St. Mary's Glacier — Local services in Four Corners States

Went on a Friday morning. Arrived at 0800 and only 2 other cars were there total in all 3 parking lots. There was ample parking when we arrived. There are 2 lots on the same side as the trail head and a newer lot right across the road from the trail head. All 3 parking lots that we saw were $20 per calendar day. There were signs for $10 lots but we could not find them. You can pay with cash at the lots on the same side of the road as the trailhead. You can also pay with credit card at all 3 locations using the link provided on the signage in each lot. We brought cash in case as cellular signal is not the best.

The hike up has some good elevation gain. The first 75% of the trail is all uphill with many loose rocks. It can get tiring for the average person but there are so much scenic views to see all around that you barely notice you're tired. With that said, people with mobility issues should proceed with caution as there are no paved areas. The trail is very wide with lots of areas you can pull to the side and let others pass. From the trail head to the lake took us 23 minutes with many stops for pictures and to give our dog some water.

The lake and whole area at the top is absolutely breathtaking. I would recommend going first thing in the morning so there's not much people around. There is a lot of space to spread out once you're up there, but it did start to pick up when we decided to leave after about 2 hours up there. Don't forget to explore the many other side trails while up there and if you want, you can continue up further to the...

St. Mary’s Glacier is a “must-hike” in Colorado. While access is steep and extremely rocky it is well worth the effort to make it to the snow field. The panoramic views are quintessential Colorado back country. There is an idyllic lake framed by mountains and accented by a streak of snow.

Yes, there is a $20 parking fee - BUT - this is private property. It is not a county, state or federal park. There are two parking areas flanking both sides of the trailhead. You can pay the parking fee on your smartphone or by putting cash in one of the envelopes provided with your license plate written on it.

The trail to St. Mary’s lake and the “glacier” beyond is wide but strewn with rocks and boulders of all sizes. You have to carefully pick your way among the obstacles which makes a short hike slower than you would expect.

Elevation gain is about 560 feet. Since wending your way through the rocks takes time the hike doesn’t seem as taxing as a nice single track trail might be.

Once you get to the lake you can’t help but smile. It is a classic mountain lake that reflects the beauty of its surroundings.

The snow field itself is both amazing and a bit concerning at the same time. Since it doesn’t move it technically is not a glacier. It is a permanent snow field. The concern stems from climate change and the fact that there is less and less of the snow field that makes it to the replenishment cycle each year.

Do yourself a favor. Visit St. Mary’s so you can say you saw it...

I just went this past Sunday (May the Fourth, 2025). I read the reviews and while most people find the rocks at the beginning the most challenging and it becomes easier after, I find those rocks super easy, I find the big rocks at the top harder but manageable, and I find the easy part the hardest simply because I was unprepared.

Coming from the hot Texas, and having lived in New York for 6 years, I did not expect so much ice on the ground. I had no spikes, no poles, no hiking shoes, I was wearing worn sneakers. To make it worse, I was hiking at 5 am without a flash light because I was trying to catch the sunrise. I got off trail at some point, slid a lot, dropped my feet into tree holes a few times, and almost gave up. Until I found the trail again and was able to step on footprints...

I am pretty sure many people have done this, not recommended for the average walker, and not recommended doing alone at 5am like I did, but I continued past the lake to hike up to the rocky peak (I have a fear of height so I had to motivate myself a few times, it is a bit narrow up there). The 360 view is stunning. I was also able to walk on the lake a bit where the ice looks completely white and not clear. Super fun. I am sure summertime offers a different type of magnificence.

Also, do not park at the $20 ski lot, go just a bit further to Silver Lake for the $10 St Mary's Glacier Parking Lot. Very...