The hike up will take about an hour depending on the skill level of your slowest hiker and if you are with children. Yes, an hour, or more to go 3/4 of a mile. It seems much further. The way down will take about half the time, but due to the rocky terrain, the walk is slow. The trail is very rocky, though most people who can hike easy trails can also hike this trail.
All ages of family were seen climbing or being carried up. My 9 year old daughter climbed up and seemed to enjoy the hike, though later she claimed she had to rest a lot. I didn't notice because she was always ahead of me and I had to rest more often than she did. I found the elevation a tad bit challenging but my fitness condition isn't anything like it used to be and I still made it up and down without complications and enjoyed myself.
When you break out of the trees near the top, you are greeted with a breath taking view of a pristine lake fed by the glacier melt. The glacier sits a short hike above the lake. Saint Mary's Glacier is a permanent glacier that does not completely melt off in the summer. Hikers can climb up to the glacier, touch it, hike above it and, if you dare, walk on it. It was slippery so I didn't stay on. Other visitors were skiing and snowboarding it. My daughter delighted in having a chance to make snowballs and pelt me with them. Yes, a snowball fight in July.
The air on top was mercifully cool though down in town everyone was roasting in 90 degree F temperatures. Just getting out of the heat made the trip worthwhile. But the views are the real treat! The views are stunning! Take your camera.
After playing and exploring we enjoyed our little picnic lunch that we carried up. There are no facilities up top so you must carry in, and carry out everything you want or need. So the trash you bring in must be packed out with you, lest we spoil this gorgeous area. Then we dipped our feet in the icy lake while watching all the different people enjoying the area.
The glacier rests in the lands of the national forest, outside the HOA boundaries, but it was not clear to me where the federal land began. There is a trail that goes beyond the glacier to the summit of James peak and some hikers went onward from there. A lot of people came up to enjoy the glacier and in spite of the rough trail and steep climb, a wide variety of family groupings and fitness levels were up at the top. The hike up and the parking area are located on private land. The parking lots have a $5 fee and no parking outside the lot is allowed. Trash cans and port a potties are in the parking lots. This area enjoys heavy usage so plan accordingly. Being so close to Idaho Springs, a family can easily hike up in the morning and enjoy lunch in Idaho Springs afterward.
Important information:
- The entire trail, lake and parking lots are on private property and part of the surrounding home owners association.
- Fishing is not allowed except for those who purchase permits from the HOA, otherwise it is considered poaching.
- Dogs allowed but hikers must clean up after dogs. The trail will be unbearable if hikers don't do this as a lot of dogs hike here. Bring baggies.
- Check HOA site for camping information.
All photos taken by Stephenie Barrett
