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Hike and Sled St. Mary's Glacier

Idaho Springs, Colorado

Details

Distance

2 miles

Elevation Gain

460 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Dan Toups

St. Mary's Glacier is a local favorite in Denver as it is only about an hour's drive from town. Activities include hiking, backpacking skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, summer sledding, cliff jumping, camping and more.Head to Idaho Springs for a local brew, homemade root beer and pizza after your adventure.

Year round access allows backcountry skiing in the winter and snowboarding and skiing in the summer. There are two cliffs to jump from into the water. The upper cliff is not for the faint of heart as the water remains extremely cold.

Take the Fall River Rd exit directly after Idaho Springs and follow the road and switchbacks to the parking lot. There is a bathroom at the trail head where you will find envelopes to deposit $5 cash for parking. The Lot is accessible by all vehicle types.

The trail entrance is up the road and immediately begins to climb a long wide rocky road. Follow the main trail as the smaller trails lead to private homes. As the lake and glacier are in the Arapaho National Forest, dispersed camping is permitted. Pack in, Pack out.

Beautiful views of the aspens during the fall on the switchback drive following Fall River.

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Features

Snowboarding
Chillin
Camping
Photography
Skiing
Swimming
Snowshoeing
Backpacking
Hiking
Diving
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Lake
River
Scenic
Wildlife
Cliff Jumping
Swimming Hole

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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