No matter your skill level or trail preference, you know that you can find a perfect hike here in the Centennial State! If you are looking for something that is short, sweet, and still stunning, however, there is one place in particular that you will want to check out, which is the beautiful St. Mary’s Glacier:

Located just off I-70 near the town of Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier and Lake is a stunning hike that is not only beautiful but downright unique.
AllTrails/Andy Lai
Nestled away within the Arapaho National Forest, St. Mary's is a short and sweet 1 1/2 mile out-and-back trail that ushers hikers through beautiful mountainscapes to the pièce de résistance: the pristinely blue waters of St. Mary's Lake. 
TripAdvisor/Management
While the snow may be long gone around other parts of Colorado, it is still as cold as ever at St. Mary's, thanks to the high elevation and cooler temperatures.
TripAdvisor/Dustin Scott

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Not only will you see snow during this short and sweet summer hike, but maybe even some ice atop St. Mary's Lake! 
AllTrails/Kaitlyn Torres
In addition to the lake, St. Mary's also boasts jaw-dropping panoramic views of the surrounding trees, boulders, and cliffs.
TripAdvisor/romanpiekosz
St. Mary's Glacier Trailhead can be found via 7599 Fall River Rd (just 9.2 miles north of Idaho Springs). 
TripAdvisor/romanpiekosz
To learn more about all there is to see and do around Arapaho National Forest - including current conditions and other updates - please visit the USDA Forest Service's website.
TripAdvisor/dguthrie19

One of our amazing readers asked us to feature St. Mary’s Lake and Glacier! Do you have a favorite attraction, event, or restaurant that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Remember to nominate it here! For even more must-try summer hikes, check out these 6 Easy-Access Colorado Waterfalls That Are Perfect For A Summer Adventure.

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St. Mary's Glacier, Colorado 80452, USA