### **High alpine views with a short hike (and maybe some sledding)!**

* **Date:** Saturday, February 7, 2026
* **Time:** 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
* **Location:** [St. Mary's Glacier Trailhead, Idaho Springs, CO](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.google.com/maps/search/%3Fapi%3D1%26query%3DSt%2BMarys%2BGlacier%2BTrailhead\&authuser=2)
* **Activity Level:** 🟡 Moderate (Short distance, high altitude)

**The Overview**:

Want that "top of the world" feeling without an 8-hour trek? St. Mary’s Glacier is the answer. Located near Idaho Springs, this hike takes us up to a stunning frozen lake and a permanent snowfield at over 10,000 feet.

It is often windy but incredibly beautiful. The best part? The way down! Many locals bring plastic sleds or wear waterproof pants to "glissade" (slide on your butt) down the snowfield. Whether you slide or walk, it’s guaranteed fun.

**The Stats:**

* **Distance:** \~1.5 miles Round Trip.
* **Elevation Gain:** \~1,000 ft (Short but steep).
* **Difficulty:** Moderate.
* **Altitude:** Starts at 10,400 ft.

**The Plan:**

* **9:00 AM:** Meet at the St. Mary's Glacier Trailhead Parking Lot (Alice Road).
* **9:15 AM:** Begin the ascent.
* **10:15 AM:** Arrive at the lake/glacier base. Hang out, take photos, and watch the skiers/boarders.
* **11:30 AM:** Head back down (slide or hike!).
* **12:30 PM:** (Optional) Meet at **Beau Jo’s Pizza** in Idaho Springs for post-hike lunch.

**Logistics & Community Support:**

* **Carpooling:** Highly recommended as parking is $20/car! Carpooling is available for a small donation of $8 for gas.
* **Drivers Needed:** If you can drive folks, please let us know at [contact@soberoutdoors.org](mailto:contact@soberoutdoors.org)and we'd love to support you by **buying you a tank of gas**!
* **Need Gear?** Windbreakers and spikes are useful here. Visit our [**Gear Valet**](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.soberoutdoors.org/gear-valet\&authuser=2)\*\*\*\* to rent what you need! We are looking for sled options but please plan on bringing your own!
* **Scholarships:** Scholarships are available for those in need.

**What to Bring**

* **CASH FOR PARKING:** The trailhead kiosk is **$20 CASH ONLY**.
* Windbreaker: It is almost always windy at the lake.
* **Traction:** The trail is packed snow/ice. Spikes are necessary. Cue [Gear Valet](www.soberoutdoors.org/gear-valet)!
* Sled: Optional, but highly encouraged!

**RSVP:**

RSVP today as spots will fill up FAST!&#x20;

Kid-friendly

Recovery

Skiing

Social

Outdoor

Hiking

Dog friendly

Water

Sober

St. Mary’s Glacier: Glissade & Chill!

Denver

Rock climbing

Meditation

Cycling

Golf

Swimming

Obstacle Racing

Food

Workshop 

Singles Only

Kayaking  

Retreat 

Rucking

Men Only

Surfing

Qi Gong 

Yoga

Sound Bath

Moms

Ladies only

Young professionals

Rowing

Pickleball

Coworking

Walking

Paddle boarding

LGBTQ+

Breathwork

Camping

St. Mary’s Glacier: Glissade & Chill!

About this event

High alpine views with a short hike (and maybe some sledding)!

Cancellation policy