Located in Montana, Glacier National Park gives many nice mountaineering experiences. The park is filled with superb pure wonders of recent blue lakes, imposing mountains and awe-inspiring glaciers.
With greater than 700 miles of each quick hikes and prolonged backpacking trails, it’s simple 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 once 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 mountaineering expertise. Stop on the park’s guests heart to get all the data you want, suggestions from the guides, and any particular warnings. Visit the National Park web site for closures and extra data.
When mountaineering 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 certain to have sufficient water, meals, and provides ought to something occur. We at all times carry a primary first support package when mountaineering. But most significantly, deliver a way of journey and have enjoyable once you strive considered one of 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 once you come out on the different aspect 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 huge meadows full of 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 quite a bit steeper, so be ready for some powerful mountaineering throughout this part. It then continues for about 1.6 miles to Ptarmigan Lake, the place you may chill out and admire among the most lovely surroundings within the space.
Total Distance: 10.7 miles spherical journey Elevation Gain 2300 ft Be ready for a protracted day.
2. Swiftcurrent Pass
This is a tough Glacier National Park hike nevertheless it’s value it for the nice surroundings. This hike passes by three lakes and a spectacular waterfall. Throughout your hike, chances are you’ll spy on among the rarest and most colourful birds all through the six lakes.
You may even see the attractive Granite Park. In truth, throughout this hike, you will get among the most unbelievable pictures 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 Road at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn Round Trip 14.2 miles Elevation Gain: 2400 Feet
3. Iceberg Lake
This is without doubt one of the hottest mountaineering 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 offer you excellent vistas of the peaceable mountains round you.
This hike takes about 4-hours to finish
Length: Swiftcurrent Motor Inn Round Trip: 9.7 miles Average Gain: 1275 Feet
4. Cracker Lake
Cracker Lake is taken into account to be one of the lovely lakes on the planet. The superb coloration of the lake is a crystal clear aqua blue and makes all of the surroundings round you much more great.
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 doubtless be satisfactory till late July and even August.
Here you may climb up the excessive hills, then drop again down, practically 3,000 ft. You additionally should hike a really slim path so be ready.
Length: Round Trip: 15.4 miles Elevation Gain: 325 ft lengthy and full day
Read: Wild Yukon: Falling in Love with the Rugged and Remote
6. Grinnell Glacier
This hike takes you to one of the iconic glaciers within the park. You move varied lakes, superb meadows, and gorgeous cliffs alongside the best way. 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 may see some superb vistas over Grinnell Falls, Angel Wing, and Grinnell Lake. The mountaineering path is properly maintained and chances are you’ll encounter wildlife sightings alongside the best way.
Length: Round Trip: 7.6-miles Elevation Gain: 1840 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 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 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 town of East Glacier, this unbelievable space gives extra jaw dropping surroundings and a few nice mountaineering. The trails are extra peaceable than those at the start line (positioned close to the Many Glacier lodge). It’s Glacier National Park hike if you’re a newbie.
You can even take a wood boat tour on this space and you will discover some implausible 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 evening tenting right here.
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.
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 lot of solar and wind as you stroll by way of 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 widespread on this path and recognizing one makes it fairly the journey. Grizzly bears have been seen within the space as properly. At the overlook, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the close by mountains, lake, and wildflowers, nevertheless it may be very busy on the overlook. A very breathtaking expertise that makes your difficult hike properly value it. If you may, carry bear spray and a mountaineering 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 can be rewarded with one of the breathtaking views. The terrain on this path just isn’t difficult making avalanche lake one of the common hikes for all ages.
There are a lot of bushes alongside the path that maintain 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 assorted panorama of the avalanche creek and forest. While the water on the lake is usually ice-cold and never splendid for swimming, you dip your toes in to chill out 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 isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. If you’re scared o heights chances are 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, nevertheless, 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 whole a technique 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 searching for a problem, strive the Grinnell glacier overlook, which might be one of the strenuous mountaineering trails at Glacier National Park. Starting the hike on the Logan Pass customer heart is much less strenuous for most individuals. This path is a detour off of the Highline Trail. Located southeast of the Granite Park Chalet it takes you to the Continental Divide.
Set out early earlier than the solar will get too sizzling as the primary three miles are open with no shade. Sunscreen and hats are essential on this stretch. Bring a lot of water and a pair of excellent mountaineering 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 common with seasoned hikers and may 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: Spur off the Highline Trail Elevation achieve: 2830 ft Total spherical journey miles: 11.3
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 underneath 2 hours. Perfect if you happen to’re searching for a peaceable meditative hike.
The terrain is usually flat and really easy making it common amongst fowl watchers and for horseback driving. The hike begins with scenic views of waterfalls, creeks, and the forest. There is a lot of shade accessible 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 considered one of two wheelchair-accessible trails at Glacier National Park. It’s a straightforward 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 broad and might accommodate many individuals without delay. Getting a parking spot may be difficult as this mountaineering path may be very common 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 lodge boat dock or on the Grinnell Glacier trailhead simply close to the picnic space. The hike is pretty simple and may be accomplished in an hour as a big portion of the route is paved. It’s an important route for the entire household to take pleasure in a pleasant and enjoyable hike with lovely views throughout for images. Take a second to take pleasure in lovely views of the lake and the encircling mountain peaks. Carry with you bear spray as there’s a whole lot of bear exercise within the space.
Location: Many Glacier Elevation achieve: 2400 ft Total spherical journey miles: 2.7
And there you’ve got it, my favourite 9 Glacier National Park hikes. Remember, 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 mountaineering 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 recognize 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.
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