Saint Mary's Glacier

is a wonderful spot to capture the majesty of the Rockies in a single location.   Within the reach of a relatively short hike you can find 60 mile + landscape views, towering cliff faces, treeline tundra and of course a glacier which empties directly into a crystal clear mountain lake.  Really, what more do you want in one spot?

The road to Saint Mary's Glacier can be found just off I-70 about two miles past Idaho Springs.  Just keep a sharp eye out for the sign.  You'll then follow a very curvy road that makes its way through some very attractive space.  In the fall you will find the aspens along this road in a state of pure gold and orange.   Once you reach the base of the St. Mary Trail head  you will note a small parking area (a recent addition) about 50 yards further down the road. 

The hike up to the lake is short but relatively steep and very rocky.  The trail made almost entirely of large rocks and boulders.  If you are in reasonable shape the hike should not take you longer than 30 minutes, only 15 if you're used to hiking a lot. 

The lake area itself can keep you occupied most of the day if you wish.  Shooting the gnarled trees which surround the shore, with snow capped backdrops or flowered cliffs (seasonal), is always good for some keepers.   There is a rugged "trail" which makes it's way around the lake to the left until you reach some very steep cliff sides. 

Beware!

You might be enticed to try and traverse the far side (West) of the lake.  I advise you not to.  Even if you are all sorts of kick ass at navigating terrain.   The terrain is much more rugged and difficult than it looks as you make your way toward it.  The underbrush is hugely thick, the ground is very loose and you will be forced to cross three avalanche shoots that don't look like much until you are too far in to turn around.  Do yourself a favor and don't do it.

So what should you do? 

There are three good options from the base lake. 

1. Head directly up the side of lake's West mountain front.  Keep to the grass areas left of the cliff fronts described above.  This is a VERY steep hike and will require you to get on all fours at times.  But after about 20 minutes you will reach the top and WOW! the view will blow your mind.  Seeing the glacier and crystal water lake below you with multi-range views in all directions.  Not to mention a nice "valley" in the sky which tend to have lots of small tundra flowers during the summer.   Note: coming back down is even worse.
2. Want something easier?  Try climbing the small "rock topped" mountain on the front side of the lake.  It's an easy climb for anyone in shape and only takes 10 minutes or so.  Once you reach the top you can relax on some big boulders and soak in the view.  You're not nearly as high above the lake but it's a good alternative.
3. Finally (and most popular) is to head up the glacier itself.  You may be able to do this without actually hiking in snow depending on what time of year you are visiting.  The hike is relatively steep but not exceptionally difficult (keeping in mind difficulty is relative).   Head to the North side of the lake and you will be able to see where others have been hiking.  As you acend the glacier you will want to make sure to stop and turn around often as there are many occasions to pull out the camera and get some big scene shots with the lake and glacial snow as your foreground. 
   
   Continuing up the glacier you will eventually run out of snow, but that doesn't mean you should stop hiking.  If you make your way to the very top which can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes (not counting your photo stops), you will eventually come to something which looks a bit out of place.  You will find yourself in a grassy plain (full of flowers in the summer).  It looks like something that should be at low elevation but believe me you are plenty high above treeline.  You will find some very interesting rock cropping sitting in the middle of the grass which make for cool "stone hing" type photos.  You'll also find some very expansive views.
   
   Keep in mind this is a glacier (it's there all year), but it's not exactly big or impressive like something you'd see in National Geographic.  It varies in size but I don't think I've ever seen it larger than about 300 yards long in the summer.   It's long enough for skiers who need a fix to hike up and make some turns in the middle of August.  This makes for fun photos.  Rocky mountains with grass and flowers surrounding a long stip of snow with a skier on it.

Note:  On the West side of the lake, just before reaching the afore mentioned "beware" area.  There is a small rock cropping about 30 feet above the lake.  Often daring folks come to "cliff jump" from this rock into the water below.  This can make for some really fun photo oops.  And of course you may want to try it yourself.  I cannot recommend this of course because it is not without it's dangers.  Many people have died doing this due to the severe shock of hitting such cold water (along with the obvious dangers of jumping from 30 feet).  But nevertheless, people continue to do it anyway.