The best walks and hikes around St. Mary's
4.9
(11)
662
hikers
28
hikes
Hiking around St. Mary's offers access to high-alpine environments within the Arapaho National Forest and James Peak Wilderness. The region is characterized by rugged mountain peaks, subalpine lakes, and dense coniferous forests. Trails often lead to glacial features and provide panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Best hiking trails around St. Mary's
- The most popular hiking route is Saint Mary's Glacier β Arapaho National Forest, a 2.0 miles (3.2 km) trail that takes 1 hour 18 minutes to complete. This moderate route leads to a prominent glacier within the national forest.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is James Peak Trail β James Peak Wilderness, a difficult 8.1 miles (13.0 km) path. This trail ascends to a significant mountain peak within the designated wilderness area.
- Local hikers also love the Loch Lomond Trail β Arapaho National Forest, a 4.6 miles (7.4 km) trail leading through alpine terrain to a scenic lake, often completed in about 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Hiking around St. Mary's is defined by high mountain passes, glacial lakes, and extensive wilderness areas. The network offers options for various ability levels, from moderate climbs to challenging summit attempts.
- The routes in St. Mary's are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 500 hikers have used komoot to explore St. Mary's's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
4
hikers
8.11km
03:41
930m
80m
Hike the challenging James Peak Trail for 5.0 miles (8.1 km) through diverse alpine terrain to a 13,294-foot summit with panoramic views.
3
hikers
1.25km
00:33
160m
0m
Hike the moderate St. Mary's Glacier Trail to an alpine lake and snowfield, offering panoramic views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
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5.44km
02:01
450m
110m
Hike the Kingston Spur East via St. Mary's Glacier for a moderate 3.4-mile route with alpine views and a semi-permanent snowfield.
4.78km
01:38
300m
190m
Hike the moderate 3.0-mile Kingston Peak Trail for panoramic views of Colorado fourteeners and alpine lakes in the Arapaho National Forest.
63
hikers
3.18km
01:18
200m
200m
Hike the moderate 2.0-mile St. Mary's Glacier Trail in Arapaho National Forest, featuring an alpine lake and year-round snowfield.
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Popular around St. Mary's
Tips from the Community
James Peak is a 13,294-foot summit in the James Peak Wilderness. The Ute Trail and James Peak trail carry you to the ridge, which is steep at times but never calls for more than class 1 travel. There are numerous other 12,000 and 13,000 foot peaks in this area of the wilderness, and there is a multitude of alpine lakes in the surrounding basins.
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The trail up to Saint Mary's Lake is a wide gravel road and is steep but not technical. Once you get past the glacier the trail becomes a highland singletrack. Here you escape the crowds and are rewarded with serene alpine scenery.
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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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Saint Mary's Glacier actually isn't a glacier at all; it's simply a snowfield that doesn't completely melt in the warmer months. The persistence of snow throughout the year caused people to start referring to the snow mass as a glacier, but it isn't actually moving down the valley (which is the distinguishing feature of a glacier). This is still a cool feature to come check out any time of year.
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Saint Mary's Glacier actually isn't a glacier at all; it's simply a snowfield that doesn't completely melt in the warmer months. The persistence of snow throughout the year caused people to start referring to the snow mass as a glacier, but it isn't actually moving down the valley (which is the distinguishing feature of a glacier). This is still a cool feature to come check out any time of year.
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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.
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James Peak is a 13,294-foot summit in the James Peak Wilderness. The Ute Trail and James Peak trail carry you to the ridge, which is steep at times but never calls for more than class 1 travel. There are numerous other 12,000 and 13,000 foot peaks in this area of the wilderness, and there is a multitude of alpine lakes in the surrounding basins.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around St. Mary's?
There are over 20 hiking trails in the St. Mary's area, offering a range of experiences from moderate climbs to challenging summit attempts within the Arapaho National Forest and James Peak Wilderness.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families in St. Mary's?
Yes, St. Mary's offers several easy trails. For example, the Loch Lomond & Upper Lakes Trail loop β Arapaho National Forest is an easy option, covering about 3.5 km. In total, there are 4 easy routes available.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in St. Mary's?
Hiking in St. Mary's will take you through high-alpine environments, characterized by rugged mountain peaks, subalpine lakes, and dense coniferous forests. Many trails lead to impressive glacial features and offer panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Are there any circular hiking routes in St. Mary's?
Yes, there are circular routes available. The Ute Trail & James Peak Trail loop β James Peak Wilderness is a challenging 12.2 km loop. For an easier option, consider the Loch Lomond & Upper Lakes Trail loop β Arapaho National Forest.
What are some notable natural attractions or landmarks to see along the trails?
Hikers can explore several natural attractions. You might encounter Saint Mary's Lake or Little Echo Lake. For those seeking summits, James Peak and Mount Flora are prominent features. Additionally, Berthoud Pass offers scenic views.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in St. Mary's?
The trails in St. Mary's are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 10 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning high-alpine scenery, the challenge of summit attempts, and the beauty of the glacial lakes.
Are there any trails that lead to a glacier in St. Mary's?
Yes, the Saint Mary's Glacier β Arapaho National Forest route is a popular moderate trail that leads directly to a prominent glacier within the national forest.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in St. Mary's?
Given the high-alpine environment, the best time for hiking in St. Mary's is typically during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn, when trails are generally free of snow and accessible. Winter hiking is possible but requires specialized gear and experience due to snow and ice conditions.
Can I expect to see wildlife while hiking in St. Mary's?
As the area is part of the Arapaho National Forest and James Peak Wilderness, there are opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for various alpine species, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Are there any trails that feature lakes in St. Mary's?
Absolutely. The Loch Lomond Trail β Arapaho National Forest leads through alpine terrain to the scenic Loch Lomond. Other trails also provide access to lakes like Saint Mary's Lake and Little Echo Lake.
What is the most challenging hike available in St. Mary's?
For a significant challenge, the James Peak Trail β James Peak Wilderness is a difficult 13 km path that ascends to a major mountain peak, offering substantial elevation gain and panoramic views.
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