The best walks and hikes around St. Mary's
4.9
(11)
662
hikers
28
hikes
If you have ever tried to plan hiking around St. Mary's, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many trails winding through this stunning high-alpine region, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort. That's where we come in: our komoot community has explored, mapped, and reviewed these trails, so we've curated a shortlist of the very best to save you the guesswork.
Hiking around St. Mary's means rugged mountain peaks, subalpineβ¦
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4
hikers
8.11km
03:41
930m
80m
The James Peak Trail offers a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey through diverse terrain, from subalpine woodlands to open alpine tundras. You'll navigate rocky trails, cross the unique St. Mary'sβ¦
3
hikers
1.25km
00:33
160m
0m
If you're seeking a distinctive alpine experience without an extensive trek, the St. Mary's Glacier Trail offers a memorable journey. This moderate hike takes you through varied terrain, starting inβ¦
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5.44km
02:01
450m
110m
The Kingston Spur East via St. Mary's Glacier offers a diverse hiking experience, transitioning from shaded pine and aspen forests to rugged alpine terrain. You'll pass the beautiful St. Mary'sβ¦
4.78km
01:38
300m
190m
The Kingston Peak Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding high-alpine experience, leading you through rocky terrain above the tree line for much of its 3.0 miles (4.8 km) length. You'llβ¦
63
hikers
3.18km
01:18
200m
200m
The St. Mary's Glacier Trail offers a unique high-alpine experience, leading you through a varied landscape to a stunning semi-permanent snowfield. You'll start in a dense forest of pine andβ¦
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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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