alpine lake hikes

Best Hikes near Denver - Saint Mary's Glacier Hike, Colorado

Best Hikes near Denver - Saint Mary's Glacier Hike, Colorado

Saint Mary’s Glacier is an easy 2.4 mile round trip hike with about 1,030 ft of elevation gain. It’s in Idaho Springs and about 45 minutes from Downtown Denver. Saint Mary’s has a glacier that has snow year round. Sometimes people will be skiing in August like they were when I last visited! There is a $5 cash fee to park in the lot and the views are worth any payment. The colors from the wildflowers in the summer are so lush. The lake is cold, but good for cliff jumping and swimming. There is a stream of water from the snowmelt near the glacier with lots of nice places to sit and enjoy the views. I love coming to this place to hike in different seasons throughout the year. This is a great hike to take visitors from out of town for beautiful views in a short distance. The drive up to the parking lot is gorgeous too!

Chinns Lake Colorado

Chinns Lake Colorado

This lake is beautiful and can be accessed by car or by hiking up. If driving up, you definitely need a higher lifted vehicle and a ton of confidence in your driving. The road is as narrow as a hiking trail and there is a chance you’ll see another car and have to try to squeeze past them on the cliff side. Parking is also limited at the top. Although I drove up this trail, I would recommend hiking the 2 or 3 miles for peace of mind. There are several camping spots at the top around the lake. Gorgeous views, open sky and a cool dilapidated cabin in the water.

Boulder, CO Documentary Photographer - 2025