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The approach to ski the glacier.


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Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.1

KM

Ascent

11,375' 3,467 m

High

10,390' 3,167 m

Low

985' 300 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

14%

Avg Slope (8°)

41%

Max Slope (22°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Description

The Saint Mary's Glacier Trailhead is a short walk from the parking (parking is just north and just south of the trailhead along the road). Parking is $20 per day.

The approach is a very well traveled, yet rocky approach. You can expect to see lots of people from the Front Range (during the spring / summer / fall). Most are just hiking, not actually skiing the glacier.

During most of the year, you can expect to be carrying your equipment until you get to the base of the glacier (which is above and to lookers right of the lake). There are some chutes you can ski (above the lake), but these can be quite dangerous (avalanche, rockfall, inability to stop) at times.

The glacier is approximately 0.75 miles from the trailhead. From the parking lot to the top of the glacier is just under 1,000 feet in ascent. This is a great place to get in shape and practice for bigger ascents.

Note: Storms do roll in pretty quickly, so be prepared for weather (don't let the droves of unprepared city slickers hiking up in shorts and a t-shirt while a thunderstorm is rolling in fool you).

Shared By:

Eric Internicola with improvements by Hailey Tatum

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 6 votes

#5

in Indian Peaks

#301

Overall
  3.5 from 6 votes
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Ascent Rankings

#5

in Indian Peaks

#89

in Colorado

#301

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Photos

St. Marys
May 1, 2018 near Central…, CO
Pow on the steep lower glacier.
Jan 20, 2023 near Central…, CO
Skiing Lower St Mary's on September26, 2020.  Shredtember Suncup turns.
Oct 11, 2020 near Central…, CO
Near the base of Saint Mary's Glacier (looking back at the lake).  Photo position is lookers right, above the lake.
Mar 14, 2015 near Central…, CO
Saint Mary's Glacier (Beta Photo).  When there's lots of snow, you can even ski lookers-left of the glacier.  (Note: The glacier is off to the right, beyond this photo.
Mar 14, 2015 near Central…, CO
Saint Mary's Glacier Trailhead.  This is what much of the approach is like, dirt and rocks.  Wear good hiking shoes!
Mar 14, 2015 near Central…, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 97 days ago
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