In the middle of July when a heat advisory flashes across a phone to warn of 100-plus-degree days approaching, a hike to a perpetual patch of snow sounds quite inviting. That is the biggest benefit of the trail to St. Mary’s Glacier. Located near Idaho Springs, this short 1.8-mile roundtrip hike (the short length is one of the other benefits) takes hikers to a subalpine lake and to elevations near tree line to escape the heat and play in snow. Because of the accessibility of this trail into the high country without the day-long slog up steep mountains, it attracts a lot of users but bring your canine friend along and they will share in their joy of snow play. Dawn Wilson PhotographyThe entrance to the St.