Best Hikes in Glacier National Park

Trying to get the low down on great hikes in Glacier National Park?  We've got you covered. As locals that were born and raised just outside Glacier Park in Montana, we've spent many years exploring the peaks and trails this splendid place has to offer and we're happy to share our insights. 

Nestled in the heart of the Montana Rocky Mountains and considered by many as The Crown of the Continent, this park is a haven for hiking enthusiasts. From towering mountain peaks to pristine alpine meadows, Glacier National Park is a treasure trove for those seeking a memorable outdoor experience.

In this article, we'll guide you through our favorite hikes the park has to offer, ensuring you'll make the most of your visit. Whether you're a novice hiker or an experienced backcountry trailblazer, Glacier National Park has something for everyone. So, lace up your hiking boots and let's hit the trail.

What We'll Cover In This Guide

• Overview of Hiking Glacier National Park

• Essential Hiking Gear for Glacier

• Top Hikes in Glacier National Park

• Best Family-Friendly Hikes

Overview of Hiking Glacier National Park

With over 700 miles of trail to choose from deciding which hikes to add to your list can be a daunting task. Glacier National Park also boasts multiple entrance points and spans just over 1 million acres, so having a plan in place first is essential to a successful day.

Before embarking on your adventure, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the park's regulations and obtain the necessary passes and permits. Check out our guide to Everything You Should Know Before Visiting Glacier National park.

When is the best time to visit for hiking?

To many, it may come as a surprise that "winter" lasts a bit longer in the mountains than in other parts of the country. Timing is key when visiting Glacier National Park, but playing by the rules of nature can make planning a bit difficult.

July and August traditionally see the highest visitation and are considered peak summer throughout the region. While at the mercy of Mother Nature, mid-July usually sees full access across the park, with Going-to-the-Sun Road typically open by the end of June.

However, lingering snow can still affect some trails well into August, so checking the latest Glacier National Park Trail Status Reports before heading out is essential. If you're planning your visit, it's worth checking out the Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park guide to understand how seasonal conditions impact your hiking options.

Winter can also be a spectacular time to visit Glacier National Park. Different seasons come with challenges, so check out our guide to Visiting Glacier National Park in Winter.

Best Equipment for Hiking in Glacier National Park

 

Gearing up for a hike in Glacier National Park is a crucial step to ensure your adventure will be a safe and memorable experience. What essentials should I bring? Our What to Pack for Glacier Hikes guide will help you prepare for every season and trail condition. When putting together your packing list, you must consider where you plan on hiking and how long you'll be gone.

 Backpacking trips deep into the park's interior requires more advanced gear than a family-friendly day hike.

The proper gear can make or break your experience. Even on popular front-country trails, your safety is never guaranteed. It is your responsibility to keep yourself and others safe, so here's what you'll need:

Hiking Boots

• Sturdy Boots: Opt for well-fitted, ankle-supporting boots to navigate varied terrains with ease.
• Weatherproofing: Ensure your boots are water-resistant to tackle unexpected stream crossings or wet conditions.

Weather-appropriate Clothing

• Layering: Dress in layers to adapt to temperature fluctuations throughout your hike.
• Rain Gear: Pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket to stay dry during sudden mountain preciptation.

Backpack

• Water: Hiking can be a workout and you're sure to work up a sweat, staying hydradted is an important step in keeping yourself focused and safe.
• Extra Clothes: Be prepared for the unexpected, if you find yourself with wet clothing a dry change of clothes can be a lifesaver.

Safety Gear

• Trail Map: Carrying a detailed map of where you're going can be particularly useful in gauging how much further you have left to go. Since cell service can be unreliable in many areas of Glacier, it's smart to download or print your route beforehand. You can find official Glacier National Park Trail Maps to help plan your hike more confidently.
• First Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor injuries with a compact first aid kit, hiking specific kits can come in handy if dealing with blisters.
• Bear Spray: In bear country, bear spray is a MUST for your safety and the well-being of the wildlife. For more tips on staying safe during your hikes, including how to avoid bear encounters, check out our Bear Safety in Glacier guide.
• GPS Locator: If you're headed into the backcountry or off-trail you should always have a way of being found if you get lost. Prodcuts like the Garmin InReach Mini are popular among avid outdoorsmen and women.

Best Hikes in Glacier National Park

Hiking in Glacier National Park can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many visitors, so it's essential to hit some of the significant highlights and find the right trail for you. If you're looking for a more personalized adventure where you can tailor the pace, route, and stops to your interests, consider booking a Private Glacier National Park Tour. A private guide ensures a custom experience perfectly suited to your group's needs and skill levels. With many trails, everyone has more than enough options to find the perfect fit.

Popular trails like The Highline, Grinnell Glacier, and St. Mary Falls, to name a few, will likely have the most traffic. These trails are great examples of "Instagram vs. Reality," so expect large crowds and some creative photography skills to keep the illusion going.

Hidden Lake Overlook

Mielage - 2.7 Miles
Elevation Gain - 550 ft.
Difficulty - Easy

Accessible from the Logan Pass parking lot and an iconic image of Glacier National Park the Hidden Lake Overlook trail is one of our favorite "bang for your buck" hikes in the park. Expect outstanding views on one of the shortest trails around with alpine meadows and soaring mountain peaks. Whether you join a group, go by yourself, or take a shuttle the drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road from Apgar Village to Logan Pass is one of the most scenic routes in America.

Be sure to stop by the Logan Pass Visitor Center before or after your hike to learn more about the region and use the restroom before you continue your adventure. Prefer to hike on a guided tour? Check out this Guided Hike to Hidden Lake Overlook!

Iceberg Lake

Mileage - 9.7 Miles
Elevation Gain - 1,275 ft.
Difficulty - Challenging

A popular trail found in the Many Glacier region Iceberg Lake is well-known for it's variety of views and summertime wildflower blooms. A moderate incline from the valley floor along a sweeping ridgeline you'll enjoy dense forested views before breaking above the tree-line a panoramic view of the Swiftcurrent Valley. The aptly named lake is commonplace for dozens of icebergs that dot it's surface in the shadow of a towering 3,000 ft. headwall of glacially carved rock.

Upper McDonald Creek

Mileage - 5.3 Miles
Elevation Gain - 210 ft.
Difficulty - Moderate

An easy hike that sees less than average foot traffic the Upper McDonald Creek Trail follows its namesake upriver with Going-to-the-Sun Road located on the other side. Enjoy a different perspective of popular roadside stops such as McDonald Falls and Sacred Dancing Cascade. Located in more accessible region of the park this trail is often accessible year-round.

Scenic Point

Mileage - 8 Miles
Elevation Gain - 2,300 ft.
Difficulty - Strenuous

Overlooking the Two Medicine Valley on the southeastern corner of the park Scenic Point provides one of the most unique perspectives in all of Glacier National Park. Situated high on a ridgeline near the mouth of the valley you'll be treated to the iconic mountainous views of Glacier as well as the sweeping endless plains of central Montana, true Big Sky Country.

When at the summit keep an eye out for the parks most famous rock, Grinnell Argillite, known for it's promitent ripple marks. Believe it or not, these rocks, located about 7,500 ft. above sea level, used be the sand and mud at the bottom of a shallow inland sea!

The Highline

Mileage - 11.8 Miles
Elevation Gain - 1,950 ft.
Difficulty - Challenging

Arguably the most popular trail in Glacier National Park the Highline begins in Logan Pass and runs parallel to Going-to-the-Sun Road along The Garden Wall, named for its impressive wildflower blooms. With Instagram-worthy views nearly the entire length it's no wonder why this trail sees such high traffic.

Family-Friendly Hikes in Glacier National Park

With over 700 miles of trail and seemingly endless mountain terrain, some day hikes are simply out of reach for those traveling with families or who are a little more hesitant about pushing 5+ miles in a day. Whether personal preference or physical ability here are a few great family-friendly trails that are sure to impress.

Running Eagle Falls

Mileage - 0.6 Miles
Elevation Gain - 50 ft.
Difficulty - Easy

Easily found near just past the entrance into Two Medicine, this fully ADA-accessible trail offers a wide path from the parking lot to the viewing area. Easily found just past the entrance into Two Medicine, a region rich in Blackfeet cultural history, this fully ADA-accessible trail offers a wide path from the parking lot to the viewing area. If you're interested in a deeper exploration of the area's heritage with local guides, consider the East Glacier Nature Hike. 

The unique location is nicknamed "Trick Falls," a worthy visit for even the most avid hikers. During spring run-off, water rushes over the top of the rocky outcropping to create a picturesque 40-ft waterfall. Later in the season, as water flows begin to lessen, a secondary, more minor fall is revealed, often hidden behind its larger sibling.

Swiftcurrent Nature Trail

Mileage - 2.7 Miles
Elevation Gain - 25 ft.
Difficulty - Easy

Beginning from the Many Glacier Hotel this easy loop trail circles Swfitcurrent Lake with exceptional views of the surrounding valley. A calm and leisurely stroll through forested lake views with Grinnell Point as a backdrop is sure to prove why Many Glacier is often referred to as the Heart of Glacier National Park.

Trail of the Cedars

Mileage - 1 Mile
Elevation Gain - 60 ft.
Difficulty - Easy

A sister trail to Running Eagle Falls the well-trafficked Trail of the Cedars also doubles as the trailhead to Avalanche Lake. Continuing the trek to the lake is optional while this boardwalked loop trail offers serene views of Avalanche Creek and dense old-growth cedar groves.

Curious about hiking to Avalanche Lake? Consider booking a Guided Hike to Avalanche Lake.

Want to discover even more scenic adventures around Glacier National Park? Check out More Hiking Tours in Glacier to find the perfect trail for your next unforgettable hike!