15 Glacier Nationwide Park Hikes For All Talent Ranges

Pristine blue lakes set between towering snow-capped mountains – this will probably be a mean sight as you tackle the perfect hikes in Glacier Nationwide Park throughout your go to!

As you start your hike, you’re sure to see mountain goats scurrying up the hillside and eagles hovering overhead. This nationwide park is likely one of the few locations left in america the place you’ll be able to really see the wild aspect of the nation.

Whereas there are methods vacationers can keep of their automobile or simply take just a few steps away from the customer middle to take pleasure in the great thing about Montana, to expertise the whole lot Glacier Nationwide Park has to supply, you’ll should hit the paths.

With greater than 700 miles of trails reducing via the park, even probably the most seasoned hiker might not know the place to start. Particularly in the event you’re quick on time, discovering the perfect hike for you isn’t any simple process.

We’ve introduced all the perfect hikes in Glacier Nationwide Park to at least one place so you’ll be able to choose and select what hikes you need to squeeze in in your trip. From off the crushed path adventures to stress-free, family-friendly trails, Glacier Nationwide Park has slightly one thing for everybody.

So, hop on the Going to the Solar Street, discover a parking spot, lace up your boots and seize your strolling stick, journey awaits!

Don’t go away dwelling with out your individual: Lonely Planet USA’s Nationwide Parks (Journey Information)

15 Greatest Hikes in Glacier Nationwide Park

1. The Highline Path

No journey to Glacier Nationwide Park can be full with out mountain climbing the Highline Path! Though it’s thought of by some to be a strenuous hike, vacationers come of their droves to stroll the path and take within the sweeping landscapes alongside the way in which.

This 15.2-mile hike takes most vacationers round 4-5 hours to finish. Even in the event you’re not prepared to stroll the complete size, the views of Logan Move begin from starting to finish, which means you don’t should go too far to find the great thing about the path.

Highline Path Fast Data:

Trailhead: Throughout from the Logan Move Customer Heart
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lakeshores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: Logan Move
Period: 4-5 Hours
Elevation Change:
Path Kind: Level to level
Season: Summer time, Fall (Analysis the perfect time to go to Glacier Nationwide Park)
Time of Day: Begin early – 6 A.M.
Water: No
Bogs: Positioned within the parking space, None alongside the path.
Notes: The Logan Move Customer Heart parking zone fills out shortly on daily basis, in the event you plan on parking right here to hike the Highline Path you must get there by 6 A.M. This hike is all concerning the views so whether it is foggy or smokey you must opt-out mountain climbing it for that day.

2. Hidden Lake Overlook

In case you’re in search of hike for inexperienced persons that also provides breathtaking views, you gained’t need to miss Hidden Lake Overlook. This simple path is simply 2.7 miles lengthy and may take you nicely beneath two hours to finish.

Alongside the way in which, hikers will probably be touring via Logan Move. Don’t be shocked to search out some mountain goats trailing slightly bit behind you.

With tranquil meadows and, after all, the attractive Hidden Lake, this hike might take longer than you deliberate simply since you’ll be desirous to cease and take so many footage.

Hidden Lake Overlook Fast Data:

Trailhead: Logan Move Customer Heart
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lakeshores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: Logan Move Customer Heart
Period: 2 Hours
Elevation Change: 540 Ft
Path Kind: There-and-back path
Season: Summer time, Fall
Time of Day: Any Time
Water: No
Bogs: Positioned within the parking space, None alongside the path.
Notes: Discovering a parking spot at Logan Move Customer Heart will be extraordinarily exhausting, it usually fills up by 6 A. M. on daily basis, So plan on getting there early or catching a journey to the path location. Hidden Lake is superb for trout fishing.

3. The Dragon’s Tail

Do you need to stray slightly bit off of the crushed path whereas testing probably the most well-known sights in Glacier Nationwide Park? Dragon’s Tail begins alongside the identical path because the Hidden Lake Overlook however finally leads you to seclusion up within the mountains.

The Dragon’s Tail is a step up from newbie hikes, however not fairly on the superior stage. The 5.4 miles ought to take most vacationers between 4-5 hours to finish. The views from the highest of the mountain searching over the valley are positive to go away you breathless!

The Dragon’s Tail Fast Data:

Trailhead: Logan Move Customer Heart
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lakeshores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: Logan Move Customer Heart
Period: 4 – 5 Hours
Elevation Change: 1,190 Ft
Path Kind: There-and-back path
Season: Summer time, Fall
Time of Day: Any Time
Water: No
Bogs: Positioned within the parking space, None alongside the path.
Notes: The Dragon’s Path is yet one more superb hike that begins from Logan Move Customer Heart. The parking space fills up by 6 A.M. nearly on daily basis. Bear in mind early-season hikers might should do some route-finding in areas the place snow nonetheless covers the trail.

4. Avalanche Lake Path

Starting on the Path of Cedars, the hike to Avalanche Lake will take vacationers previous tranquil streams and roaring waterfalls. This 4.5-mile hike takes most individuals about 1.5 – 2 hours to finish and is suited to extra intermediate hikers.

Even in the event you lack expertise, you continue to gained’t need to go up the chance to see the picturesque panorama of Avalanche Lake firsthand. With towering snowcapped Bearhat Mountain standing alongside its banks, the views are nothing in need of spectacular.

Avalanche Lake Fast Data:

Trailhead: Path of the Cedars Trailhead
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lakeshores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: Lake McDonald Valley
Period: 2 Hours
Elevation Change: 730 Ft
Path Kind: There-and-back path
Season: Summer time, Fall
Time of Day: Any Time
Water: Water will be discovered within the public loos at first of the Path of the Cedars Trailhead.
Bogs: Positioned within the parking space, None alongside the path.
Notes: The Avalanche Lake hike is likely one of the hottest hikes in Glacier Nationwide Park because it’s extraordinarily simple and takes a short while to hike. Parking will be tough at instances particularly throughout mid-day.

5. Iceberg Lake

Although this is likely one of the most original and lovely hikes in Glacier Nationwide Park, the path to Iceberg Lake is supposed just for extra seasoned vacationers.

Beginning behind Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, the path stretches 9.7 miles. Though this will likely not appear very lengthy, it’s pretty steep and takes most individuals round 7 hours to finish.

What makes Iceberg Lake stand aside from the remainder of the lakes within the park is the truth that you’ll be able to normally see chunks of ice floating on the water. Alongside the way in which, don’t be shocked in the event you come throughout different guests, such because the cow moose.

Iceberg Lake Fast Data:

Trailhead: Iceberg Lake Trailhead
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lakeshores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: The Many Glacier Space
Period: 7 – 8 Hours
Elevation Change: 1,275 Ft
Path Kind: There-and-back path
Season: Summer time, Fall
Time of Day: Any Time
Water: No
Bogs: Positioned at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, None alongside the path.
Notes: The parking zone solely has area for 10 – 15 automobiles and greater than probably it will likely be full so it’s possible you’ll have to pack on the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and hike as much as the Iceberg Lake Trailhead. The Iceberg Lake path is thought to have plenty of bear site visitors, so be sure you make plenty of noise, carry bear spray, and hike in teams.

6. Grinnell Glacier

No journey to Glacier Nationwide Park is full with out seeing one of many glaciers the park is called after; probably the most beautiful of those is Grinnell Glacier. Though fashionable, don’t anticipate attending to the glacier to be simple – this hike is named one of the strenuous within the park.

7.6 miles might not seem to be a lot, however it nonetheless takes most hikers round 5-7 hours to finish. Alongside the way in which, you’ll go rivers, lakes (akin to Lake Josephine), and waterfalls. However nothing can fairly examine with the sensation of searching over the icy face of Grinnell Glacier.

Grinnell Glacier Fast Data:

Trailhead: Many Glacier Lodge Boat Dock
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lakeshores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: The Many Glacier space
Period: 5 – 7 Hours
Elevation Change: 1,840 Ft
Path Kind: There-and-back path
Season: Summer time, Fall
Time of Day: Any Time
Water: No
Bogs: Positioned within the parking space, None alongside the path.
Notes: You may shave 3.4 miles off your street journey hike by taking the shuttle boats throughout Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. Every boat journey solely takes round 10 minutes.

7. Cracker Lake

In case you’ve nearly had it with the crowds, Cracker Lake is a wonderful different to Grinnell. Though it’s possible you’ll be sharing the path with horses for the primary mile of this 12.6-mile hike, the alpine views and wealthy blue water will make the aches in your legs value it.

Taking about 6-7 hours to finish, the hike to Cracker Lake will not be meant for inexperienced persons. This strenuous path will be fairly steep in locations and should have the faint of coronary heart heading again in the direction of civilization.

However in the event you’re nicely ready, standing on the roof of the world is an expertise you gained’t need to go up.

Cracker Lake Fast Data:

Trailhead: Piegan Move/ Cracker Lake Trailhead
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lakeshores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: The Many Glacier space
Period: 6 – 7 Hours
Elevation Change: 1,400 Ft
Path Kind: There-and-back path
Season: Summer time, Fall
Time of Day: Any Time
Water: No
Bogs: Positioned within the parking space, None alongside the path.
Notes: Those that might have additional vitality as soon as at Craker Lake also needs to hike to the outdated Cracker Lake Mine web site.

8. Swiftcurrent Move

Need to get a hen’s eye view of Glacier Nationwide Park? Swiftcurrent Move takes hikers up the mountainside, providing views of the encircling peaks, forests, and lakes.

Passing by well-known Fishercap Lake, the hike up Swiftcurrent Move isn’t the best, stretching a complete of 14.2 miles.

In case you’re ready for the tiring but rewarding journey forward of you, then be ready on your jaw to drop when you see the waterfalls and sweeping views of the park alongside Swiftcurrent Move.

Swiftcurrent Move Fast Data:

Trailhead: Swiftcurrent Move Trailhead
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lakeshores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: The Many Glacier space
Period: 8 – 10 Hours
Elevation Change: 2,400 Ft
Path Kind: There-and-back path
Season: Summer time, Fall
Time of Day: Any Time
Water: No
Bogs: Positioned within the parking space, None alongside the path.
Notes: In case you are trying so as to add slightly extra to this hike we propose including a quarter-mile on to it for some spectacular views of Granite Park, Heavens Peak, Mt. Cannon, and Mt. Oberlin.

9. Apikuni Falls

Out of the entire strenuous hikes present in Glacier Nationwide Park, Apikuni Falls path is likely one of the few that’s simple for every kind of vacationers. This 2.3-mile hike leads from a parking zone by the doorway to Many Glacier. From there, it’s a brief hour-long hike to the autumn.

Excellent for households with kids, the skilled mountain climber and your common joe will each have the time of their life at Apikuni Falls.

Apikuni Falls Fast Data:

Trailhead: Many Glacier (Poia Lake Trailhead)
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lakeshores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: The Many Glacier space
Period: 2 – 3 Hours
Elevation Change: 625 Ft
Path Kind: There-and-back path
Season: Summer time, Fall
Time of Day: Any Time
Water: No
Bogs: Positioned within the parking space, None alongside the path.
Notes: Parking will be tough for the reason that trailhead solely have 10 -12 parking spots.

10. Fishercap Lake

The hike to Fishercap Lake and Redrock Falls is one other of the simpler hikes at Glacier Nationwide Park.

Irrespective of in the event you’re bringing your loved ones or simply in search of a calming path that gained’t have you ever sweating bullets, the path to Fishercap Lake is bound to go away you with a few of your greatest recollections of Montana.

This 4.2- mile hike will take you wherever between 2-3 hours. Be ready to remain even longer on the path, since you’re positive to need to cease, have a picnic, and take a great deal of footage.

Fishercap Lake Fast Data:

Trailhead: Swiftcurrent Move Trailhead – The trailhead is situated on the far finish of the parking space for the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn on the finish of Many Glacier Street.
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lakeshores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: Many Glacier Valley
Period: 2 – 3 Hours
Elevation Change: 800 Ft
Path Kind: There-and-back path
Season: Summer time, Fall
Time of Day: Any Time
Water: No
Bogs: Positioned at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, None alongside the path.
Notes: Fishercap Lake is a kind of lakes in Glacier Nationwide Park, its lovely however provides poor fishing.

11. Siyeh Move

Are you in search of an journey? In case you’re in search of a journey like no different, make sure you hike down the Siyeh Move Path. Taking you thru alpine meadows on prime of monumental mountains, this 8.9-mile hike will not be meant for everybody.

Your entire hike will take about 8 hours there and again, however the views are utterly out of this world. You should definitely hike in teams as a result of bears are additionally generally sighted alongside the path.

Siyeh Move Path Fast Data:

Trailhead: Piegan Move (5,847 ft.). The Siyeh Move path ends at Sunrift Gorge, take a GNP shuttle again to Piegan Move Trailhead.
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lake shores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: Siyeh Bend
Period: 5-6 Hours
Elevation Change: 3,800 Ft
Path Kind: Level to level
Season: Summer time, Fall
Time of Day: Any Time
Water: No
Bogs: At Logan Move parking space, None alongside the path.
Notes: It’s best to observe that bears are identified to frequent the Preston Park space, so be sure you make plenty of noise, carry bear spray, and hike in teams.

12. Ptarmigan Tunnel

Ptarmigan Tunnel is one other path not appropriate for informal hikers. However in the event you’re in search of an journey in contrast to some other, this hike will take you to among the most breathtaking views on the continent.

This 10.7-mile hike takes most vacationers round 5 hours to finish. You should definitely give your self sufficient time to eat and indulge in the great thing about the mountains. With alpine lakes and steep mountains forward of you, that is positive to be the journey of a lifetime.

Ptarmigan Tunnel Fast Data:

Trailhead: Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trailhead
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lakeshores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: The Many Glacier Space
Period: 5 – 6 Hours
Elevation Change: 2,300 Ft
Path Kind: There-and-back path
Season: Summer time, Fall
Time of Day: Any Time
Water: No
Bogs: Positioned within the parking space, there’s one pit bathroom about midway to the tunnel (at 2.3 miles, simply earlier than Ptarmigan Falls).
Notes: There are about 15 areas on the Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trailhead. Further parking will be discovered on the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. Trails within the Many Glacier space are often closed because of bear exercise. It’s clever to examine with a ranger on the standing of this path. Tunnel doorways usually open from mid-July to late September.

13. Three Falls Path (St Mary & Virginia Falls)

This hike will take you to 2 of probably the most well-known waterfalls in Glacier Nationwide Park. The most effective factor about this path is that it may be simply walked by hikers of all ages.

Stretching solely 3.6-miles, vacationers will probably be strolling beneath the shade of the timber following roaring rivers. The waterfalls themselves are a sight to be marveled at. Be ready for crowds, since this is likely one of the most well-known trails within the park.

Three falls Path Fast Data:

Trailhead: Jackson Glacier Overlook
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lakeshores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: St. Mary Lake
Period: 2 – 3 Hours
Elevation Change: 800 Ft
Path Kind: There-and-back path
Season: Summer time, Fall
Time of Day: Any Time
Water: No
Bogs: Positioned within the parking space, None alongside the path.
Notes: This is likely one of the greatest hikes in Glacier Nationwide park for teenagers. There are additionally many choices to make this hike longer or shorter. We strongly recommend packing a lunch and having it proper subsequent to one of many three waterfalls.

14. Stoney Indian Move

This can be a strenuous hike, and also you would possibly want a day or two to finish the path. Stoney Indian Move stretches a complete of 26.6 miles however will showcase each inch of what makes Glacier Nationwide Park one of many pure wonders of the world.

In case you resolve to embark on this journey, you’ll discover a number of campsites alongside the path. However make sure you get your free backcountry tenting allow from the rangers workplace earlier than you hit the street.

Stoney Indian Move Fast Data:

Trailhead: Chief Mountain Customs
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lakeshores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: Wahcheechee Mountain
Period: 2 Days (26.6 miles a technique)
Elevation Change: 2,725 Ft
Path Kind: There-and-back path
Season: Summer time, Fall
Time of Day: Any Time
Water: No
Bogs: None within the parking space, None alongside the path.
Notes: For all in a single day backpacking excursions, you need to acquire a backcountry allow. Begin at Chief Mountain Customs Trailhead and find yourself at Goat Hang-out as a result of it’s downhill all the way in which and it’s a lot simpler than mountain climbing the opposite manner. The views approaching Stoney Indian Move from Chief Mountain Customs Trailhead are superb and why you hike this path. You’ll miss these views in the event you go the opposite manner.

15. Gable Move

Revered by the native Individuals, Gable Move takes hikers via lands that had been lengthy closed to outsiders. Now, this strenuous 17.6-mile hike is open to any and all adventurous vacationers.

Though this hike will not be meant for inexperienced persons, the panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and grassy meadows are completely attractive. Don’t be shocked if just a few cows begin following you round both; they’re usually discovered grazing in these mountain meadows.

Gable Move Fast Data:

Trailhead: Chief Mountain Worldwide Freeway (17)
Pets Allowed: No canines, Pets should not permitted on trails, alongside lakeshores outdoors of developed places, within the backcountry, or in any constructing.
Location: Lee Ridge
Period: 6 – 8 Hours
Elevation Change: 2250 Ft
Path Kind: There-and-back path
Season: Summer time, Fall
Time of Day: Any Time
Water: No
Bogs: None within the parking space, None alongside the path.
Notes: The Gable Move trailhead will be exhausting to search out since there isn’t a actual parking space and its market with orange markers. The Gable Move trailhead is situated off the Chief Mountain Worldwide Freeway (Hwy 17), simply earlier than reaching the Canadian border, and roughly 13.6 miles west of the Freeway 89 junction.

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15 Glacier Nationwide Park Hikes For All Talent Ranges