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.
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.
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!?)
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.
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.
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.)
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!
