Parked in the car park for $5 and then a short walk along the road before starting the upward hike. It's 20-30 mins walk through forest over rubble before you get to the lake. Stunning views when you get there. Can continue up to the Glacier for even better views. Great hike, good for families and a highlight of our trip.

5 stars for the beauty, but the parking is getting pricey these days. It’s $10 or $20 depending on where you park. (Hoping the money goes toward maintenance.) Our hike from the $20 lot and keeping right without going all around the lake was 1.5 miles. I’d rate this as moderate but it’s rocky leading up to the lake, so keep that in mind.

St. Mary’s Glacier is an absolute gem! The hike up to the glacier is stunning, with picturesque views at every turn. Once you reach the top, the sight of the glacier surrounded by the rugged mountains is simply breathtaking. The trail is well-marked and suitable for various skill levels, making it accessible for families and solo hikers alike. Whether you’re here for the hike or to enjoy some snow play, it’s a magical spot that’s worth every step. Don’t forget your camera! This is nature at its finest.

A bit of a tough hike to get up to the lake (all big rock uphill) and see St Mary's Glacier which technically is not a Glacier, but still a beautiful scenery to witness in late July. Elevation is around 11.000 feet and the air is nice and crisp. I suggest you bring a light wind breaker as the hike route is something of a wind tunnel and it can get a little chilly. Plus at any given moment a storm might develop out of nowhere and you will be running for cover (you don't want to be in that situation).

We visited friends and Denver and heard great things about the view of this hiking attraction and it didn’t disappoint. Recommend getting there early (before 9:30am) to increase your chances of getting a parking spot and able to leave before the parking lot chaos starts. The hike itself was pretty moderate it’s just more difficult if someone never exercises typically and if they’re not used to the higher altitude thinner air. I would definitely return next time I’m visiting the mile-high city

Photos don't do it justice. Slightly difficult with the loose rocks to hike over but overall and easier hike. Well worth it

Beautiful Alice and extremely fun to hike and swim!

One of the most gorgeous hikes! And not too difficult. My 7 & 8 year old kids were able to make it to the top. And we saw three moose! Two adults and a baby. Definitely recommend checking it out!

If ALL you have is 1 day. Excellent quick trip. 1 hr from Denver. Easy to slight moderate 1 mile hike (20 -30 minutes or so) to the lake, and you can go a bit more to the glacier base. Amazing views! Use spikes to comfortably walk in the winter. $20 parking at the trailhead

An absolute favorite of mine. The view is always incredible. If you go, I would get there before eight because the parking lot fills up by nine. The hike is not fairly easy and short, and by no means a moderate hike. If you can climb stairs, you can do this hike and maneuver the boulders or large rocks you have to step around on the trail. If you do go, please remember to leave the place nicer than you found it. Bring out what you take in.

If you're fit, this is a good hike on the shorter side. Definitely steep. We had snowshoes and a perfect condition day (lots of sun, minimal to no wind). We saw people wearing just spikes - some seem fine while others didn't really go to the top. You definitely will go up faster with snowshoes. Path was well packed and marked due to the high traffic. Lots of people on a Sunday. We arrived at 10:30, and there were two parking spots left. With patience, you can wait for one to open up. Parking is $5, which you pay by putting cash in an envelope (proof on your windshield). Will come back when it's less crowded as I bet it's more spectacular. Photos don't do justice.

This is not at all a difficult hike if you're in reasonably good shape. Important for winter campers: do NOT pitch your tent anywhere near the water in winter! There are regular slides off the snow slope (it's just an ice field, not a glacier), and some of them are big enough to hit the lake and cause massive multi-ton blocks of ice to explode far up into the normal camping area. (Picture shows the frozen lake below the top of the slope.)

Hiked St Mary’s glacier summer, mid July in the afternoon- being weekend there was a considerable crowd but was able to find parking easily. You need to deposit $20 either in cash or cheque in the box at the lot. For the views and the hike in overall I had no qualms paying that. - Very rocky during the ascent in the initial 0.5 miles so make sure you have good footing; poles would be useful even though I didn’t use any -Some folks were skiing in the glacier so I guess that’s still a thing even mid-sunmer - Stunning views of the glacier and lake 10/10 trail

Such a beautiful spot! Still snowy in some spots on the way up but nothing too difficult. $20 to park was a little much to me, and there wasn’t anyone there to make sure we paid, so I thought that was odd.

Spent a lovely few hours here hiking, looking at the scenery and just taking in the wonders of this beautiful place. Hike was a little bit of a climb for an old guy from Chicago but nothing too hard. My wife and I really enjoyed the scenery and the natural beauty here.

Want some summer skiing? Saint Mary’s glacier still has snow! Short hike in and lots of fun. You might even run into a keg of beer in the lake so be nice to everyone. They might just offer you a beer.

Like most vistas in Colorado, this easy half mile hike from the trailhead can be most rewarding. However this is also it's undoing. Hoards of people seeking a quick Rocky Mountain High swarm this place. Unmarked trails encourage novice hikers to stomp new trails damaging wildlife and accelerating erosion. The glacier in September is only a figment of one. Backpackers will enjoy the extensive network of trails beyond this "glacier".

The view was breathtaking, it’s a long way there so make sure you wear the appropriate shoes, although it’s a really nice experience with great views, perfect for families and people with pets too!

This was the first time I had been up there with so little snow. It is a short little hike that is close to denver with a small alpine lake on the top. Makes for great pictures

Beautiful place. Sadly, the glacier continues to shrink.....

This is probably a 1.5 short hike but you may takr a few breaks. The views are stunning. I recommend to go early, it can get crowded. One of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado.

Paying is double edged sword, I loved it but won’t recommend and won’t return

Amazing Parking is 20 dollars all day. Worth every dollar.

This was my first time ever hiking. It was such a rough park to get to the glacier but it is well worth it. It was one of the best experiences of my life with my child and her classmates. We enjoyed the view and sliding down the glacier. If you like outdoors and a great view, this is definitely a place to visit!!!! So grateful we got to experience this

We love this short but breathtaking (literally) hike. When you get up high and look back over the views are some of the best around. You do have to go very early as it gets really crowded. Take yak tracks too if you plan on climbing over the ice.

Very beautiful place. Bring cash for parking ($5 as of August 2020). It used the old system where you put money in envelop. No credit card. Unless you want to pay more for parking, exact change is required.

My friends and I visited St Mary's Glacier as part of a guided Colorado tour created by Tyler with Adventure Colorado Tours. We hiked up the mountain in early June. As east coasters, we were not used to the altitude in Colorado, so we had to take several breaks. It was most certainly worth the effort. We took a plunge in the ice cold glacier water and saw one of the largest chipmunks I'd ever seen. This is certainly a must-see!

A nice hike to the lake and beyond. Looks totally different in November. The lake was frozen and I was able to walk on the lake. Bring your spikes, will be helpful.

Wonderful and relatively easy hike. It’s a steady incline and at 10,000 feet of elevation it can be a little difficult but it’s worth the panting. Parking has a $5 fee - be sure to pay it. Parking Lot #1 is just past the trail head and lot #2 is larger and just before the trail head. Bathrooms are in the middle of parking lot #2. Trail head is pretty obvious, right off the road. It starts on an obvious dirt road. Great hike. It took me 20 minutes from the trail head to get to the glacier and 10 minutes to get down. Love it.

One of the perks of living in Colorado is to hike a short, semi steep but beginner friendly trail with beautiful views like this! Once you climb up towards the glacier, sit on one of the rocks for a while. The view reminds me of one of Bob Ross’ paintings and it was amazing.

Gorgeous hike. You will need $20 cash to park, and know there are only 2 smallish lots with porta potties at both locations. In the winter, you can easily hike to the frozen lake without micro spikes, but if you want to get to the glacier I highly recommend them. Dog-friendly hike with only one small(~10') metal bridge past the frozen lake where you'll want to pick the pup up.

It's a really beautiful hike that is very beginner friendly! The trail isn't too steep and the hike was less than an hour. The views are spectacular, not just of the lake and glacier at the top, but also of the surrounding mountains. Definitely worth the drive out. Be aware parking gets full so plan to arrive earlier!