When you’re heading to Glacier Nationwide Park in Montana, you is likely to be overwhelmed by the various trails out there for hikers of all ranges. There are over 700 miles of them, so how have you learnt that are the best possible hikes in Glacier Nationwide Park?
Overlaying specs like problem, distance, and elevation achieve, this record provides you with an thought of which path is best for you. Plus, you’ll discover out what the highlights are of every one.
Lake McDonald Trails
That is Glacier Nationwide Park‘s most well-known lake, so it’s no shock that any hike resulting in it is going to be epic. Lake McDonald is huge — nearly 10 miles lengthy — so there are fairly just a few choices for mountain climbing to it or alongside it.
Take into account that you don’t should hike to the lake, as there’s a highway that leads as much as it. Nonetheless, why take away all of the enjoyable of arriving at Lake McDonald by merely driving there? When you’re up for an journey, these are just a few nice hikes to and alongside Lake McDonald:
1. Apgar Lookout Path: 3.6 miles out and again
From the Apgar Lookout, you’ll get an unbelievable view of Lake McDonald and the encompassing mountains. Because the lookout faces east, this may be a fantastic early-morning hike to catch the dawn over the mountains, with the sunshine reflecting off the lake.
This 3.6-mile out-and-back hike begins within the southwest neighborhood of the lake. To get to the trailhead from the West Entrance of Glacier Nationwide Park, you’ll drive a half mile north and switch left. Drive 1.5 miles previous the Quarter Circle Bridge, the place you’ll be able to start your hike. There’s an elevation achieve of 1,850 toes, which is a doozy for newbie hikers however no huge deal for these with extra expertise.
For the reason that Apgar Lookout Path is without doubt one of the first to thaw after winter, it’s nice for early spring, as there possible received’t be many different guests within the park and you’ll benefit from the views in solitude.
2. Path of the Cedars: 0.9-mile loop
That is excellent for a fast hike to get acquainted with the world close to Lake McDonald, because it’s one of many best trails, solely a 0.9-mile-long loop. The trailhead is on the Avalanche picnic space. It solely takes about 20 minutes to do the entire path, however contemplating it’s a preferred birding space, you would possibly need to take your time and see what sorts of birds and different wildlife you’ll be able to spot.
Path of the Cedars is right for newbie hikers, households, and folks with strollers, because it’s one of many best in Glacier Nationwide Park (the entire hike is usually flat), however nonetheless presents some lovely views and a wide range of wildlife.
3. Lake McDonald West Shore Path: 7.4 miles out and again
If you wish to hike alongside the lake, the most suitable choice is the Lake McDonald West Shore Path. This largely flat path is an out and again, 7.4 miles every approach. It’s a protracted path, so mountain climbing the entire thing is a little more difficult, though you’ll be able to select to simply do a portion of it.
This entire path runs proper alongside the shore of Lake McDonald, with wonderful views the entire approach. Plus, you’ll be capable of break up your hike with a swim within the lake for those who fancy. What higher method to keep cool throughout a summertime hike?
There are two trailheads: one simply 0.2 miles north of Fish Creek Campground and the opposite 2.8 miles west of North Lake McDonald Highway; the previous is simpler to entry.
4. Avalanche Lake Path: 3-4 miles out and again
You possibly can hike to Avalanche Gorge on the abovementioned Path of the Cedars, however if you wish to take your hike one step additional, you’ll be able to hold going for one more mile to achieve Avalanche Creek. From there, it’s about 3 miles extra to achieve the attractive Avalanche Lake.
The Avalanche Lake Path has a 500-foot elevation achieve and is uphill many of the approach, however there’s an enormous payoff if you arrive. Avalanche Lake sits on the base of Bearhat Mountain, and the vantage level from shore is beautiful, particularly as a result of the crystal-clear waters replicate the mountains completely. That is additionally a implausible place to swim, because the water is kind of shallow near shore.
5. Hidden Lake Nature Path: 1.35-5.3 miles out and again
To see Bearhat Mountain from a unique viewpoint, take into account a hike to Hidden Lake for one severely unforgettable expertise. There are two choices: simply hike to the overlook above the lake, or go all the best way to the shore. Both one grants you some beautiful views, whether or not you go in the course of the day or at evening. Since Glacier Nationwide Park is a dark-sky park, which means there’s minimal mild air pollution, the stargazing is implausible right here, particularly at Hidden Lake.
This hike might be difficult, particularly at evening. The world is understood for having grizzly bears, so ensure to convey bear spray, significantly if going it alone.
The path begins at Hidden Lake Nature Path Trailhead at Logan Cross and is 5.3 miles out and again, for those who go all the best way to the lake. The overlook is only one.35 miles into the hike, so for those who’re simply in it for the views and don’t need to go as far, you’ll be able to cease right here.
The whole elevation achieve is about 1,300 toes, however there’s a really steep descent as you attain the lake, which might be difficult for newbie hikers, particularly on the best way again. The hike itself takes roughly 3 hours to finish, however can take longer for those who do it at evening.
6. Highline Path: 13-15 miles out and again
The Highline Path is without doubt one of the hottest and greatest hikes in Glacier Nationwide Park by far. Taking you thru deep valleys to breathtaking overlooks, it presents beautiful scenes round each nook. It’s no surprise why so many individuals tackle such a protracted hike — the payoff is big!
There are just a few methods you’ll be able to expertise the Highline Path. The shorter possibility is to hike the entire path, which is an out and again with a loop on the finish. That is about 13 miles and takes round 7 hours to finish. It’s difficult, however not as a lot because the second possibility, which is so as to add on a steep hike as much as the Grinnell Glacier overlook. This could make the general hike about 15 miles.
This further two miles are positively value it, although, for those who’re an skilled hiker with loads of stamina to make the journey again (until you determine to take a bus again to Logan Cross from the loop). The elevation achieve is about 2,500 toes, with an additional 300 toes or so for those who do the Grinnell Glacier overlook portion.
Many Glacier Valley Trails
Many Glacier is without doubt one of the better-known areas of the park and presents 12 foremost trails for day hikes. With an abundance of lakes, creeks, waterfalls, mountain peaks, meadows, and forests, this part has sufficient to maintain you busy with out venturing elsewhere. In case you’re undecided the place to start out exploring Many Glacier, these are just a few of the perfect trails to take a look at:
7. Swiftcurrent Cross Path: 14.2 miles out and again
The Swiftcurrent Cross Path is without doubt one of the most troublesome of all, however it’s a crowd favourite amongst avid hikers. That includes stops at lovely Fishercap Lake, Bullhead Lake, Redrock Falls, and Redrock Lake, it’s spilling over with journey. The crown jewel of the hike, nonetheless, is the view of Swiftcurrent Valley. This nearly unobstructed view is without doubt one of the greatest in the entire park and one of many explanation why the issue is finally value it.
The whole elevation achieve for this hike is 2,400 toes, which is definitely a doozy. However with views of six completely different lakes, you’ll neglect how drained your muscle groups are on the finish. The journey ought to take about 8 hours, even for probably the most skilled hikers. Since this can be a standard path, anticipate to see loads of different guests, or begin the journey at dawn to keep away from the crowds.
8. Grinnell Glacier Path: 7.6 miles out and again
Contemplating this path’s endpoint is a beautiful aquamarine lake, it’s no shock that it’s additionally probably the greatest in Glacier Nationwide Park. When you already noticed the lake from above on the Grinnell Glacier overlook, you’ll in all probability be dying to do that hike and see the water up shut.
The Grinnell Glacier path is a 7.6 mile out-and-back hike that has an elevation achieve of about 1,840 toes. It takes about 5.5 hours to finish and is taken into account to be a difficult route. There are various elements of the path which are very steep, however there are different parts that take you thru flat meadows. You’ll see waterfalls and have some stellar views of the 150-acre Grinnell Glacier as nicely.
9. Piegan Cross Path: 9-16.8 miles point-to-point or out and again
One of many causes this is without doubt one of the greatest hikes in Glacier Nationwide Park is that it’s far much less crowded than others, even throughout excessive season on the park.
This implausible path has a number of choices: a brief, 9-mile out and again or an extended, 16.8-mile point-to-point hike. Each let you see deep canyons and supply stellar views of Jackson Glacier. The shorter hike can be much less difficult and solely has a 1,750-foot elevation achieve, the place the longer hike has a 2,650-foot achieve.
For the 9-mile possibility by means of Piegan Cross, you’ll begin on the Piegan Cross Trailhead. The longer hike begins on the south finish of the Many Glacier Lodge parking zone.
10. Iceberg Lake Path: 9.3 miles out and again
One other probably the greatest hikes in Glacier Nationwide Par is the Iceberg Lake Path. This out-and-back journey brings you to pristine Iceberg Lake, which will get its identify from the icebergs that float within the frigid water. Don’t plan on leaping in, because the temperatures are approach too chilly for a swim.
Many of the 9.3-mile hike is thru open terrain, which means there isn’t a lot shade. Deliver alongside loads of solar safety and water. Nonetheless, simply 2.8 miles into the hike, you’ll discover Ptarmigan Falls, a fantastic spot to cease and relaxation. Many of the journey is reasonably difficult, so this is a wonderful possibility for each newbies and superior hikers. The elevation achieve is 1,450 toes, and the hike takes just a little over 4 hours to finish.
To get to the Iceberg Lake Path, discover Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. The Iceberg Lake Ptarmigan Tunnel Trailhead, the place you’ll begin the hike, is behind the inn.
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Now that you simply’re prepared along with your record of the highest 10 greatest hikes in Glacier Nationwide Park, you’re able to set your sights on the journey of your alternative.
Which hike is #1 in your bucket record?
