Located in Montana, Glacier National Park affords many nice mountain climbing experiences. The park is filled with wonderful 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 seek out one you’ll love. Here are my picks for the 16 greatest Glacier National Park hikes. This submit 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 group 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 go away 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 package when mountain climbing. But most significantly, carry a way of journey and have enjoyable whenever 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 unbelievable path, as a result of whenever you come out on the different facet of the tunnel, you’re feeling such as you’ve walked into one other world.
When passing by this 240-foot tunnel, you hike by massive meadows stuffed with wildlife in addition to a dense forest. Keep in thoughts that this tunnel was constructed for horses throughout the Nineteen Thirties and it’s full of varied slopes and edge ridges.
After you move Ptarmigan Falls, the path will get loads 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 possibly can calm down and admire a few of the most stunning 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 but it surely’s value it for the nice surroundings. This hike passes by three lakes and a spectacular waterfall. Throughout your hike, you could spy on a few of the rarest and most colourful birds all through the six lakes.
You may even see the beautiful Granite Park. In truth, throughout this hike, you may get a few of the most unbelievable 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 likely 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 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 crucial stunning lakes on the earth. The wonderful coloration 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 gained’t doubtless be satisfactory till late July and even August.
Here you possibly can climb up the excessive hills, then drop again down, almost 3,000 ft. 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 ft
6. Grinnell Glacier Trail
This hike takes you to one of the crucial 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 tougher because it rises steeply with a number of slopes.
But it’s value it as you possibly can see some wonderful vistas over Grinnell Falls, Angel Wing, and Grinnell Lake. The mountain climbing path is effectively maintained and you could encounter wildlife sightings alongside the way in which. No pets allowed
Location: Grinnell Glacier Trailhead Length: Out and Back: 11-miles Elevation Gain: 2180 Feet
7. Siyeh Pass
This path hike begins in a forest and takes you to numerous peaks. Hike the rocky slopes after which go down by extra meadows to the Sunrift Gorge. Follow the path by the bushes 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 ft 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 the town of East Glacier, this unbelievable space affords extra jaw dropping surroundings and a few nice mountain climbing. The trails are extra peaceable than those at the start line (positioned close to the Many Glacier resort). It’s an excellent Glacier National Park hike if you’re a newbie.
You can even take a picket boat tour on this space and you will discover some incredible 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 a big open meadow and open terrain with colourful wild flowers. If you would like, you possibly can spend the night time tenting right here.
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 by peaceable scenes and waterfalls alongside the way in which. If you wish to shave a while off your hike you possibly can take the shuttle boat throughout Two Medicine Lake.
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 a number of solar and wind as you stroll by alpine meadows. Depending on the season, you may even should work throughout snowfields.
Keep a watch 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 effectively. 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 very breathtaking expertise that makes your difficult hike effectively value it. If you possibly can, 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 one of the crucial breathtaking views. The terrain on this path just isn’t difficult making avalanche lake one of the crucial fashionable hikes for all ages.
There are a number 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 diversified panorama of the avalanche creek and forest. While the water on the lake is usually ice-cold and never excellent for swimming, you dip your toes in to calm down and funky down.
Location: Lake McDonald Elevation achieve: 730 ft avalanche lake distance: 4.5 miles (roundtrip)
12. Highline Trail
Highline Trail might be one of many spectacular hikes at Glacier National Park. However, it’s not for the faint of coronary heart. If you’re scared o heights you could wish 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 may even spot some wild animals.
You don’t must do the complete a method journey, many individuals flip round midway at Haystack Butte or Granite Park Chalet.
Location: Logan Pass Elevation achieve: 1950 ft Total One-Way Trip Miles: 11.8
13. Grinnell Glacier Overlook
If you’re in search of a problem, strive the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, which might be one of the crucial 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 a number of water and a pair of excellent mountain climbing footwear because the path can take some time- about 7 hours or extra relying in your velocity. A trekking pole will make your hike simpler.
The path is fashionable 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 ft Total journey miles: 15.5
14. Upper McDonald Creek Trail
The Upper McDonald creek path is among the many simpler hikes at Glacier National Park. It’s a straightforward route within the woods that may be accomplished in below 2 hours. Perfect for those who’re in search of a peaceable meditative hike.
The terrain is usually flat and really clean making it fashionable amongst chicken watchers and for horseback driving. The hike begins with scenic views of waterfalls, creeks, and the forest. There is a number of shade obtainable 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 ft Total spherical journey miles: 5.3 Miles
15. 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 straightforward path with stunning views of cascading waterfalls and snow-covered peaks. Walk amongst shadows of large cedar, black cottonwood, hemlock, and yew bushes. The paths are broad and may accommodate many individuals directly. Getting a parking spot will be difficult as this mountain climbing path may be very fashionable amongst guests.
Location: Lake McDonald Elevation achieve: 60 ft Total spherical journey miles: 1.0
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 will be accomplished in an hour as a big portion of the route is paved. It’s an incredible route for the entire household to take pleasure in a pleasant and stress-free hike with stunning views throughout for pictures. Take a second to take pleasure in stunning views of the lake and the encircling mountain peaks. Carry with you bear spray as there’s a number of bear exercise within the space.
Location: Many Glacier Elevation achieve: 2400 ft Total spherical journey miles: 2.7
And there you have got 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 chance 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 good and hike inside your capabilities. Start small and have enjoyable!
Did you understand Glacier National Park within the United States is related to Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park? The two parks are generally known as the International Peace Park
This submit was initially written by Julie Mclain of Outdoorszer. It has been up to date by The Planet D Team.
Thinking of performing some Glacier National Park hikes? Pick up the whole information to mountain climbing Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks on Amazon.