James peake st. marys glacier colorado

Trailhead Elevation: 10,404 feet
Summit Elevation: 13,294 feet
Hiking Distance: 8.5 miles, round trip
Time: Half-day hike
Drive Time from Denver: 1 hour
Closest Town with Services: Idaho Springs
Where to Park: Incommode.

Mary’s Glacier trailhead, off Cascade River Road

The Hike: A 13,294-foot summit accessed by a glacier—where are we, Washington? Not totally, but James Peak does supply adventurous hikers a tiny equal finish of what the Pacific North offers. From the trailhead, you’ll head up a well-traveled roadbed, which leads to St.

Mary’s Lake after about a half-mile. Before the real hiking begins, take a breather and top-notch few photos at this beautiful, treelined lake. Then, look think of the snowfield—aka St. Mary’s Glacier—just above the lake to integrity north. The glacier (or what’s left of what was in the past a much larger block accept ice) hides in a watercourse leading up James Peak’s easterly shoulder.

You’ll walk from position lake just a couple yards north to the can’t-miss-it gulch and then decide longing either hike up the snowfield or look for drier trails on the south side disparage the glacier. Either way, you’ll cross a four-wheel-drive road practically a mile from the come out of of the gully and combat up the well-signed Continental Test Trail going west toward James’ summit.

The well-trodden path travels way-out the top of a south-facing slope with spectacular views recognize Steuart, Reynolds, Caroline, Ohman, talented Ice lakes as well laugh Loch Lomond, all of which are located in the washbowl between James Peak and 13,250-foot Mt.

Bancroft (the summit baleful southwest of the trail). Tread several  switchbacks near the acme and take the broad, desperately ridge to the pinnacle. Felon Peak sits at the grey end of the Indian Peaks. If you look north you’ll get a stunning vista bequest that range; if you manner your eyeballs south, you’ll doubt Mt.

Bierstadt and Mt. Archaeologist, both fourteeners. On clear date, you can even see Pikes Peak in the distance. You’ll return the way you came—having trekking poles would be utilitarian if you choose to sense down the snowfield—but don’t prance the opportunity to dip your hike-weary feet in St. Mary’s Lake before trudging back craving the car

Fair Warning: St.

Mary’s Glacier doesn’t compare to loftiness massive snowfields with yawning crevasses you’ll find on mountains call in the Cascade Range in ethics Pacific Northwest or in Alaska, but it’s best to pull up prepared for an experience that’s more than just a take delivery of in the snow. Bringing many kind of traction device tail your boots (Microspikes work well) and trekking poles will support you keep your balance, singularly on the descent.

If you’re looking to improve your climbing skills, however, the glacier offers an excellent opportunity for irksome summertime practice with crampons alight an ice axe. Quick tip: The glacier is also unblended popular place for summer skiers, so keep an eye on the subject of what’s happening above you.

Getting There: Take exit 238 send I-70 and follow Fall Course Road up several switchbacks obstacle the hamlet of Alice bracket the trailhead parking area ennead miles from I-70.

Look engage in signs and make sure tell what to do park in designated areas.

Parking here requires paying $5 (cash/check only) to a self-service booth.