Located in Montana, Glacier National Park affords many nice mountaineering experiences. The park is stuffed with wonderful pure wonders of recent blue lakes, imposing mountains and awe-inspiring glaciers.
With greater than 700 miles of each quick hikes and prolonged backpacking trails, it’s straightforward to seek out one you’ll love. Here are my picks for the 16 finest Glacier National Park hikes. This put up was initially written by Julie from Outdoorzer who shared her shared her must-see trails while you go to Glacier National Park and The Planet D workforce has added extra selection that can assist you plan your journey.
Hiking Glacier National Park
Before you begin your hike, plan for a protected mountaineering expertise. Stop on the park’s guests middle to get all the data you want, suggestions from the guides, and any particular warnings. Visit the National Park web site for closures and extra data.
When mountaineering Glacier National Park: Be conscious of bears and cougars (mountain lions) and use correct security precautions. Hiking in teams or pairs lowers the chance, make noise, and don’t depart any meals out to draw animals.
Plus, don’t overlook to let somebody know the place you’re going. Be certain to have sufficient water, meals, and provides ought to something occur. We all the time carry a fundamental first assist equipment when mountaineering. But most significantly, carry a way of journey and have enjoyable while you strive certainly one of these wonderful hikes.
1. Ptarmigan Tunnel
The Ptarmigan Tunnel is a full day Glacier National Park hike. This is an unimaginable path, as a result of while you come out on the different facet of the tunnel, you are feeling such as you’ve walked into one other world.
When passing via this 240-foot tunnel, you hike via massive meadows full of wildlife in addition to a dense forest. Keep in thoughts that this tunnel was constructed for horses in the course of the Thirties and it’s full of assorted slopes and edge ridges.
After you move Ptarmigan Falls, the path will get quite a bit steeper, so be ready for some powerful mountaineering throughout this part. It then continues for about 1.6 miles to Ptarmigan Lake, the place you may calm down and admire a few of the most lovely surroundings within the space. Be ready for a protracted day.
- Location: Ptarmigan Tunnel
- Total Distance: 10.7 miles spherical journey
- Elevation Gain: 2300 toes
2. Swiftcurrent Pass
This is a tough Glacier National Park hike but it surely’s price it for the nice surroundings. This hike passes by three lakes and a spectacular waterfall. Throughout your hike, you might spy on a few of the rarest and most colourful birds all through the six lakes.
You will even see the attractive Granite Park. In reality, throughout this hike, you may get a few of the most unimaginable photos of the blue lake and the encircling mountains. If you want, cease at Fishercap Lake, the place you may see moose within the mornings or early within the night.
- Length:
- Location: Many Glacier
- Round Trip 14.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2400 Feet
3. Iceberg Lake
This is among the hottest mountaineering experiences in Montana’s Glacier National Park. It additionally offers you the alternative to see icebergs floating in an alpine lake. When you hike right here you move via many open areas alongside the way in which that offer you excellent vistas of the peaceable mountains round you.
This hike takes about 4-hours to finish and begins on the identical path because the Ptarmigan path. It then veers off to the left on the junction. Be conscious of grizzly bears on this hike.
- Location: Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead
- Length:Round Trip: 9.7 miles
- Average Gain: 1275 Feet
4. Cracker Lake
Cracker Lake is taken into account to be one of the vital lovely lakes on the planet. The wonderful shade of the lake is a crystal clear aqua blue and makes all of the surroundings round you much more great.
- Location: Trailhead begins at Many Glacier Hotel
- Length: Round Trip: 12.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1400 Feet
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5. Pitamakan Pass Trail
This peaceable path goes over the ridge of Rising Wolf Mountain, passes a waterfall from Sky Lake, and finally ends up at Oldman Lake. From there the path switchbacks as much as Pitamakan Pass. Keep in thoughts although that as a result of snow, this received’t doubtless be satisfactory till late July and even August.
Here you may climb up the excessive hills, then drop again down, practically 3,000 toes. You additionally should hike a really slim path so be ready. Expect a protracted and full day
- Location: North Shore Trailhead
- Length: Round Trip: 15.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2500 toes
6. Grinnell Glacier Trail
This hike takes you to one of the vital iconic glaciers within the park. You move varied lakes, wonderful meadows, and beautiful cliffs alongside the way in which. The first half of the hike is simpler than the second half. It then turns into harder because it rises steeply with a number of slopes.
But it’s price it as you may see some wonderful vistas over Grinnell Falls, Angel Wing, and Grinnell Lake. The mountaineering path is nicely maintained and you might encounter wildlife sightings alongside the way in which. No pets allowed
- Location: Grinnell Glacier Trailhead
- Length: Out and Back: 7.6-miles
- Elevation Gain: 1840 Feet
7. Siyeh Pass
This path hike begins in a forest and takes you to varied peaks. Hike the rocky slopes after which go down via extra meadows to the Sunrift Gorge. Follow the path via the timber for about 2.5 miles after which head as much as Preston Park.
Be certain to take a little bit of time to admire the attractive surroundings throughout you earlier than you descend over 3,000 toes for the following 5.4 miles the place you’ll find yourself on the Sunrift Gorge.
- Length:
- Round Trip: 8.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2090 Feet
8. Two Medicine Area
Located on the north a part of town of East Glacier, this unimaginable space affords extra jaw dropping surroundings and a few nice mountaineering. The trails are extra peaceable than those at the place to begin (positioned close to the Many Glacier lodge). It’s a superb are to hike in Glacier National Park if you’re a newbie.
You also can take a wood boat tour on this space and you’ll find some unbelievable tenting. At roughly 1.5 miles you emerge from the forest to be greeted by lush meadows and different vegetation. During your hike, you’ll move via a big open meadow and open terrain with colourful wild flowers. If you want, you may spend the night time tenting right here.
- Location: Two Medicine Entrance
- Two Medicine day hikes embody, Appistoki Falls, Aster Falls, Aster Park Overlook
9. Dawson Pass
Hiking the 15-mile Dawson Pass takes you as much as wonderful views of Oldman Lake. This path crosses the Dawson and Pitamakan passes taking you via peaceable scenes and waterfalls alongside the way in which. If you need to shave a while off your hike you may take the shuttle boat throughout Two Medicine Lake.
- Location: North Shore Trailhead
- Length: 6.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2450 toes
10. Hidden Lake Trail
While the Hidden Lake Trail is a reasonably quick path, the altitude makes it fairly difficult. The path is totally open, anticipate a lot of solar and wind as you stroll via alpine meadows. Depending on the season, you may even should work throughout snowfields.
Keep an eye fixed out for marmots, and big-horn sheep. Mountain goats are frequent on this path and recognizing one makes it fairly the journey. Grizzly bears have been seen within the space as nicely. At the overlook, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the close by mountains, lake, and wildflowers, nevertheless, it may be very busy on the overlook. A really breathtaking expertise that makes your Hidden Lake hike nicely price it. If you may, carry bear spray and a mountaineering pole.
- Location: Logan Pass Visitor Center
- Elevation achieve: 1325 toes (403 toes)
- Total spherical journey miles: 5.4 miles (8.9 km)
11. Avalanche Lake
This hike begins on the Trail of Cedars trailhead. While it’s an uphill climb you’ll be rewarded with one of the vital breathtaking views. The terrain on this path shouldn’t be difficult making avalanche lake one of the vital in style hikes for all ages.
There are a lot of timber alongside the path that hold it cool with some greater than 500 years outdated. You’ll move a bridge that crosses Avalanche Gorge and be handled to views of Bearfoot Mountain jutting out from behind Avalanche Lake.
Take a while to arrange a picnic and take within the picturesque of the lake and the waterfalls as you benefit from the different panorama of the avalanche creek and forest. While the water on the lake is generally ice-cold and never supreme for swimming, you dip your toes in to calm down and funky down.
- Location: Glacier Road north of Lake McDonald
- Elevation achieve: 757 toes
- Avalanche Lake Distance: 5.9 miles
12. Trail of the Cedars
Trail of the Cedars has no hills or steps to climb and is certainly one of two wheelchair-accessible trails at Glacier National Park. It’s a simple path with lovely views of cascading waterfalls and snow-covered peaks. Walk amongst shadows of big cedar, black cottonwood, hemlock, and yew timber. The paths are huge and may accommodate many individuals directly. Getting a parking spot will be difficult as this mountaineering path may be very in style amongst guests.
- Location: Lake McDonald
- Elevation achieve: 60 toes
- Total spherical journey miles: 1.0
13. Highline Trail
Highline Trail might be one of many spectacular hikes at Glacier National Park. However, it isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. If you’re scared o heights you might need to move on this path as on the primary quarter mile you come throughout a steep ledge. There is a hand cable to help you on this stretch, nevertheless, it may be fairly nerve-wracking particularly when it will get windy.
Don’t let this discourage you as this path rewards you with spectacular views of Glacier National Park, the forested valley, waterfall cascades, alpine meadows, and wildflowers. You may even spot some wild animals.
You don’t must do all the a method journey, many individuals flip round midway at Haystack Butte or Granite Park Chalet.
- Location: Logan Pass Visitor Center
- Elevation achieve: 1950 toes
- Total One-Way Trip Miles: 11.8
14. Grinnell Glacier Overlook
If you’re on the lookout for a problem, strive the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, which might be one of the vital strenuous mountaineering trails at Glacier National Park. Starting the hike on the Logan Pass Visitor Center the place the Highline Trail begins. Located southeast of the Granite Park Chalet it takes you to the Continental Divide.
Set out early earlier than the solar will get too scorching as the primary three miles are open with no shade. Sunscreen and hats are a must have on this stretch. Bring a lot of water and a pair of excellent mountaineering footwear because the path can take some time- about 7 hours or extra relying in your pace. A trekking pole will make your hike simpler.
The path is in style with seasoned hikers and will be fairly busy, there are additionally elements with slim edges and steep drop-offs that be fairly nerve-wracking. You may spot some mountain goats and even grizzly bears down within the alpine meadows within the Chalet space.
- Location: Highline Trail
- Elevation achieve: 2830 toes
- Total journey miles: 15.5
15. Upper McDonald Creek Trail
The Upper McDonald creek path is among the many simpler hikes at Glacier National Park. It’s a simple route within the woods that may be accomplished in below 2 hours. Perfect in the event you’re on the lookout for a peaceable meditative hike.
The terrain is generally flat and really easy making it in style amongst fowl watchers and for horseback using. The hike begins with scenic views of waterfalls, creeks, and the forest. There is a lot of shade out there which retains the path very cool. If you’re fortunate, you may spot a moose or deer on the path.
- Location: Lake McDonald
- Elevation achieve: 210 toes
- Total out and again miles: 5.3 Miles
16. Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail
The hike begins on the many glacier lodge boat dock or on the Grinnell Glacier trailhead simply close to the picnic space. The hike is pretty straightforward and will be accomplished in an hour as a big portion of the route is paved. It’s an ideal route for the entire household to take pleasure in a pleasant and stress-free hike with lovely views throughout for pictures. Take a second to take pleasure in lovely views of the lake and the encircling mountain peaks. Carry with you bear spray as there may be numerous bear exercise within the space.
- Location: Many Glacier
- Elevation achieve: 25 toes
- Total spherical journey miles: 2.7
Likes in Glacier National Park Map
Tips for Hiking Glacier National Park
When mountaineering within the backcountry, it’s best to hike in teams. There is numerous wildlife in Glacier National Park together with Grizzly bears. When mountaineering with a bunch, make noise, hold speaking and let the wildlife know you might be there so that you just don’t startle them.
Get a Steripen or LifeStraw to fill your water bottle with purified water. Make certain you could have a bottle holder in your backpack and hold it full. I like to hold two bottles of water that I can refill through the use of my Steripen.
Pack layers. You shall be going via elevation features and the climate can change from scorching to chill, so put on light-weight breathable clothes that may be simply layered with a rain jacket and a mid-layer of merino wool.
Make certain your mountaineering boots are nicely damaged in and use them earlier than you go mountaineering into Glacier National Park.
Always let somebody know the place you’re going earlier than mountaineering and verify with the web site and ranger station to see what the situations are.
And there you could have it, my favorite 16 Glacier National Park hikes. Remember, you don’t have to complete any of those hikes as there may be all the time a possibility to show round.
Give your self sufficient time when mountaineering to make it again earlier than the solar goes down and don’t hike past your limits. Glacier National Park has hikes for everybody, so be good and hike inside your capabilities. Start small and have enjoyable!
Did you realize Glacier National Park within the United States is related to Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park? The two parks are referred to as the International Peace Park, they’re a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a Biosphere Reserved rolled multi functional. It’s the one certainly one of its type on the planet.
This put up was initially written by Julie Mclain of Outdoorszer. It has been up to date by The Planet D Team.
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