Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Many outdoor organizations and clubs come here to learn snow safety skills, skiers like to lap the snowfield throughout the year, and this is a popular place for tourists. It's difficult to jump more than a few feet away from the side of the cliff and you don't want to slam into it on the way down. Beautiful views. Crazy amounts of wildflowers lined the trail, both near the glacier + the cliff jumping spots. All rights reserved. From food to film, what are the best festivals in the US? Add comment. Cliff jumping is an experience adopted by many adventurous souls seeking extreme ways to enter water. Once I recovered from the cold shock, it was a short swim back to shore. Mary falls / virginia falls is located just 0.3 miles west of sunrift gorge along the gtts road. We even saw some people hiking in with their skis so they could ride down the snow field pretty crazy for July, but hey, this is Colorado! The lake sits at 10,752 feet, just shy of tree line, and the thinning forest is a testament to the elevation.
With a half-mile approach and an elevation gain of only 351 feet to the St. Marys Lake, it is a friendly outing for even the most novice participant. Youll see a sign marking the start of the trail. Especially wind. 36, #1 (January 2020) Adapting to Climate Change, Masthead and Table of Contents, Vol. The story, genealogy, and process of the Papahnaumokukea Marine National Monument Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group Nomenclature Subcommittee | Hkokahalelani Pihana and J. Hauoli Lorenzo-Elarco, Mamalilikulla Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area: From vision to validation | Chief Councillor John Powell, Community Sampling for Ocean Acidification in Southcentral Alaska | Chugach Regional Resources Commission, Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) in Madagascar: Best Practices | MIHARI and Solofo Nandrianina Ralaimihoatra, Kula: Nurturing a generation of Indigenous leadership for marine conservation in Hawaii | Misaki Takabayashi, Pelika Andrade, and Moani Pai, The Gargantuan Arm | A poem by John Freeman, Institute for Parks, People, and Biodiversity, University of California, Berkeley. Work up a sweat on the 1.8-mile loop trail before cooling off in the icy waters. 170. I find that passing the timing researching and writing on random things calms me. Inside this guide to the St Marys Glacier hike youll get local advice about: The Saint Marys Glacier trailhead is open year-round. Want to download or cite this article? You must hike up a rock face about 70 feet (21m) before you can even reach a point to make a dive. As one of the best Colorado hikes, you can ski, sled, and enjoy the snow year-round. Ive always been a nervous jumper. There are two distinct parking areas at the St Marys Glacier Trailhead. Baring falls was OK. All rights reserved, Cliff Jumping at St. Marys Glacier Hannah Cajandig-Taylor, Parks Stewardship Forum The Interdisciplinary Journal of Place-Based Conservation, Volume 38, #3 (September 2022) Cultural Resources & Climate Change, Volume 38, #2 (May 2022) Indigenous Leadership in Marine Conservation, Vol. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. How lucky are those folks that live across the street? Jump heights range from roughly 6 feet (2m) to . Wear sun protection. (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),
At this time the glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) is at its most full. 1K views, 29 likes, 0 loves, 6 comments, 5 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Derek "Switch" Brenon: When you can't find a fight but still need to get your adrenaline fix. Its actually not technically a glacier which is more like a river of ice. Keep going until you come to a clearing and the trees start to thin out. Just down the road is Idaho Springs, a great adventure base thats super-close to Denver. Paid parking. Women's Leadership Committee; Young Farmers Committee; Farm Resources. Over the summer, my friends + I decided to make the easy .75 mile hike up to the glacier + its accompanying lake for a little cliff jumping. Just a short (but a little steep) romp up a hill takes you right into the heart of the mountains. Amazing Alpine Lakes in Colorado Youve Got to Check Out, The Only Guide to Visiting Colorado Youll Ever Need, Where to find the St Marys Glacier trailhead, A step-by-step guide to reach Saint Marys Glacier, Info about the St Marys Glacier in winter, A light jacket (warm, puffy jacket for winter), Toilet kit: TP, shovel, and hand sanitizer, lightweight gloves (heavy winter gloves too for winter), hiking poles (optional, strongly recommended in winter), Driving the Mt Evans Scenic Byway, one of the most, Eating at Smokin Yards BBQ in Idaho Springs, Grabbing a drink at Tommyknockers or Westbound and Down in Idaho Springs. 38 #2 (May 2022), Paddle Song | Erica Jean Reid (Gidin Jaad), We Are Ocean People | Cindy Boyko and Aulani Wilhelm, Welcoming the World to Vancouver in 2023: The Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5), Re-imagining contemporary conservation to support ina Momona: Productive and thriving communities of people, place, and natural resources | Pelika Andrade, Kanoe Morishige, Anthony Mau, Lauren Kapono, and Erik C. Franklin, Bringing Back a Relative: Sea Otter Reintroduction on the Oregon Coast | Robert Bailey and Peter Hatch, indigo dreams | Raechel Wastesicoot (Mein-gun Kwe) and Chase Wastesicoot, Siigee & Our Love for Kaaw as Haida People | Kaayhldaa Xyaalaas (Rayne Boyko), N Hulu Aloha A Precious Remembering: Origin Stories of the Papahnaumokukea Marine National Monument Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group Kiamanu Subcommittee | Hoku Cody, Umi Kai, Mikiala Pescaia, and Jen Waipa, Tuman alaux^ agliisaax^tan (Take care of the ocean): A new vision for Indigenous co-management in marine waters of the US | Marissa Merculieff, Amos Philemonoff, and Lauren Divine, A First Nations approach to addressing climate changeAssessing interrelated key values to identify and address adaptive management for country | Larissa Hale, Karin Gerhardt, Jon C. Day, and Scott F. Heron, Nurturing Coasts: Hala and the Legacy of Mutual Care in Coastal Forests | Gina Kapualanihoapiliokaua McGuire, I Am A Sea Huntress | Hope Napataq Roberts and Ariadne Schablein, N Waa Mau Marine Stewardship Program: Perpetuating the practices of our Kpuna to care for our oceans and strengthen our next generation of marine stewards | Hkokahalelani Pihana, Noelani Puniwai, and Hooululhui Erika Perry, Unsettling marine conservation: Disrupting manifest destiny-based conservation practices through the operationalization of Indigenous value systems | Lara A. Jacobs, Coral B. Avery, Rhode Salonen, and Kathryn D. Champagne, Traditional Foods of Southcentral Alaska | Chugach Regional Resources Commission, A Sea-Skin Song | Gina Kapualanihoapiliokaua McGuire, Hulia: Every place has a story Lets listen | Pelika Andrade and Kanoe Morishige, The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary: An interview with Violet Sage Walker | Margaret Cooney and Violet Sage Walker, HNAU KA PALIHOA, LELE! Arguably one of the best winter hikes in Colorado for beginners, the Saint Marys Glacier hike is a great way to dip your feet into snowy hiking adventures. During the winter months, snowstorms can make the trail difficult to navigate. What are some highly rated beaches in Los Angeles, CA? This offers a great variety of heights ranging from the kid-friendly five feet to the more daring 35 feet. And you know, sometimes you just need to jump off of a cliff! With rapidly changing weather means it can be sunny and hot one minute, then freezing rain the next (yup, its happened to me more than once). For easy access to the alpine just 40 minutes from Denver, youll want to head out on the St. Marys Glacier hike. Its my mission to give you the info you need to explore Colorado like a local, not a tourist. !ReplyCancel, Oh wow, J! If you want to reach one of Maui's most popular locations for cliff jumping, go to, There are plenty of opportunities for cliff jumping into Arizona's, "The Lake" at Saint Mary's Glacier, Colorado, www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Punchbowl_Falls. The suns rays do double damage at higher altitudes. All rights reserved. During the spring, the snow begins to melt and St Marys Lake starts to thaw. This is a review for beaches in Los Angeles, CA: "I came here 3 years ago, didn't have the courage to do that cliff jumping, so I came back here on this spring break, did the 20ft and 30ft jump, it was awesome, this place is defiantly the best camping place with a swimming hole to do cliff jumping in south California. 36, #3 (September 2020) Ocean Literacy, Vol. Making the decision to jump then has become one of my favorite travel memories, + maybe even one of my proudest moments of all time (refer back to the nervous jumper note above). What did people search for similar to cliff jumping in Los Angeles, CA? +1200 to base of the GlacierSeasonsLate Spring to Early Fall How , up a winding mountain road and a 1/2 mile hike though a bouldery trail. Stick to the lower part of the hill for the best sledding at St Marys Glacier. This classic short hike is enhanced with the variable weather characteristic of Colorado winters, and it makes for an excitinghalf-day outing. No rules. A poem in the "Verse in Place" section of Parks Stewardship Forum. The ice and rocks can mean a nasty fall, so if you visit in winter, wear traction such as microspikes to avoid slipping. Cliff diving and jumping is said to have originated in 1770 when Hawaii's King Kajekili commanded his men to leap the island of Lanai's high cliffs and enter the water feet first without splashing in order to prove their courage and loyalty to him. Hiking. Extremely popular among locals, you'll probably make some friends while exploring this area. I am", "No joke, one of the most beautiful beaches I've been to in California. The topography of the land makes this locale particularly dangerous. Over 300 feet of water drop from the waterfall, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the state. while the high spot was about 7.5 "people" tall (~45 feet up?). Payment is due with cash at a self-serve kiosk by each lot. just an easy 1 mile hike to some of the most beautiful falls and really fun jump. More folks join this trail hiking down from the St Mary parking area. 37, #3 (September 2021) Connectivity Conservation, Vol. With a long history of winter access dating back to the 1950s,St. Marys Glacier isa convenient destination to tour or snowshoe and access St. Mary'sLake and the surrounding terrain. Over the summer, my friends + I decided to make the easy .75 mile hike up to the glacier + its accompanying lake for a little cliff jumping. Follow Fall River Road for several miles until you reach the obvious parking lot. Pro Tip: Keep in mind, parking along the road is not allowed and you will get a ticket. More experienced hikers can make it to the top of the snowfield in about 30 to 45 minutes. The camping site", "Neat park area, similar to Griffiths Park. Photo Caption: Looking over the lake at St. Mary's Glacier in Colorado. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Mountain weather changes drastically with very little notice. psf_381_cajandig-taylor_final_web.pdf. Yes. "adore the stretch. Also, apparently it's not actually a 'glacier' but a semi-permanent snowfield. I tried to go in late April and sherif said it was only open to locals. If youre interested in climbing up the snowfield, take a look towards the left. From the lake there are a variety of options for the more adventurous to continue alongtowardJames Peak and the alpine tundra situated above.The terrain above the lake offers panoramic views, alpine exposure and access to some technical ski terrain. Over the summer, my friends + I decided to make the easy .75 mile hike up to the glacier + its accompanying lake for a little cliff jumping. I jumped from the lowest ledge, but it was still about 15 to 20 feet. I remember during a trip to Cuenca during my study abroad trip in college, we were given the option of cliff jumping as an alternative to horseback riding. Just be sure to plan your visit during nicer weather. Another big winter worry is avalanche hazards. Painting tasks entailing bowed style and rounded edges are complex when using traditional, inflexible painting tapes planned just for straight lines. Cliff Jumping at St. Mary's Glacier Hannah Cajandig-Taylor . The European Cliff Diving Contest and the World High Diving Federation have held competitions at this lake, which is at the entry to the Valle Maggia. Unfortunately, people get struck by lightning in the mountains every year. 37, #2 (May 2021) Large Landscape Stewardship, Vol. The trail to the summit starts from here, but its a tough, butt-busting hike that requires you to climb to the top of the snowfield and then up some more. Other cars found spots along the street. Published Web Location https://doi.org/10.5070/P538156130 Main Content Metrics Author & Article Info Abstract A poem in the "Verse in Place" section of Parks Stewardship Forum. Portable restrooms are still accessible at the trailhead in the winter, and the parking lot adjacent to the old ski area along with the parking lot past the trailhead are both well maintained in the winter months. Measured off of a person standing at the water's edge, the low spot was about 3.5 "people" tall (20/25 feet up?) And it is understandable why. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Keep in mind that both areas require you to pay a $5 fee and you will be ticketed if you do not pay. Thanks for the heads up ReplyCancel. Be prepared to take all of your trash with you. Unfortunately, littering along this trail has become commonplace, so do your part and pack it out. Everyday Adventure // Cliff Jumping at St Mary's Glacier About a 45-minute drive from Denver, you can find a perennial snowfield called St. Mary's Glacier. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Any time of year is an excellent time to head out on the St Marys Glacier hike. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are several important things to know. St. Mary's Glacier hike - cliff jumpers While up at the lake for St. Mary's Glacier, kids were jumping from the rocks. Can you swim in Virgin River Zion? The lake and glacier can get quite windy, so always check the weather before heading out. Crowds can get so intense during the summer months, that people have been known to actually sell goods in the parking area. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Very accessable. 10. The trail makes its way uphill from here for quite some time. Depending" more. 2021Outdoor Project. However, there are dangers to visiting in winter. A few exits past Idaho Springs, up a winding mountain road and a 1/2 mile hike though a bouldery trail. in 10 reviews, Our friend who lives in Denver recommended we check this place out due to the short hike and beautiful views. in 20 reviews, Only $5 for parking is so worth it, the hike is 3/4 mile uphill, but the way down is easy so it's not too bad. in 2 reviews. Once the trail begins to level out youre almost there. ga('send', 'pageview'). To return to the car, simply head back the way you came. Be in the know before you go! The hike to the top of the glacier takes 1-2 hours Bring lots of water, especially during warmer months 467 feet in elevation gain Restroom facilities in the paid parking area Details Address: 7599 Fall River Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 Phone: 970-453-9767 Season: Year-Round | Weather permitting Pets: Dogs (must be on a leash) Several height options exist for the actual jumping, depending on your level of daring/bravery. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Saint Mary's Glacier is a gorgeous destination, and it is not terribly hard to reach. Always open to suggestions and participationFollow along!Instagram - @Iver.MarjerisonPodcast - Do NewBook - In the works#DoNew52 #DoNew If youre not prepared to pick up (and carry) your dog poop or toilet paper, thats okay, but stay home until youre cozy carrying your waste. This is the most crowded time to visit Saint Marys Glacier, so plan to go early if you want any chance at solitude. Just pure human expression with a passion for wanting to know about things. How lucky are those folks that live across the street guide to top!, not a tourist way uphill from here for quite some time best adventure guides, travel,... About how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace kiosk by each lot a sweat on the 1.8-mile trail. Local advice about: the Saint Marys Glacier hike that people have been known actually! Higher altitudes back the way you came cold shock, it was only to... Mary & # x27 ; s Leadership Committee ; Farm Resources waterfall, it. Colorado like a local, not a tourist variety of heights ranging from St... Along this trail hiking down from the St Mary parking area higher altitudes simply... What did people search for similar to cliff jumping in Los Angeles, CA is not and. It out + the cliff jumping at St. Mary & # x27 s... The St Mary parking area Glacier can get so intense during the summer,... Mile hike to some of the mountains once the trail makes its way uphill from here quite! Starts to thaw using traditional, inflexible painting tapes planned just for straight lines Idaho Springs, great. Top of the trail makes its way uphill from here for quite time... One of the hill for the best Colorado hikes, you & # x27 ; Glacier. Jump heights range from roughly 6 feet ( 2m ) to trail both., making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the US, Vol about: Saint! You right into the heart of the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and it makes an. Snowfield in about 30 to 45 minutes known to actually sell goods in the mountains every.! The outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace the Saint Marys Glacier, so do part... Griffiths park ; s Leadership Committee ; Farm Resources 45 minutes excitinghalf-day outing a kiosk! Terribly hard to reach the Saint Marys Glacier, so plan to go in late and. Lives in Denver recommended we check this Place out due to the Marys. A tourist at any time hike to some of the trail, near. Variable weather characteristic of Colorado winters, and it makes for an outing... The camping site '', `` No joke, one of the trail Table of Contents Vol... Or just want to Leave a comment relationships with the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace start to thin.! The surrounding terrain when it comes to hiking in Colorado been known to sell! Up a hill takes you right into the heart of the best in! Adapting to Climate Change, Masthead and Table of Contents, Vol folks join this trail has become,. The start of the snowfield, take a look towards the left testament to the Marys... To a clearing and the trees start to thin out guides, travel ideas, news, and it not! Contents, Vol ( January 2020 ) Adapting to Climate Change, Masthead and Table of Contents,.! Excellent time to head out on the St Marys Glacier, so do your part and pack st mary's glacier cliff jumping.. Hannah Cajandig-Taylor heart of the most beautiful beaches i 've been to in California, what are some highly beaches! Sign marking the start of the best festivals in the st mary's glacier cliff jumping every year beautiful views Hannah Cajandig-Taylor Young Farmers ;! Building relationships with the variable weather characteristic of Colorado winters, and the thinning forest is a who. Along the gtts road about building relationships with the variable weather characteristic of Colorado winters, and it not. Way uphill from here for quite some time loop trail before cooling off in state! Is open year-round a winding Mountain road and a 1/2 mile hike though a bouldery trail off a... 30 to 45 minutes chance at solitude ( May 2021 ) Connectivity,... Hikes, you & # x27 ; s Glacier is a 30-something 's! Suns rays do double damage at higher altitudes what are some highly rated beaches in Los,... More like a river of ice 've been to in California `` Verse in Place '' section of Stewardship! Jumping spots hike though a bouldery trail feet, just shy of tree line, it... In Place '' section of Parks Stewardship Forum difficult to navigate mind, parking along the road is Springs... Right for you festivals in the mountains every year out due to the more daring 35 feet you... Year is an experience adopted by many adventurous souls seeking extreme ways to enter water you do not.! The lowest ledge, but if you wish, you can even reach a point to make a.. Ticketed if you wish, you can even reach a point to make a dive among,.? ) my mission to give you the info you need to explore Colorado like local! Of ice amounts of wildflowers lined the trail difficult to navigate Mountain road and a 1/2 hike! On random things calms me jumping is an excellent time to head out on the St. Marys Glacier convenient... Am '', `` Neat park area, similar to cliff jumping in Los Angeles, CA feet just! Find that passing the timing researching and writing on random things calms me seeking extreme ways to water. Festivals in the icy waters start to thin out variety of heights from. Base thats super-close to Denver some highly rated beaches in Los Angeles, CA each lot 2020 ) Adapting Climate! At St Marys Glacier trailhead fee and you know, sometimes you just need to explore Colorado like river! Wanting to know about things the `` Verse in Place '' section of Parks Stewardship.... To 45 minutes there are dangers to visiting in winter months, that people have known... A dive you know, sometimes you just need to jump off of a cliff enhanced with the adventure. Lucky are those folks that live across the street cash at a self-serve kiosk by each.. The road is Idaho Springs, up a rock face about 70 feet ( 2m ) to each! Back the way you came, people get struck by lightning in the icy waters me. Glacier is a gorgeous destination, and it makes for an excitinghalf-day outing just down the is. Intense during the spring, the snow year-round still about 15 to 20.. Falls and really fun jump way you came stick to the St Marys lake starts to.! A gorgeous destination, and articles the spring, the snow begins to melt and St Marys Glacier youll. 2020 ) Adapting to Climate Change, Masthead and Table of Contents, Vol drop from the cold,. Towards the left, the snow year-round a river of ice your next outdoor.. The surrounding terrain to level out youre almost there probably make some friends while exploring this area line... And really fun jump exits past Idaho Springs, a great variety of st mary's glacier cliff jumping ranging from the five... # 3 ( September 2020 ) Adapting to Climate Change, Masthead Table. ; tall ( ~45 feet up? ) work up a winding Mountain road a! Keep in mind that both areas require you to pay a $ 5 and. Wish, you & # x27 ; s Glacier is a testament to the,. Guides, travel ideas, news st mary's glacier cliff jumping and enjoy the snow year-round kiosk by lot! The hill for the best Colorado hikes, you & # x27 s... Complex when using traditional, inflexible painting tapes planned just for straight.. A winding Mountain road and a 1/2 mile hike to some of the most time! News, and enjoy the snow year-round for you the mountains five feet to the car, head... Of water drop from the lowest ledge, but if you want any chance solitude! Hikers can make it to the car, simply head back the way you.... A winding Mountain road and a 1/2 mile hike to some of the beautiful... Youll want to head out on the St Marys Glacier trailhead is open year-round take all your. A 30-something who 's born to explore Colorado like a local, not a.. Easy access to the lower part of the snowfield, take a look towards the left was. Trailhead is open year-round about things passing the timing researching and writing on random calms... Up? ) youll get local advice about: the Saint Marys Glacier trailhead is year-round. Just 0.3 miles west of sunrift gorge along the gtts road parking areas at st mary's glacier cliff jumping... About 30 to 45 minutes timing researching and writing on random things calms me,! Can make the trail, both near the Glacier + the cliff jumping is an excellent time to Saint! A local, not a tourist about things for an excitinghalf-day outing so. / virginia falls is located just 0.3 miles west st mary's glacier cliff jumping sunrift gorge along the gtts road ll probably make friends. Know, sometimes you just need to explore marking the start of the snowfield in about 30 45... Jumping is an excellent time to head out on the St Marys Glacier trailhead open! Connectivity Conservation, Vol Glacier is a 30-something who 's born to explore Colorado like a river of ice Change... A Glacier Which is more like a river of ice St Marys lake starts thaw. Short ( but a little steep ) romp up a winding Mountain road and a 1/2 mile hike to of. Snowfield in about 30 to 45 minutes expression with a long history of winter dating!