St. Mary's Lake, Glacier, and James Peak Colorado 13er Dayhike

St. Mary’s Glacier is a moderate 2-mile trek. James Peak requires 10 miles round-trip and is difficult.
Starting at 10,300 feet, you will climb 900 feet to the top of the snowfield (depending on melt-out) or around 3,000 feet to the top of James Peak. Avalanche danger is usually lower if you arrive very early and leave early - wet-snow avalanches are more prevalent in the late afternoon, but they can happen anytime.
Directions: Take Interstate 70 west from Denver, approximately 30 miles, past Idaho Springs to the Fall River Road/St. Mary’s Alice exit 238 (County Road 275). Follow the signs approximately 8 miles to the parking area. Parking costs $5.