Home / Engagement Locations / Colorado / St. Mary's Glacier
St. Mary’s Glacier is a mountain engagement photo location featuring a variety of wildflowers, a high mountain lake and year round glacier less than an hour from Denver.
Located just up the road from nearby Idaho Springs, St. Mary’s Glacier is a great engagement location for a couple who is up for a hike and adventure. The climb from the parking lot isn’t difficult but you’ll definitely get a glute workout hiking up the rock garden about 800 vertical feet to reach the glacier. If you’re fit and used to the altitude it should take around 25 minutes.
Once you’re done climbing you’ll be treated to a variety of scenes and vegetation. It’s surreal to experience old, windblown trees and wildflowers all in one location. The lake and glaciers add to the mountain feel. The weather can change quickly so make sure you pack layers.
Parking is $5, cash only. Be sure to only park in the designated lots, otherwise you might get towed.
VENUE DETAILS
Location: 39° 50' 10.2"N, 105° 38' 59.35"W
Nearest Town: Idaho Springs
Elevation: 11,236 ft.
Permit: Not Required
WHY WE LOVE IT
It's hard to get everything that this location offers so close to Denver. It's only 55 minutes from Denver and during the week it's pretty quiet. Late summer is my favorite time to visit this location because it features the greatest variety in the surrounding vegetation.
