Best Hikes in Glacier National Park

Discover the Wild in Big Sky Country

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Glacier National Park in Northern Montana is celebrated for its stunning one million acres full of melting glaciers, alpine lakes, wildlife, and immense picturesque meadows and valleys. America’s fifth largest park, this pristine Rocky Mountain wilderness boasts more than 700 miles of trails, ranging from short walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Because of this, hiking is one of the best things to do in Glacier National Park.

This detailed trail guide explores the best hikes in Glacier National Park, including mileage, difficulty rating, elevation gain, and other unique features. Whether you're a solo seasoned hiker or a family of casual nature lovers, these Glacier National Park trails promise jaw-dropping landscapes and unforgettable memories. Here are our top takeaways for hiking in perhaps the most beautiful part of Big Sky Country. 

Key Takeaways

• The park is named after its impressive 26 glaciers, including its largest, Harrison Glacier, which covers over half a square mile. The park notes these glaciers are actively shrinking, so be aware that this number will decrease over time.
  
• Adventurers flock to this one million-acre park for its 700 miles of stunning hiking trails with views of clear alpine glacier lakes. One of the most popular trails is Highline Trail, which is about 12 miles and runs along the Continental Divide. For an easier option, Hidden Lake Overlook is one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park under 5 miles.
  
• For optimal weather while hiking in Glacier National Park, plan your visit from June to September, when there’s less snowpack and comfortable temperatures. However, you can visit year-round if you’re willing to brace for heavy snow and freezing temperatures.
  
• Glacier features the highest concentration of Grizzlies in the Continental United States. Visitors should be well-versed in bear safety and carry protection such as bear spray or noisemakers. Solo travelers should take extra precautions against wildlife while hiking at Glacier National Park.

KÜHL’s Top Glacier National Park Hikes

This vast national park has hundreds of stunning trails; you can't go wrong with whatever trail you choose. With that said, we’ve compiled this list of some of the top Glacier National Park trails that you’ll surely want to add to your list! While many of these hikes are longer, challenging routes, remember that you can always turn around where you please to reduce the mileage.

1. Grinnell Glacier Trail

Distance: 10.0 miles  

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet

The Grinnell Glacier Trail is among the most popular Glacier National Park hikes. Starting at the Many Glacier Hotel, this trail takes you through beautiful alpine meadows and past serene lakes, culminating in a spectacular view of the Grinnell Glacier. The hike is moderately challenging but offers rewarding vistas and the chance to spot wildlife.

2. Avalanche Lake Trail

Distance: 5.9 miles  

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 757 feet

The Avalanche Lake Trail is among the stunning day hikes in Glacier National Park, as it leads to the lake’s crystal-clear blue water. The trail winds through dense forest and along Avalanche Creek, leading to the stunning Avalanche Lake, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

3. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail

Distance: 2.7 miles  

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 551 feet 

The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail begins at the Logan Pass Visitor Center and offers a relatively short but rewarding hike. In the summer, the trail ascends through picturesque meadows filled with wildflowers and grasslands, with views of Clements and Reynolds Mountains jagged peaks towering over Hidden Lake. 

4. Iceberg Lake Trail

Distance: 9.6 miles   

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1,459 feet

The Iceberg Lake Trail is aptly named after a lake with floating icebergs that endure weather year-round. It’s one of the best hikes in Glacier, as it meanders through lush valleys and meadows, ending at Iceberg Lake. This trail is also famous for spotting grizzly bears.

5. Gunsight Lake Trail

Distance: 12.6 miles 

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet

Gunsight Lake Trail via Gunsight Pass Trail is a longer, more challenging hike in Glacier that also passes the stunning Florence Falls. The trail passes through forests and streams, ultimately tranquil Gunsight Lake, surrounded by rugged peaks.

6. Upper Two Medicine Lake Trail

Distance: 9.4 miles  

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 751 feet

The Two Medicine Lake Trail offers a longer yet relatively flat hike that loops around the picturesque Two Medicine Lake. The trail provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the chance to explore waterfalls and scenic overlooks with offshoot hikes like Twin Falls. 

7. Cracker Lake Trail

Distance: 12.8 miles 

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet

Starting from Many Glacier Hotel, the Cracker Lake Trail is known for its vivid turquoise waters surrounded by lush greenery. This moderately challenging hike takes you through forests and meadows to the beautiful Cracker Lake, framed by dramatic cliffs, and hikers note it can often be quite muddy.

8. Upper Kintla Lake Trail

Distance: 23.6 miles 

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet

The Upper Kintla Lake Trail is a challenging hike for experienced adventurers. The lengthy hike is a great option for backpacking Glacier National Park. Starting at the Kintla Lake Campground, the trail offers solitude and stunning wilderness views, culminating at Upper Kintla Lake, a remote and serene destination.

9. Highline Trail

Distance: 14.9 miles 

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 2,621 feet

The Highline Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Glacier National Park. Starting at Logan Pass, it follows the Garden Wall and offers breathtaking views of the park's rugged terrain and lakes below. The trail is long and exposed, but the scenery is unparalleled throughout the trip. Many hikers turn around where they please to make it a more digestible day hike. 

10. Garden Wall Trail

Distance: 15 miles round trip

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 3,415 feet

The Garden Wall Trail is a strenuous hike starting at The Loop. The trail is steep and runs along a ledge with high drop-offs, so is not suitable for those with a fear of heights. However, those who take the trek will be rewarded with stunning views of magnificent glaciers and surrounding landscapes. 

11. Ptarmigan Trail

Distance: 11.8 miles

Difficulty: Hard 

Elevation Gain: 2,424 feet

The Ptarmigan Trail, beginning at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, is a challenging hike to Ptarmigan Lake. It offers breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and valleys, making it a favorite among experienced hikers.

12. St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail

Distance: 3.1 miles 

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 452 feet

This trail is one of the best easy hikes in Glacier National Park. It leads to two beautiful waterfalls in one relatively short hike, making it a great family-friendly option for soaking in scenery without a long time commitment or too much physical effort. 

13. Numa Lookout Trail

Distance: 11.3 miles  

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet

The Numa Ridge Lookout Trail is a strenuous hike starting at Bowman Lake Campground. It climbs steadily to a historic wooden fire lookout, where nature writer Edward Abbey stayed in the summer of 1975. It provides panoramic views of the wilderness and lakes.

14. Piegan Pass Trail

Distance: 16 miles 

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 1,750 feet

The Piegan Pass Trail offers a moderately challenging hike with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Some hikers choose to shorten the hike by arranging a shuttle on the way back or cutting through by hiking along Siyeh Bend Trail. The trail leads to Piegan Pass, a high mountain pass with breathtaking vistas.

15. Siyeh Pass Trail

Distance: 9.8 miles

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 2,240 feet

The Siyeh Pass Trail starts at Siyeh Bend and is a challenging hike through diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and rocky terrain. The trail culminates at Siyeh Pass, offering stunning views of the park's rugged beauty.

What to Bring on Your Glacier National Park Hikes

When hiking in Glacier National Park, it's crucial to be well-prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate gear and clothing. Since it's bear country, ensure you have bear deterrents like bear spray and noisemakers. For unforeseen accidents, refer to our first aid checklist.

Wear sturdy hiking boots or trainers, and pack weather-appropriate clothing, which can vary significantly by season. Snow often persists into July, so be ready for layering even during summer. Check out our women’s hiking clothing and men’s outdoor wear for the best options.

For longer or more remote hikes, bring navigation tools like a GPS device and additional safety gear, including a whistle. As Glacier is grizzly country, bear spray is essential. Don't forget to consult our camping checklist, backpacking checklist, and first aid checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

5 Tips for Hiking in Glacier National Park

1. Don’t pack excess water: Most Glacier National Park hiking trails are close to natural water sources, so you can simply bring a water bottle with a filter, and repeatedly fill up as needed on your route.
   
2. Check the weather forecast: Glacier can have a wide variety of weather, even during summer. Prepare for the forecast with proper layers of hiking clothing and beyond.
   
3. Start early to avoid crowds during peak season: The park sees around 3 million visitors yearly, most of whom visit from May to September. To avoid crowds, especially during weekends, start your hikes as early as possible.
   
4. Stick to the trail: It’s not recommended to veer off trail, especially into dense bushes, grass, and trees, where there may be unexpected wildlife, less cell service, and a higher chance of getting lost.
   
5. Be prepared for Grizzlies: When hiking in Glacier National Park, it’s crucial to carry and know how to use bear spray, make noise while hiking, and store food properly to reduce the risk of grizzly encounters. In case you are bearanoid, check out our guide on bear etiquette.

Final Thoughts 

Glacier National Park is one of the country’s most vast, stunning national parks, uniquely featuring about 25 stunning glaciers. It also has the densest Grizzlies in the Continental U.S., so make sure you bring necessary precautions, like bear spray and noisemakers, as this is a popular park for bear encounters. Nestled in the northern part of Montana, the weather varies vastly from season to season and even day to day, so be prepared for changes in temperature and check the forecast before you head out. Whether navigating the park's renowned glaciers, admiring its pristine alpine lakes, or encountering its rich flora and fauna, every Glacier National Park hike promises a unique and unforgettable experience. Enjoy your trip!

Featured image, Avalanche Lake, Glacier National Park by: Chris.