Located in Montana, Glacier National Park presents many nice mountain climbing experiences. The park is stuffed with superb pure wonders of contemporary 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 search 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 whenever you go to Glacier National Park and The Planet D crew has added extra selection that will help you plan your journey.
Hiking Glacier National Park
Before you begin your hike, plan for a secure mountain climbing expertise. Stop on the park’s guests middle to get all the knowledge you want, suggestions from the guides, and any particular warnings. Visit the National Park web site for closures and extra info.
When mountain climbing 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 positive to have sufficient water, meals, and provides ought to something occur. We all the time carry a fundamental first support equipment when mountain climbing. But most significantly, carry a way of journey and have enjoyable whenever you attempt one in all these superb hikes.
1. Ptarmigan Tunnel
The Ptarmigan Tunnel is a full day Glacier National Park hike. This is an unbelievable path, as a result of whenever you come out on the different facet of the tunnel, you are feeling such as you’ve walked into one other world.
When passing by way of this 240-foot tunnel, you hike by way of large meadows stuffed with wildlife in addition to a dense forest. Keep in thoughts that this tunnel was constructed for horses through the Thirties and it’s full of varied slopes and edge ridges.
After you move Ptarmigan Falls, the path will get so much steeper, so be ready for some robust mountain climbing throughout this part. It then continues for about 1.6 miles to Ptarmigan Lake, the place you may chill out 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 ft
2. Swiftcurrent Pass
This is a tough Glacier National Park hike nevertheless it’s price it for the nice surroundings. This hike passes by three lakes and a spectacular waterfall. Throughout your hike, it’s possible you’ll spy on a few of the rarest and most colourful birds all through the six lakes.
You may also see the beautiful Granite Park. In reality, throughout this hike, you will get a few of the most unbelievable photographs of the blue lake and the encompassing mountains. If you want, cease at Fishercap Lake, the place you would possibly 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 without doubt one of the hottest mountain climbing experiences in Montana’s Glacier National Park. It additionally provides you the alternative to see icebergs floating in an alpine lake. When you hike right here you move by way of many open areas alongside the best way that provide you with 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 some of the lovely lakes on the planet. The superb 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 because of the snow, this gained’t possible be satisfactory till late July and even August.
Here you may climb up the excessive hills, then drop again down, almost 3,000 ft. You additionally need to hike a really slender path so be ready. Expect a protracted and full day
Location: North Shore Trailhead Length: Round Trip: 15.4 miles Elevation Gain: 2500 ft
6. Grinnell Glacier Trail
This hike takes you to some of the iconic glaciers within the park. You move varied lakes, superb meadows, and beautiful cliffs alongside the best way. 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 superb vistas over Grinnell Falls, Angel Wing, and Grinnell Lake. The mountain climbing path is nicely maintained and it’s possible you’ll encounter wildlife sightings alongside the best way. 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 by way of extra meadows to the Sunrift Gorge. Follow the path by way of the bushes for about 2.5 miles after which head as much as Preston Park.
Be positive to take a little bit of time to admire the gorgeous surroundings throughout you earlier than you descend over 3,000 ft for the subsequent 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 the town of East Glacier, this unbelievable space presents extra jaw dropping surroundings and a few nice mountain climbing. The trails are extra peaceable than those at the place to begin (positioned close to the Many Glacier resort). 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 by way of 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 superb views of Oldman Lake. This path crosses the Dawson and Pitamakan passes taking you by way of peaceable scenes and waterfalls alongside the best way. 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 ft
10. Hidden Lake Trail
While the hidden lake path is a reasonably quick path, the altitude makes it fairly difficult. The path is totally open, count on plenty of solar and wind as you stroll by way of alpine meadows. Depending on the season, you would possibly even need to 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, nonetheless it may be very busy on the overlook. A really breathtaking expertise that makes your difficult hike nicely price it. If you may, carry bear spray and a mountain climbing pole.
Location: Logan Pass Visitor Center Elevation achieve: 1325 ft (403 ft) 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 may be rewarded with some of the breathtaking views. The terrain on this path is just not difficult making avalanche lake some of the widespread hikes for all ages.
There are plenty of bushes alongside the path that preserve it cool with some greater than 500 years previous. 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 diverse panorama of the avalanche creek and forest. While the water on the lake is generally ice-cold and never ultimate for swimming, you dip your toes in to chill out and funky down.
Location: Glacier Road north of Lake McDonald Elevation achieve: 757 ft Avalanche Lake Distance: 5.9 miles
12. Trail of the Cedars
Trail of the cedars has no hills or steps to climb and is one in all 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 bushes. The paths are large and might accommodate many individuals directly. Getting a parking spot may be difficult as this mountain climbing path could be very widespread amongst guests.
Location: Lake McDonald Elevation achieve: 60 ft 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 it’s possible you’ll 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, nonetheless, 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 would possibly even spot some wild animals.
You don’t must do your complete a technique journey, many individuals flip round midway at Haystack Butte or Granite Park Chalet.
Location: Logan Pass Visitor Center Elevation achieve: 1950 ft Total One-Way Trip Miles: 11.8
14. Grinnell Glacier Overlook
If you’re searching for a problem, attempt the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, which might be some of the strenuous mountain climbing 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 essential on this stretch. Bring plenty of water and a pair of excellent mountain climbing sneakers 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 widespread with seasoned hikers and may be fairly busy, there are additionally elements with slender edges and steep drop-offs that be fairly nerve-wracking. You would possibly spot some mountain goats and even grizzly bears down within the alpine meadows within the Chalet space.
Location: Highline Trail Elevation achieve: 2830 ft 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 underneath 2 hours. Perfect in case you’re searching for a peaceable meditative hike.
The terrain is generally flat and really easy making it widespread amongst chook watchers and for horseback driving. The hike begins with scenic views of waterfalls, creeks, and the forest. There is plenty of shade accessible which retains the path very cool. If you’re fortunate, you would possibly spot a moose or deer on the path.
Location: Lake McDonald Elevation achieve: 210 ft Total spherical journey miles: 5.3 Miles
16. Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail
The hike begins on the many glacier resort boat dock or on the Grinnell Glacier trailhead simply close to the picnic space. The hike is pretty straightforward and may be accomplished in an hour as a big portion of the route is paved. It’s an excellent route for the entire household to get pleasure from a pleasant and enjoyable hike with lovely views throughout for photographs. Take a second to get pleasure from lovely views of the lake and the encompassing mountain peaks. Carry with you bear spray as there’s a number of bear exercise within the space.
Location: Many Glacier Elevation achieve: 25 ft Total spherical journey miles: 2.7
And there you’ve gotten it, my favourite 9 Glacier National Park hikes. Remember, you don’t have to complete any of those hikes as there’s all the time a possibility to show round.
Give your self sufficient time when mountain climbing 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 sensible and hike inside your capabilities. Start small and have enjoyable!
Did you already know Glacier National Park within the United States is linked to Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park? The two parks are often called the International Peace Park
This put up was initially written by Julie Mclain of Outdoorszer. It has been up to date by The Planet D Team.
Thinking of doing a little Glacier National Park hikes? Pick up the entire information to mountain climbing Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks on Amazon.
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