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St. Mary's Glacier Review

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St. Mary's Glacier

Address: I-70 Exit 238, west of Idaho Springs., Idaho Springs, CO

Category: Viewpoints
Location: Idaho Springs

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Fodor's Review:

St. Mary's Glacier is a vision of alpine splendor. From the exit, it's a beautiful 10-mi drive up to a forested hanging valley to the glacier trailhead. The glacier, technically a large snowfield compacted in a mountain saddle at the timberline, is thought to be the southernmost glacier in the United States. During drought years it all but vanishes; a wet winter creates a wonderful Ice Age playground throughout the following summer. Most visitors are content to make the steep 0.75-mi hike on a rock-strewn path up to the base of the glacier to admire the snowfield and sparkling sapphire lake. The intrepid hiker can climb up the rocky right-hand side of the snowfield to a plateau less than a mile above for sweeping views of the Continental Divide. Because of its proximity to Denver, St. Mary's Glacier is a popular weekend getaway for summer hikers, snowboarders, and skiers. There are no facilities or parking, except for a rough pull-out area near the base of the trail, and you risk a ticket if you park on private property. Don't look for a St. Mary's Glacier sign on I-70; it has been replaced with the Fall River Road/Alice sign.

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