Glacier National Park has over 700 miles of hiking trails and over 50 day hikes. So how do you pick which ones to do? This guide covers the 19 best hikes in Glacier National Park. Show
You’ll discover all the can’t-miss sights and essential trails, from icy glaciers to stunning wildlife. I’ve broken Glacier National Park’s best hikes up into several sections:
No matter where you go in Glacier National Park, this guide has you covered. Keep reading for more information on the best time to hike in Glacier National Park, what gear you need, and where to stay near the trails! Without further ado, here are the 19 best hikes in Glacier National Park. Important Note Planning a trip to Glacier National Park? Don’t miss these helpful posts!
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Table of Contents show Overview of Glacier National Park Best Hikes Best Time to Go Hiking in Glacier National Park Where to Stay Near the Best Hikes in Glacier National Park Gear You Need for the Best Hikes Glacier National Park Best Easy Hikes in Glacier National Park Best Hikes in West Glacier National Park Best Hikes Along Going-to-the-Sun Road Best Hiking Trails in Many Glacier Best Hiking Trails in Two Medicine Essential Information for the Glacier National Park Best Hikes Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Hikes in Glacier National Park Final Thoughts on the Best Glacier National Park Day Hikes Overview of Glacier National Park Best HikesGlacier National Park has many regions with Going-to-the-Sun Road connecting the park. The best day hikes are found in West Glacier, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine, as well as along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Depending on how much time you have to spend in Glacier, you’ll likely only be able to hike in a few of the park’s regions. If you only have 3 days in Glacier National Park, I recommend spending your time hiking along Going-to-the-Sun Road and in Many Glacier. If you have a week in Glacier National Park, I recommend exploring all the park’s regions to discover some hidden gems. This map allows you to find the trails close to where you’re staying or will be visiting. To dig a little deeper, check out this Glacier hiking map! Important Note Best Time to Go Hiking in Glacier National ParkHiking in Glacier National Park will depend on the weather. The park is snow-covered from October to April, sometimes even as late as June. From late June to mid-September the park opens all its roads and trails for visitors to enjoy. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is between early July and early September. This will ensure all trails are open and snow-free. But keep in mind, because the park has such a narrow tourism season, the park will be crowded. The best way to beat the crowds at Glacier is to start your day early. Read More: This is the Best Time to Visit Glacier Where to Stay Near the Best Hikes in Glacier National ParkThere are multiple places to stay near Glacier National Park’s hiking regions. To avoid crowds, it’s important to get an early start. The best way to do that is by staying close to the trailheads.  These are the best places to stay near the Glacier National Park hiking trails: West Glacier
Going-to-the-Sun Road & St. Mary
Many Glacier
To book a stay at one of the in-demand park lodges, aim to book a year in advance. To stay at an in-park campground, aim to make reservations 6 months out. Glacier National Park also has many first-come, first-served campgrounds. Use the Glacier National Park Campground Status Tracker to track historical fill times and find a spot. Read More: 35 Best Places to Stay in Glacier National Park Gear You Need for the Best Hikes Glacier National Park
Looking for more tips on what to pack for your trip? Check out my guides on the best hiking gear, what to pack for a road trip, and essential camping gear for all my favorite gear picks and tips to make packing for your trip a breeze! Best Easy Hikes in Glacier National ParkThese trails are perfect for families or those looking for a scenic stroll. All 3 of these easy hikes are short, sweet, and a great way to see the highlights of Glacier National Park. Baring Falls
Baring Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in the park. It’s around a quarter-mile off Going-to-the-Sun Road but is often overshadowed by nearby St. Mary and Virginia Falls. Baring Falls is less crowded but just as spectacular. While the official trailhead for this hike is Sunrift Gorge, you can also start the hike from Sun Point. This area has a larger parking lot than the Sunrift Gorge pullout, increasing your likelihood of finding a spot. Grinnell Lake
Grinnell Lake is one of the most popular easy trails in the park. On this long, but easy trail you’ll pass not one, not two, but three of Glacier’s lakes. The trail starts at the Many Glacier Hotel before winding along Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. After reaching Grinnell Lake, you’ll be rewarded with crystal blue waters formed from glacier runoff. You can even bring an inflatable kayak to paddle around the lake! On your way back to the Many Glacier Lodge, you can loop around Swiftcurrent Lake for even more alpine lake views. Redrock Falls
While not as accessible as Baring Falls, the trail to Redrock Falls is even more scenic. This trail starts near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and passes Fishercap Lake and Redrock Lake on the way to the falls. This is one of the best trails in the park to spot moose. Take the short walk from the trail down to the water of both lakes to find baby and mama moose feeding in the water. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars for a closer look! Best Hikes in West Glacier National ParkWest Glacier is the closest part of the park to Kalispell, the most common airport for visitors to Glacier National Park. These hikes are best suited for days spent on the western part of the park. McDonald Creek
The Lake McDonald area is flatter and more tranquil than other parts of the park. The trail along McDonald Creek provides a peaceful escape from some of the more crowded trails in the park. McDonald Creek is a great trail to hike in the offseason when most trails are closed due to snow. Winter hikers can walk along the frozen-over creek and explore off the beaten path. Trail of the Cedars
Trail of the Cedars is one of the few handicap accessible trails in the park. Starting across the street from the Avalanche Creek Picnic Area, you’ll walk along a boardwalk path through towering trees. This short trail provides a glimpse into the historic forests of Glacier National Park. Since it’s a boardwalk, it’s one of the best trails for strollers or wheelchairs. Avalanche Lake
The first part of the trail to Avalanche Lake follows the Trail of the Cedars. Once you make it onto the Avalanche Creek trail, crowds will decrease. The trail takes you through a forest out to Avalanche Lake. This area of the park is some of the oldest growth in the park, left untouched by recent forest fires. If you have some extra energy, proceed to the far side of the lake for a different vantage point. Just like other areas of the park, get to the parking lot at Avalanche Picnic Area early. These parking spots will fill up by 9 am. Best Hikes Along Going-to-the-Sun RoadGoing-to-the-Sun Road connects the West Glacier and St. Mary region of the park. Some of the most popular trails in the park start along this scenic drive. Don’t miss the must-see hikes in the middle of the park! Don’t miss the best sights in Glacier on your upcoming trip! This free, printable guide to Going-to-the-Sun Road covers all the best points of interest, tips for avoiding crowds along Glacier’s best scenic drive, and an exclusive map! Highline Trail
This one-way trail is often referred to as a sampler of Glacier National Park. With breathtaking vantage points, this trip is a must-do Glacier National Park day hike. Start your hike at the trailhead across the street from the Logan Pass Visitor Center. You’ll navigate along the rocky cliffside before the trail opens up into grassy terrain. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and marmots on this part of the trail. Since this is a one-way hike, you’ll need transportation from The Loop back to your vehicle at Logan Pass Visitor Center. You can take the free park shuttle, arrange for someone else in your group to pick you up at the loop or park one car at each end of the hike. Want to know more about hiking the Highline Trail? Check out this post that covers all the details and logistics on hiking the Highline Trail. Grinnell Glacier Overlook (The Garden Wall)
Grinnell Glacier Overlook, commonly referred to as The Garden Wall, is a side trip off the Highline Trail. This super-strenuous, 1-mile, straight-uphill trek is a must-do addition. Will you be out of breath and questioning yourself the whole haul up the mountainside? Yes. Is it worth it? 110%. The Garden Wall takes you up the side of the mountain range to overlook Grinnell Glacier. As you stand to overlook the turquoise waters, you’re also standing atop the Continental Divide. Hidden Lake Overlook
This out-and-back trail is routinely rated as one of the top hikes in Glacier National Park. It passes through grassy meadows and ends at a vantage point overlooking Hidden Lake. The hike starts along a paved path behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center before changing to a boardwalk path and eventually a dirt trail. As you proceed through the open and exposed meadows, keep an eye out for mountain goats. Bighorn sheep, marmots, and bears also frequent these areas. Expect heavy crowds on this trail as it’s one of the most popular hikes in the park. If you have some extra energy, proceed all the way down to the shores of the lake. You descend 780 feet to the lakeshore, but you’ll have to climb that same distance back out. Read More: 20 Best Stops on Going-to-the-Sun Road Siyeh Pass
The Siyeh Pass Trail starts and ends along Going-to-the-Sun Road, at Piegan Pass or Sunrift Gorge. You’ll traverse beautiful alpine meadows with stunning mountain views on this trail. It’s a great alternative to the Highline Trail for those that want to avoid crowds. Like the Highline Trail, you’ll need to arrange transportation as this is a one-way hike. You can either take the park shuttle or park your cars at each end of the trail. St. Mary and Virginia Falls
This trail takes you to 2 well-known waterfalls. You’ll follow a steep trail down to St. Mary Lake. It’s the perfect place to spot quietly feeding deer and other wildlife. You’ll arrive at St. Mary Falls first. Some people even choose to take a dip in the chilly water here! Another 0.8 miles uphill from St. Mary Falls is Virginia Falls. This waterfall is tall and impressive, one of the best waterfalls in the park. Best Hiking Trails in Many GlacierMany Glacier is one of the best hiking regions in Glacier National Park. You’ll find classic trails like Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake here. If you are coming to Glacier National Park to hike, this is the best place for you to explore. Apikuni Falls
This waterfall is an excellent hike in the Many Glacier area. Apikuni Falls cascades down over two tiers into a series of smaller cascades. The trail starts at the Apukuni Falls trailhead along the road into Many Glacier. The hike is a bit of a climb up to the waterfall, but the difficulty is well worth it! If you’re spending most of your time in the Many Glacier area, this is a great option for a hike to get your waterfall fix. Cracker Lake
Cracker Lake is a sight to behold. From the clear, icy blue water to the beautiful alpine meadows and mountains, this hike has it all. It’s challenging, with plenty of switchbacks and elevation gain, but you’re rewarded with some of the bluest waters in the park. This trail is renowned for bear sightings, as it is less crowded than other hikes in the area like Grinnell Glacier. This is a great hike for those who’ve been to Glacier National Park before and are looking for new trails to explore. Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint
This hike should be on your bucket list. The viewpoint at the top of this trail holds the bluest waters I’ve ever seen. The Grinnell Glacier hike starts at the Many Glacier Hotel passing 3 lakes on the way up. At the final viewpoint, you’re standing in front of several glaciers, including Grinnell Glacier. This is the best hike in the park to see glaciers up close. If you prefer to cut distance off your hike, the Glacier Park Boat Company runs a tour across the lakes. You’ll disembark at the Lake Josephine dock, saving you 1.7 miles each way. Although be aware, you don’t cut off any of the elevation gains. Much of this trail is unshaded, so starting in the morning will keep you from climbing to the viewpoint in the blazing sun. But prepare for a warm hike in the afternoon sun on the way back down. Read More: Glacier National Park 3-Day Itinerary Iceberg Lake
In a park filled with crystal blue waters, this alpine lake is one of the best. Iceberg Lake’s teal waters often have icebergs (as the name implies) floating in the water, even in the summer. The trail starts behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and shares the first 2.7 miles with the Ptarmigan Tunnel trail. As you proceed through this first section, be on the lookout for bears, particularly in September. Carry bear spray in an easily accessible location as a bear encounter is likely. Occasionally, bear activity may close this trail, so check trail status before you go. Continue straight at the split from the Ptarmigan Tunnel trail, just after Ptarmigan Falls. Once you reach Iceberg Lake, walk around to find your own unique vantage point away from the crowds and eat a snack. Ptarmigan Lake & Tunnel
The Ptarmigan Tunnel is a 250-foot tunnel built in the 1930s. It passes through the Ptarmigan Wall that separates Many Glacier Valley and Belly River Valley. The tunnel doors are closed in the off-season, typically only open from late July to September. The first 2.7 miles of this trail is shared with the Iceberg Lake trail. Popular among hikers, it’s also a hotspot for grizzly bears. Just after you reach Ptarmigan Falls, the trail splits for hikers going to Iceberg Lake. After the split, the trail to Ptarmigan Lake & Tunnel will be much less crowded. The final climb up to the tunnel is daunting, covering 500 feet in about two-thirds of a mile. But you’re rewarded with amazing views. Walk through the tunnel to see views of the Belly River Valley before returning back down through the Many Glacier Valley. Optional Iceberg Lake and Ptarmigan Tunnel Loop Swiftcurrent Pass
The Swiftcurrent Pass Trail is tough. If you’re looking for an incredibly challenging and rewarding hike, this is the one for you. The trail starts near Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and follows the same path out to Redrock Falls. After the waterfall, the trail climbs up thousands of feet, giving you some of the best views in the park. A side trail takes you to the Swiftcurrent Fire Lookout, the highest maintained trail in the park. Swiftcurrent Pass is only for advanced hikers in great shape. Read More: Glacier National Park 7-Day Itinerary Best Hiking Trails in Two MedicineTwo Medicine is less crowded than other parts of the park due to its location. To get here, you’ll need to drive about 1 hour south of St. Mary. But you’re rewarded with more solitude and some of Glacier’s best sunrise views here. Pitamakan-Dawson Loop
If you’re a return visitor to Glacier National Park with plenty of hiking experience, this trail is the perfect challenge. As the longest day hike in the park, the Pitamakan-Dawson Loop is remote and crowd-free. The trail takes you in a loop through lakes, alpine meadows, avalanche chutes, and mountain peaks. You’ll cover both Pitamakan Pass and Dawson Pass on this trail. The incredible views and lack of people make this a bucket-list-worthy hike for avid hikers. To shorten the hike a bit, you can choose to take a one-way boat tour across Two Medicine Lake, starting your hike from the west end of the lake instead. Paradise Point
Two Medicine is known for more strenuous trails, like the Pitamakan-Dawson loop above. But Paradise Point provides a great opportunity to explore Two Medicine without as much exertion. The trail starts at the Two Medicine Lake parking lot and takes you around the side of the lake. You may even spot some beavers! This hike is beautiful at sunrise when the surrounding mountains are reflected in the still lake. Essential Information for the Glacier National Park Best Hikes
Are you visiting multiple national parks in the next year? The America the Beautiful National Park Pass gets you into 400+ national park sites, including all 63 national parks, for 12 months! Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Hikes in Glacier National ParkWhat is the best hike in Glacier National Park?The best hike in Glacier National Park is the Highline Trail, although this is subjective. On the Highline Trail, you’ll see it all: wildlife, mountain views, alpine meadows, rustic cabins, and a taste of the backcountry of Glacier. How do you prepare for hiking in Glacier National Park?Prepare for hiking in Glacier National Park by improving your conditioning and fitness, packing plenty of water and staying hydrated, planning out your hike ahead of time, and carrying the 10 hiking essentials. Final Thoughts on the Best Glacier National Park Day HikesGlacier National Park has so much to offer and by far the easiest way to see it all is by hiking. This list of the best hikes in Glacier National Park covers all the sights, from easy to hard trails. Here’s a quick recap of the best hikes in Glacier National Park:
Are you looking for more ideas for your trip to Glacier National Park? Don’t miss these helpful posts! What is the most popular hike in Glacier National Park?TOP 10 HIKES IN GLACIER. Highline Trail. Explore Glacier's high alpine ecosystem as you traverse across the Garden Wall with expansive, breathtaking views every step of the way. ... . Grinnell Glacier. ... . Pitamakan - Dawson Loop. ... . Iceberg Lake. ... . Hidden Lake Overlook.. What should you not miss at Glacier National Park?Best Things to Do in Glacier National Park. Drive Going to the Sun Road. ... . Visit Many Glacier & See Swiftcurrent Lake. ... . Visit Lake McDonald (with the pretty rocks) & Apgar Village. ... . Hike to Grinnell Glacier (Before it's Completely Gone) ... . The Trail of the Cedars. ... . Hike to Hidden Lake. ... . See the Epic Panoramas at Logan Pass.. What are the best day hikes in Glacier National Park?13 Best Day Hikes in Glacier National Park. Siyeh Pass Trail.. St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail.. Swiftcurrent Nature Trail.. Lake Josephine and Grinnell Lake Trail.. Grinnell Glacier Trail.. Fishercap Lake and Redrock Falls Trail.. Iceberg Lake Trail.. Cracker Lake Trail.. What is the hardest hike in Glacier National Park?#1 Highline Trail: Logan Pass to the Loop
Catch the first shuttle up to Logan Pass from the east or west sides of Glacier National Park and get ready for the iconic alpine experience of your life.
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Top 5 hikes in glacier national park
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