Situated in Montana, Glacier Nationwide Park gives many nice climbing experiences. The park is filled with superb pure wonders of contemporary blue lakes, imposing mountains and awe-inspiring glaciers.
With greater than 700 miles of each brief hikes and prolonged backpacking trails, it’s simple to seek out one you’ll love. Listed below are my picks for the 16 greatest Glacier Nationwide Park hikes. This publish was initially written by Julie from Outdoorzer who shared her shared her must-see trails if you go to Glacier Nationwide Park and The Planet D group has added extra selection that can assist you plan your journey.
Mountaineering Glacier Nationwide Park
Earlier than you begin your hike, plan for a secure climbing expertise. Cease on the park’s guests heart to get all the knowledge you want, suggestions from the guides, and any particular warnings. Go to the Nationwide Park web site for closures and extra info.
When climbing Glacier Nationwide Park: Pay attention to bears and cougars (mountain lions) and use correct security precautions. Mountaineering 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. You’ll want to have sufficient water, meals, and provides ought to something occur. We at all times carry a primary first assist package when climbing. However most significantly, carry a way of journey and have enjoyable if you attempt certainly one of these superb hikes.
1. Ptarmigan Tunnel
The Ptarmigan Tunnel is a full day Glacier Nationwide Park hike. That is an unbelievable path, as a result of if you come out on the different aspect 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. Take into account that this tunnel was constructed for horses throughout the Nineteen Thirties and it’s full of assorted slopes and edge ridges.
After you move Ptarmigan Falls, the path will get loads steeper, so be ready for some robust climbing throughout this part. It then continues for about 1.6 miles to Ptarmigan Lake, the place you’ll be able to loosen up and admire a number of the most stunning surroundings within the space. Be ready for a protracted day.
- Location: Ptarmigan Tunnel
- Whole Distance: 10.7 miles spherical journey
- Elevation Achieve: 2300 toes
2. Swiftcurrent Go
It is a tough Glacier Nationwide Park hike nevertheless it’s value it for the nice surroundings. This hike passes by three lakes and a spectacular waterfall. All through your hike, chances are you’ll spy on a number of the rarest and most colourful birds all through the six lakes.
Additionally, you will see the attractive Granite Park. In truth, throughout this hike, you may get a number of the most unbelievable pictures of the blue lake and the encircling mountains. Should you like, cease at Fishercap Lake, the place you may see moose within the mornings or early within the night.
- Size:
- Location: Many Glacier
- Spherical Journey 14.2 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 2400 Ft
3. Iceberg Lake
This is without doubt one of the hottest climbing experiences in Montana’s Glacier Nationwide Park. It additionally offers you the alternative to see icebergs floating in an alpine lake. If you hike right here you move via many open areas alongside the best way 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. Pay attention to grizzly bears on this hike.
- Location: Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead
- Size:Spherical Journey: 9.7 miles
- Common Achieve: 1275 Ft
4. Cracker Lake
Cracker Lake is taken into account to be one of the crucial stunning lakes on this planet. The superb colour of the lake is a crystal clear aqua blue and makes all of the surroundings round you much more fantastic.
- Location: Trailhead begins at Many Glacier Resort
- Size: Spherical Journey: 12.6 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 1400 Ft
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5. Pitamakan Go Path
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 Go. Have in mind although that because of the snow, this received’t probably be satisfactory till late July and even August.
Right here you’ll be able to climb up the excessive hills, then drop again down, almost 3,000 toes. You additionally need to hike a really slim path so be ready. Count on a protracted and full day
- Location: North Shore Trailhead
- Size: Spherical Journey: 15.4 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 2500 toes
6. Grinnell Glacier Path
This hike takes you to one of the crucial iconic glaciers within the park. You move numerous lakes, superb meadows, and gorgeous cliffs alongside the best way. The primary half of the hike is simpler than the second half. It then turns into tougher because it rises steeply with a number of slopes.
However it’s value it as you’ll be able to see some superb vistas over Grinnell Falls, Angel Wing, and Grinnell Lake. The climbing path is effectively maintained and chances are you’ll encounter wildlife sightings alongside the best way. No pets allowed
- Location: Grinnell Glacier Trailhead
- Size: Out and Again: 7.6-miles
- Elevation Achieve: 1840 Ft
7. Siyeh Go
This path hike begins in a forest and takes you to numerous peaks. Hike the rocky slopes after which go down via extra meadows to the Sunrift Gorge. Comply with the path via the timber for about 2.5 miles after which head as much as Preston Park.
You’ll want to take a little bit of time to admire the gorgeous surroundings throughout you earlier than you descend over 3,000 toes for the subsequent 5.4 miles the place you’ll find yourself on the Sunrift Gorge.
- Size:
- Spherical Journey: 8.9 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 2090 Ft
8. Two Medication Space
Situated on the north a part of the town of East Glacier, this unbelievable space gives extra jaw dropping surroundings and a few nice climbing. The paths are extra peaceable than those at the start line (positioned close to the Many Glacier lodge). It’s are to hike in Glacier Nationwide Park if you’re a newbie.
It’s also possible to take a wood boat tour on this space and you could find some implausible tenting. At roughly 1.5 miles you emerge from the forest to be greeted by lush meadows and different vegetation. Throughout your hike, you’ll move via a big open meadow and open terrain with colourful wild flowers. If you want, you’ll be able to spend the evening tenting right here.
- Location: Two Medication Entrance
- Two Medication day hikes embrace, Appistoki Falls, Aster Falls, Aster Park Overlook
9. Dawson Go
Mountaineering the 15-mile Dawson Go takes you as much as superb views of Oldman Lake. This path crosses the Dawson and Pitamakan passes taking you via peaceable scenes and waterfalls alongside the best way. If you wish to shave a while off your hike you’ll be able to take the shuttle boat throughout Two Medication Lake.
- Location: North Shore Trailhead
- Size: 6.5 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 2450 toes
10. Hidden Lake Path
Whereas the Hidden Lake Path is a reasonably brief path, the altitude makes it fairly difficult. The path is totally open, count on numerous solar and wind as you stroll via alpine meadows. Relying on the season, you may even need to work throughout snowfields.
Preserve a watch out for marmots, and big-horn sheep. Mountain goats are widespread on this path and recognizing one makes it fairly the journey. Grizzly bears have been seen within the space as effectively. On 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 Hidden Lake hike effectively value it. Should you can, carry bear spray and a climbing pole.
- Location: Logan Go Customer Middle
- Elevation acquire: 1325 toes (403 toes)
- Whole spherical journey miles: 5.4 miles (8.9 km)
11. Avalanche Lake
This hike begins on the Path of Cedars trailhead. Whereas it’s an uphill climb you can be rewarded with one of the crucial breathtaking views. The terrain on this path is just not difficult making avalanche lake one of the crucial standard hikes for all ages.
There are many timber 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 various panorama of the avalanche creek and forest. Whereas the water on the lake is usually ice-cold and never ideally suited for swimming, you dip your toes in to loosen up and funky down.
- Location: Glacier Street north of Lake McDonald
- Elevation acquire: 757 toes
- Avalanche Lake Distance: 5.9 miles
12. Path of the Cedars
Path of the Cedars has no hills or steps to climb and is certainly one of two wheelchair-accessible trails at Glacier Nationwide Park. It’s a simple path with stunning views of cascading waterfalls and snow-covered peaks. Stroll amongst shadows of large cedar, black cottonwood, hemlock, and yew timber. The paths are huge and might accommodate many individuals directly. Getting a parking spot will be difficult as this climbing path could be very standard amongst guests.
- Location: Lake McDonald
- Elevation acquire: 60 toes
- Whole spherical journey miles: 1.0
13. Highline Path
Highline Path might be one of many spectacular hikes at Glacier Nationwide Park. Nevertheless, it isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. Should you’re scared o heights chances are you’ll wish to move on this path as on the primary quarter mile you come throughout a steep ledge. There’s 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 Nationwide Park, the forested valley, waterfall cascades, alpine meadows, and wildflowers. You may 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 Go Customer Middle
- Elevation acquire: 1950 toes
- Whole One-Method Journey Miles: 11.8
14. Grinnell Glacier Overlook
Should you’re searching for a problem, attempt the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, which might be one of the crucial strenuous climbing trails at Glacier Nationwide Park. Beginning the hike on the Logan Go Customer Middle the place the Highline Path begins. Situated 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. Carry numerous water and a pair of fine 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 standard with seasoned hikers and will be fairly busy, there are additionally components 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 Path
- Elevation acquire: 2830 toes
- Whole journey miles: 15.5
15. Higher McDonald Creek Path
The Higher McDonald creek path is among the many simpler hikes at Glacier Nationwide Park. It’s a simple route within the woods that may be accomplished in beneath 2 hours. Good in the event you’re searching for a peaceable meditative hike.
The terrain is usually flat and really clean making it standard amongst hen watchers and for horseback driving. The hike begins with scenic views of waterfalls, creeks, and the forest. There may be numerous shade accessible which retains the path very cool. Should you’re fortunate, you may spot a moose or deer on the path.
- Location: Lake McDonald
- Elevation acquire: 210 toes
- Whole out and again miles: 5.3 Miles
16. Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Path
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 simple and will be accomplished in an hour as a big portion of the route is paved. It’s an important route for the entire household to get pleasure from a pleasant and enjoyable hike with stunning views throughout for images. Take a second to get pleasure from stunning views of the lake and the encircling mountain peaks. Carry with you bear spray as there’s lots of bear exercise within the space.
- Location: Many Glacier
- Elevation acquire: 25 toes
- Whole spherical journey miles: 2.7
Likes in Glacier Nationwide Park Map
Suggestions for Mountaineering Glacier Nationwide Park
When climbing within the backcountry, it’s best to hike in teams. There may be lots of wildlife in Glacier Nationwide Park together with Grizzly bears. When climbing with a gaggle, make noise, preserve speaking and let the wildlife know you’re there so that you simply don’t startle them.
Get a Steripen or LifeStraw to fill your water bottle with purified water. Be sure you have a bottle holder in your backpack and preserve it full. I like to hold two bottles of water that I can refill by utilizing my Steripen.
Pack layers. You may 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 climbing boots are effectively damaged in and use them earlier than you go climbing into Glacier Nationwide Park.
At all times let somebody know the place you’re going earlier than climbing and verify with the web site and ranger station to see what the situations are.
And there you might have it, my favorite 16 Glacier Nationwide Park hikes. Bear in mind, you don’t have to complete any of those hikes as there’s at all times a possibility to show round.
Give your self sufficient time when climbing to make it again earlier than the solar goes down and don’t hike past your limits. Glacier Nationwide Park has hikes for everybody, so be good and hike inside your capabilities. Begin small and have enjoyable!
Do you know Glacier Nationwide Park in the USA is linked to Canada’s Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park? The two parks are generally known as the Worldwide Peace Park, they’re a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, and a Biosphere Reserved rolled multi function. It’s the one certainly one of its type on this planet.
This publish was initially written by Julie Mclain of Outdoorszer. It has been up to date by The Planet D Staff.
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