Saint Mary's Lake is fed by the melting Saint Mary's Glacier. There is a paid parking area below the lake with restrooms and informational signs. The hike up to the lake is extremely popular, but the further you push past the lake, the fewer people you will encounter.

Melissa Foerster

November 9, 2023

Running

Fed by the snowmelt of Saint Mary's Glacier, this alpine lake is set in stunning scenery just half a mile from the parking area. The beginning of the trail is often heavily trafficked with hikers and other runners, but the further you continue past the lake, the quieter the trail becomes.

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Best Hikes to Saint Mary's Lake

hikers

1. Saint Mary's Glacier — Arapaho National Forest

3.18km

01:18

200m

Alpine hike to a year-round snowfield where skiers climb past a mirror-like glacial lake.

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Moderate

5.0

(3)

hikers

2. James Peak Trail — James Peak Wilderness

13.0km

05:35

870m

Alpine adventure crossing Saint Mary's Snowfield to a 13,294-foot summit with 360-degree views.

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Hard

5.0

(1)

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3. Saint Mary's Lake – Saint Mary's Snowfield loop from Empire

8.69km

03:04

470m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 3,270 m

Weather

Today

Friday 30 January

-8°C

-15°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

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Location: Clear Creek County, Colorado, United States

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Saint Mary's Lake

1. Saint Mary's Glacier — Arapaho National Forest

2. James Peak Trail — James Peak Wilderness

3. Saint Mary's Lake – Saint Mary's Snowfield loop from Empire

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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