Saint Mary's Glacier

Saint Mary's Glacier is a semi-permanent snowfield in the Arapaho National Forest that persists year-round at high elevation. The trail winds through forest and leads to an alpine lake surrounded by rocky mountain faces and open slopes.

The site was initially classified as a glacier but was later reclassified as a semi-permanent snowfield based on its stationary nature. This change reflected scientific understanding that the frozen area does not move or flow like a true glacier.

The site draws people who want to experience the high mountain landscape and its working snow environment. Visitors come to walk through the forest and see how the natural setting changes with the seasons.

The trail is accessible year-round, though sturdy footwear is essential for the uneven and rocky terrain. Snow coverage can make some sections slippery in warmer months, so visitors should gauge their fitness level and prepare accordingly for the elevation gain.

The snowfield persists at an elevation where most surrounding mountain areas become snow-free during summer. This allows visitors to experience a frozen landscape even during the warmer months of the year.