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Short, steep and spectacular: this Denver-based day trip pairs a 1.5-mile alpine hike at St. Mary’s Glacier with a soak in early-1900s geothermal cave pools and a stop for Colorado-style pizza in Idaho Springs.
Short, steep and spectacular: this Denver-based day trip pairs a 1.5-mile alpine hike at St. Mary’s Glacier with a soak in early-1900s geothermal cave pools and a stop for Colorado-style pizza in Idaho Springs.
The air thins as the group leaves Denver behind and climbs toward 10,200 feet. Pine scents sharpen, boot crunch meets snow or scree depending on season, and a compact alpine lake opens at the trail’s end — this is St. Mary’s Glacier in Clear Creek County. The trail is short and steep, so breaths come fast and the panorama of jagged ridgelines and mineral-streaked rock rewards every step.
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Operated by Adventure Colorado Tours · Idaho Springs, Colorado
The air thins as the group leaves Denver behind and climbs toward 10,200 feet. Pine scents sharpen, boot crunch meets snow or scree depending on season, and a compact alpine lake opens at the trail’s end — this is St. Mary’s Glacier in Clear Creek County. The trail is short and steep, so breaths come fast and the panorama of jagged ridgelines and mineral-streaked rock rewards every step.
Geology here is blunt and readable: glacially carved basins, exposed granitic bedrock, and a persistent snowfield that gives the place its name. Human history layers on top — Idaho Springs grew from the 1859 gold rush, and the nearby hot springs caves were excavated in the early 20th century as a unique, heated retreat. Local culture favors hearty food and old-mining stories: lunch at Beau Jo’s is as much a ritual as a refuel.
Expect a compact, high-altitude outing that pairs a brisk 1.5-mile round-trip hike with a soak in gender‑divided geothermal cave pools (104–112°F). The tour provides transport from Denver, crampons or snowshoes when needed, sleds, snacks and hot-springs admission; Beau Jo’s pizza is a separate stop. Weather changes fast — wind, sun and snow can arrive in hours — and that’s part of the rhythm.
Practical guidance: dress in layers, carry water, and plan for roughly 6–8 hours including transit and stops. If you have mild cardiovascular issues, pregnancy, or severe back problems, opt out — high altitude and uneven terrain demand moderate fitness. Arrive on time in Denver, fill out waivers online, and bring a swimsuit and towel for the cave pools.
moderate.
6–8 hours.
Should have moderate cardiovascular fitness and comfort on short steep sections at altitude
The trail is about 1.5 miles round-trip with short steep sections; at altitude it rates moderate — expect heavy breathing but no technical climbing.
Yes — the tour includes admission to the Indian Hot Springs cave pools as part of the itinerary.
The meeting point is downtown Denver near Union Station (Ink Coffee/Whole Foods). Public transit or ride-share is recommended due to limited parking.
Children 16 and under are prohibited from the cave pools; check age policies for alternate soaking options.
Idaho Springs grew during the 1859 Colorado Gold Rush; the hot springs caves were excavated between 1903 and 1911 to create walk‑in mineral tubs.
This is fragile alpine terrain — stay on durable surfaces and marked paths, carry out all trash, and avoid trampling tundra vegetation to protect recovery zones.
Adventure Colorado Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The air thins as the group leaves Denver behind and climbs toward 10,200 feet. Pine scents sharpen, boot crunch meets snow or scree depending on season, and a compact alpine lake opens at the trail’s end — this is St. Mary’s Glacier in Clear Creek County. The trail is short and steep, so breaths come fast and the panorama of jagged ridgelines and mineral-streaked rock rewards every step.
The air thins as the group leaves Denver behind and climbs toward 10,200 feet. Pine scents sharpen, boot crunch meets snow or scree depending on season, and a compact alpine lake opens at the trail’s end — this is St. Mary’s Glacier in Clear Creek County. The trail is short and steep, so breaths come fast and the panorama of jagged ridgelines and mineral-streaked rock rewards every step.
Geology here is blunt and readable: glacially carved basins, exposed granitic bedrock, and a persistent snowfield that gives the place its name. Human history layers on top — Idaho Springs grew from the 1859 gold rush, and the nearby hot springs caves were excavated in the early 20th century as a unique, heated retreat. Local culture favors hearty food and old-mining stories: lunch at Beau Jo’s is as much a ritual as a refuel.
Expect a compact, high-altitude outing that pairs a brisk 1.5-mile round-trip hike with a soak in gender‑divided geothermal cave pools (104–112°F). The tour provides transport from Denver, crampons or snowshoes when needed, sleds, snacks and hot-springs admission; Beau Jo’s pizza is a separate stop. Weather changes fast — wind, sun and snow can arrive in hours — and that’s part of the rhythm.
Practical guidance: dress in layers, carry water, and plan for roughly 6–8 hours including transit and stops. If you have mild cardiovascular issues, pregnancy, or severe back problems, opt out — high altitude and uneven terrain demand moderate fitness. Arrive on time in Denver, fill out waivers online, and bring a swimsuit and towel for the cave pools.