Glacier National Park - Trail Status Reports (U.S. National Park Service)

Detailed Trail Status and Maintenance Reports
These reports contain the most recent information available for listed trail segments. The report is updated daily each morning. Trail users are encouraged to consult with the park staff at the nearest available ranger station or visitor center for updated safety, weather, and trail condition information specific to that area.

Click on the area of the park you are interested in to get a list of trail conditions.

Entry and Exit Information for Goat Haunt

Goat Haunt is a United States Class B Port of Entry open from 1030 to 1700 hours each day. All travelers crossing the border at Goat Haunt must present documents that are Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

Necessary Identification

U.S. Citizens must present a U.S. Passport, Enhanced Drivers License*, U.S. Passport Card, or NEXUS Card.
U.S. Resident Aliens must present a U.S. Resident Alien Card.
Canadian citizens must present a Canadian Passport, Enhanced Drivers License*, or NEXUS Card.
Citizens from countries other than Canada or the United States must present a valid passport and a current I-94 or an I-94W. I-94 forms are available at the U.S. Class A Port of Entries for $6.00 U.S. currency. Canadian currency is not accepted.

* For a list of States and Provinces who currently issue Enhanced Drivers Licenses, please visit: http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/EDL_map.html

Arrival by Foot or by Boat

Travel between Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada and the Goat Haunt Ranger Station, U.S. will require an official government issued photo identification card for U.S. or Canadian citizens or permanent residents; all others must carry a valid passport. Persons seeking to travel beyond the Goat Haunt Ranger Station into the United States must present documents that are WHTI compliant. (See the list above). Any person arriving at Goat Haunt, who does not present documents that are WHTI compliant will be denied entry and immediately sent back to Canada.

Children Entering the U.S.

Children, beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 16 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory may also present an original or copy of a Birth Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card.

Groups of children, beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 19 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card.

The group should be prepared to present a letter on organizational letterhead with the following information:

The name of the group and supervising adult.
A list of the children on the trip, and the primary address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child.
A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has obtained parental or legal guardian consent for each participating child.

Goat Haunt Hours

Goat Haunt Port of Entry is open from 1030 to 1700 hours each day. These are the only hours during which hikers will be allowed to access Glacier’s backcountry trails and campgrounds.

Entering Canada at Waterton Townsite

Waterton Townsite is NOT a Canadian Port of Entry therefore all arrivals to Waterton Townsite must phone Canadian Customs without delay at (403) 653-3535 or (403) 653-3009 for acceptance/rejection by Canadian authorities. More Information on contacting Canadian Customs is available at the Waterton Lakes Visitor Centre or the Waterton Station of the Royal Canadian Mounted.

Glossary of Terms
Throughout the sub-district trail segment lists the following terms are used:

Initial Clearing - initial maintenance work done by park crews to clear downed trees or any other obstacles that may hinder travel. Other maintenance activities such as brushing, erosion control and special project work may take place at any time of year and should not greatly hinder travel.
Snow Hazard - sections of trail traverse steep, sometimes icy snowfields. Dangerous snow bridges may also exist. An ice axe, and the skill to safely execute a self arrest are strongly advised. Crampons may be helpful. Sturdy hiking boots suitable for over-snow travel, a map and compass, and route finding skills are also necessary.
Water Hazard - swift, cold water and treacherous footing exist at unbridged stream and/or river crossings. Footwear with good traction, and stream/river crossing skill and experience are strongly advised.
Map and Compass - sections of trail vanish under deep snow for more than one mile. There are no obvious landmarks to assist the backcountry user with trail direction. A 7.5 minute quadrangle map and compass, and associated route finding skills are necessary.
Stock Use Not Recommended - sections of trail may exhibit one or more of the following conditions that impede and/or make stock use particularly difficult or hazardous: heavy or extremely large downfall or other obstacles, damaged trail corduroy or bridge planks, extremely muddy or boggy trail sections, heavy snowpack on trail.
Hazard from 2003 Fires - where the trail crosses an area burned by fire there is a chance of falling snags, falling / rolling rocks on hillsides and unstable tread where roots have been burned out.