Take a Full Day Hike in Glacier

Details

Duration

5-12 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Age(s)

9 and Older

Age will vary with every trail and every child’s hiking abilities.

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trails are covered in snow throughout the winter, causing hiking to take a seasonal backseat to activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Check Glacier’s Trail Status webpage or at a ranger station to stay updated on trails' changing conditions.

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Hikers are encouraged to stay alert, hike in groups, and make noise on trail. Animals are most active early in the day and at dusk. Night hiking is inadvisable because the chance of surprising wildlife, like bears, is high.

Accessibility Information

Glacier’s rugged terrain makes accessibility very difficult. Day hiking trails have uneven terrain on varied surfaces with barriers. Trail width is also a concern. Most west side hikes start around 3,000 ft (915 m) in elevation. Most east side hikes start around 5,000 ft (1,525 m).

Returning to Many Glacier on the Iceberg Lake Trail

Clint Metzler

Glacier boasts 734 miles of trail. It is safe to say there is something for every ability level. Day Hikes abound in every section of the park, from a short lakeside stroll to a hike up a mountain.

If you are going out on a big hike, make sure you know your limits and those of your fellow hikers. Bring plenty of food and water. Any water collected from streams or lakes should be filtered. Remember, mountain weather can change quickly. Be prepared with both rain gear and sunscreen. It is also a good idea to let people know where you will be headed and when you expect to return. You can leave a Day Trip Plan at a visitor center or an in-park hotel desk. Hiking in groups is wise, and you can join a ranger on a number of all day hikes. Check the monthly Ranger-led Activity Schedule for details.

Below are some popular trails for a full day (5+ hour) excursion. Mileages listed are ONE-WAY.
Note: If you are seeking solitude, the Logan Pass and Many Glacier areas do not offer the ideal trails for you.

West Side
Huckleberry Lookout
6 mi (9.6 km)
Elevation gain: 2,725 ft (830.5 m)
Trailhead: Huckleberry Mtn. Trailhead on Camas Road

Logan Pass
Granite Park Chalet (The Highline)
[a] 7.6 mi (12.2 km)
Elevation gain: 800 ft (244 km)
Trailhead: via Highline Trail, Continental Divide sign at Logan Pass
[b] 7.6 mi (12.2 km)
Elevation gain: 2,300 ft (701 m)
Trailhead: Swiftcurrent Trailhead, by motor inn parking lot
[c] 4.2 mi (6.8 km)
Elevation gain: 2,200 ft (670.5 m)
Trailhead: The Loop Trailhead, on Going-to-the-Sun Road

St. Mary
Piegan Pass
4.5 mi (7.2 km)
Elevation gain: 1,750 ft (533 m)
Trailhead: Piegan Pass Trailhead

Siyeh Pass
[a] 4.6 mi (7.4 km)
Elevation gain: 2,240 ft (683 m)
Trailhead: Piegan Pass Trailhead
[b] 5.5 mi (8.9 km)
Elevation gain: 3,440 ft (1,048.5 m)
Trailhead: Sunrift Gorge Pullout

Many Glacier
Cracker Lake
6.4 mi (10.3 km)
Elevation gain: 1,400 ft (427 m)
Trailhead: South end of Many Glacier Hotel parking lot

Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint
[a] 5.3 mi (8.5 km)
Elevation gain: 1,600 ft (488 m)
Trailhead: Grinnell Glacier Trailhead or Many Glacier Hotel
[b] 3.6 mi (5.8 km)
Elevation gain: 1,600 ft (488 m)
Using concession boat from Many Glacier Hotel, tour fees apply and reservations highly recommended

Iceberg Lake
4.8 mi (7.7 km)
Elevation gain: 1,200 ft (366 m)
Trailhead: Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead

Ptarmigan Tunnel
5.3 mi (8.5 km)
Elevation gain: 2,300 ft (701 m)
Trailhead: Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead

North Fork
Logging Lake
4.5 mi (7.2 km)
Elevation gain: 400 ft (122 m)
Trailhead: North of Logging Creek Ranger Station

Numa Lookout
5.6 mi (9 km)
Elevation gain: 2,930 ft (893 m)
Trailhead: Bowman Lake Ranger Station

Two Medicine
Cobalt Lake
5.8 mi (9.3 km)
Elevation gain: 1,400 ft (427 m)
Trailhead: South Shore Trailhead

Dawson Pass*
6.5 mi (10.4 km)
Elevation gain: 2,450 ft (747 m)
Trailhead: North Shore Trailhead
*Dawson and Pitamakan Pass Trails can be combined for a popular all-day loop hike

Pitamakan Pass*
7.6 mi (12.2 km)
Elevation gain: 2,400 ft (731.5 m)
Trailhead: North Shore Trailhead
*Dawson and Pitamakan Pass Trails can be combined for a popular all-day loop hike

Cut Bank
Cut Bank is accessed off US Hwy 89, between Two Medicine and St. Mary

Medicine Grizzly Lake
6 mi (9.7 km)
Elevation gain: 475 ft (145 m)
Trailhead: Cut Bank Trailhead

Morning Star Lake
6.6 mi (10.6 km)
Elevation gain: 642 ft (196 m)
Trailhead: Cut Bank Trailhead

Triple Divide Pass
7.2 mi (11.6 km)
Elevation gain: 2,380 ft (725 m)
Trailhead: Cut Bank Trailhead

Walton
The Walton district is located off US Hwy 2 along the south boundary of the park

Firebrand Pass
4.8 mi (7.7 km)
Elevation gain: 2,210 (674 m)
Trailhead: Lubec Trailhead, US Hwy 2 Mile Marker 203

Scalplock Lookout
4.7 mi (7.7 km)
Elevation gain: 3,079 ft (938.5 m)
Trailhead: Walton Ranger Station