Near James Peak via Saint Mary's Glacier
View looking west from James Peak
Near James Peak via Saint Mary's Glacier
St. Mary's Glacier Lake in October
Near James Peak via Saint Mary's Glacier
April can still bring heavy snow to St. Mary's Lake.
Near James Peak via Saint Mary's Glacier
Yep, that is James Peak behind David. No, you cannot see it.
Near James Peak via Saint Mary's Glacier
St Mary's Lake in December

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

James Peak via Saint Mary's Glacier

4.7 (9 Ratings)
8.2-mile hike of Saint Mary's Glacier and James Peak.
7.9
mi
Distance
2,972
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsFishingLakeRiver/CreekSwimmingViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
James Peak Wilderness Rules apply. Parking on the County Road 275 will get you ticketed.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.94mi
Distance
2,972ft
Elevation Gain
2,972ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
13,312ft
High Point
10,361ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
The trail begins on a wide rocky road - stay left at all the offshoots. You'll quickly ascend and arrive at Saint Mary's Lake. Continue across a bridge and make your way up the glacier. There are multiple options - with good traction you can go straight up the glacier or if you do not have good traction, there are trails along either side of the glacier. Follow the well-defined trail until you come across the jeep road where you'll need to continue straight and cross the tundra - there is not a defined trail. You'll meet at the CDT. From this point, the trail is clearly defined to the summit. As you ascend the trail you'll come into view of Loch Lomond, Ice Lake, Mt. Flora, Bancroft, Perry, and Eva, as well as Mt. Evans, Bierstadt, and Gray's and Torreys to the south. The trail from the tundra basin heads up parallel with the ridge and cuts north just before mile 4. You may need to cross a snow field dependent on the time of year once the trail turns away from the ridge.

Route Conditions

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Some Issues
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All Clear
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All Clear
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Some Issues
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Contributors
Chelsea Taylor