39.8270775, -105.6432867
The hike starts at this sign on the west side of the road. © Eli Boschetto
St. Marys Lake
Location: 39.8329603, -105.6450355
View across St. Marys Lake above the bridge. © Eli Boschetto
Fox Mountain
Location: 39.8336771, -105.6452662
Views of Bristlecone pine and Fox Mountain. © Eli Boschetto
St. Marys Glacier
Location: 39.8353413, -105.645293
Sun peeking over the ridge above St. Marys Glacier. © Eli Boschetto