best backpacking trips in glacier national park

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6 Epic Backpacking Routes in Glacier National Park, Montana

Posted by Liz Dengler September 07, 2021 Updated September 06, 2023

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Glacier National Park is one of the crown jewels of the national park system. With a seemingly endless trail system, there are thousands of ways to explore the park.

In northwestern Montana, the park encapsulates everything awe-inspiring about this alpine environment, from alpine lakes and rugged peaks to trout-filled streams and actual glaciers perched above wildflower-filled meadows. It’s impossible to experience everything Glacier has to offer in just one trip.

Glacier National Park, as its name suggests, is known for its extensive glacial system. Unfortunately, over the last 100 years, the namesake glaciers have shrunk dramatically and completely disappeared in some cases. Around 1850, there were roughly 80 glaciers in the park, but by 2015, the number had dropped to 26. Some estimates suggest they’ll be entirely gone by 2030.

As you can see from the repeat photography , some glaciers now only resemble small snowfields tucked onto an alpine ledge. That said, just because the glaciers no longer dominate the landscape doesn’t mean they aren’t beautiful. The dramatic landscapes, lakes, and waterfalls left behind by the melting ice are stunning and, for the trained eye, offer a unique real-world view of how glaciers advance and retreat through a landscape.

Though Glacier National Park is gorgeous any time of year, the best time to visit is late summer to early fall. Not only are the temperatures the most enjoyable, but the snow is mostly melted, the meadows are filled with wildflowers, and you’re more likely to see wildlife.

The park is divided by the aptly named Continental Divide. The trails on the western half tend to be forested, a bit more remote, and start around 3,500 feet in elevation. The trails on the eastern side are higher, dryer, and have more expansive vistas that tend to attract more hikers.

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Backpacking in Glacier National Park

Backcountry camping in Glacier is an amazing opportunity every hiker will appreciate. However, many of the backpacking routes in Glacier are very remote, rugged, and should not be underestimated. Routes are well-maintained and well-marked, but it’s still a challenging landscape.

There are a few key things to know about backpacking in the park.

Glacier Backpacking Permits

Permits are required for backcountry camping. From May 1 to October 31, camping fees are $7 a night per person in the group, including children (there’s no cost between November and April). Most parties will receive their permit through the application process, which opens in March.

You’ll have to list out your proposed itinerary on the application , so do your best to create a manageable plan. Check out the backcountry map to get an idea of what’s possible. On occasion, walk-up permits will be available in the mornings, but make sure you’re there early, as a line will form before it’s even light out. When you arrive to the park, you’ll have to pick up your permit at one of the Visitors Centers (and watch a wildlife safety video).

Glacier Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife are abundant in Glacier National Park and you’ll need to take extra precautions when backpacking.

Though chipmunks and squirrels are fairly easy to deter, the smell of your food bag might be too much for the local bears. Before heading out, make sure you’ve taken the correct precautions to safely store all food and scented items while in camp.

Bear canisters or bags are the way to go to keep both your food and the bears safe. While in camp, make sure to use food lockers or hang bags when not in use. If you have safety concerns about bears, check out the park’s bear safety website . Every backcountry site has either a bear box or a pole system; pole systems are the most common. So unless you want to lug a bear bin, learn how to use a pole-hanging system (scent-blocking bags can be a nice addition to your pack). If you aren’t keen on seeing a grizzly up close, make sure to make lots of noise when hiking sections of backpacking routes in Glacier with poor lines of sight, especially those with huckleberry bushes. You must carry (and know how to use) bear spray.

All that said, you’re lucky if you see a bear, and most encounters involve no more than the bear looking at you from afar and wandering away.

Of course, there are other creatures beyond bears. Most wildlife won’t bother you. However, rodents, mountain goats, and even deer are all attracted to the salt in sweat and urine. If you leave any sweaty gear unattended, such as boots, clothes, or packs, you may return to find holes munched through them.

Backpacking Weather and Safety

The weather forecast in the park is a bit of a moving target. Weather can change in an instant, so make sure to pack for the elements. In an alpine environment, even in summer, you can get the occasional snowstorm. Summer thunderstorms with hail are not uncommon.

Lightning in the alpine is a real concern, so if you start to see clouds growing taller than they are wide, it’s best to keep an eye out for any onset of weather. If you’re heading above the treeline, best to go prepared with a warm layer, hat, sunscreen, and even a rain or wind layer to battle the elements.

Related Read: Everything You Need to Know About Backpacking with Kids

6 Gorgeous Backpacking Routes in Glacier

There are numerous great options for backpacking in Glacier National Park and since may trails intersect, you can built any number of unique routes. However, it help make it a little easier, here’s a list of the six best backpacking routes in Glacier to help you get started on your lottery application. Good luck!

1. Many Glacier Loop

• Distance : +/- 62 miles
• Total elevation gain: 11,500 feet
• Recommended number of nights: 6

The creme de la creme of backpacking routes in Glacier, this route hits all the highlights in the northern part of the park. At 62 miles long with almost 11,500 feet of climbing, this route will take you several days to finish.

You’ll sleep at lakeside campsites, cross atop alpine passes and below roaring waterfalls, and trudge through wildflower-laden meadows while traveling through a mix of open alpine terrain and lush forest. There are so many side trails to explore on this loop that you could easily take a week to cover it.

Related Read:   11 Backpacking Trips in the U.S. That Should be on Your Bucket List

2. Pitamakan/Dawson Loop

• Distance : +/- 18 miles
• Total elevation gain: 4,400 feet
• Recommended number of nights: 1/2

Located in the Two Medicine Area, this relatively short loop is a great choice for packing the maximum amount of beauty into a potentially one-night trek.  Though shorter than most other backpacking routes in Glacier, it’s generally considered to be difficult. The first half of the hike has a steady climb (with ever-increasingly stunning views.)

The hike to Pitamakan Pass can be rather strenuous, but the views and relative solitude are worth the effort. Rugged peaks loom over alpine lakes in both directions; it will be hard to tear yourself away from the vistas. Note that there’s a bit of exposure on the route. It’s not extreme, but if someone in your party has a fear of heights, this might not be the best option.

Related Read:   How To Go Backpacking Solo & Start Enjoying Solitude Like No Other

3. Highline to The Loop

• Distance : +/- 12 miles
• Total elevation gain: 3,200 feet (5,400 down)

If you had to sum up this Glacier backpacking route in one word, iconic would fit best. For some, the Highline Trail is the reason to go to Glacier National Park. Starting from Logan Pass on the Continental Divide, this 11.7-mile route takes you north via the Highline Trail and the Grinnel Glacier Overlook Trail .

The views of Grinnell Lake and Grinnell Glacier are breathtaking and truly seem to encapsulate the essence of the park. Though you could do this as an out-and-back day hike, consider staying instead at the Granite Park Campground and continuing to the Loop Road. You can then grab the free park shuttle to get back to the start.

4. Cracker Lake

• Total elevation gain: 2,760 feet
• Recommended number of nights: 1

Nestled in the basin of Canyon Creek, Cracker Lake shows off brilliant blue waters that reflect the rather imposing walls of Mt. Siyeh. As it’s considered one of the tallest vertical cliff faces on the continent (yes, even taller than those in Yosemite), camping at the lake is a special experience.

The grade of the trail is generally easier than other hikes on the list and you won’t have to traverse any vertigo-inducing cliff edges or ridgelines to get to the spectacular views. This is an excellent backpacking route in Glacier National Park if you want an easy, one-night trek to get your feet wet, so to speak — and to see how you feel about sleeping in bear country!

Related Read:   11 Extraordinary Glamping Stays Near Glacier National Park, Montana

5. Gunsight Pass

• Distance : +/- 19 miles
• Total elevation gain: 4,900 feet (6,350 down)

In the middle of the park, the Lake McDonald area is beautiful beyond words, and the Gunsight Pass Trail is a fantastic way to see it all. At less than 20 miles, you can either do this route in a two-day, one-night trip or take your time and enjoy multiple camping spots along the way. This is the kind of trail where you’ll be stopping frequently to take photos. The journey is the destination and there’s no reason to rush it.

You’ll enjoy incredible views, glaciers, alpine lakes, craggy cliffs, and even waterfalls (though they may be pretty dried up by fall). The route ends at the historic Swiss-style Lake McDonald Lodge , for which you’ll need to make a reservation far in advance.

6. Bowman Pass to Kintla Lake Loop

• Distance : +/- 34 miles
• Total elevation gain: 7,890 feet
• Recommended number of nights: 3

On the west side of the park is a very unique Glacier backpacking trail: the Bowman Pass to Kintla Lake Loop (also referred to as the Boulder Pass Loop). This point-to-point trek is fairly easy and level along for the first 11 miles or so, traversing the shore of Bowman Lake.

But from there, it’s a bit of uphill — most of the climbing is over the next eight miles. But the payment are amazing views from Boulder Pass. And as you climb up and over the pass, you’ll walk through seemingly endless wildflowers. The last 12 miles of the hike are mostly flat with a little bit of elevation loss. The final stretch along the shore of Kintla Lake is one of the most pleasant and relaxing finishes to any hike in the park.

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Seen in: Backpacking , Glacier National Park , Hikes , Montana , National Parks , Rockies

Posted by Liz Dengler

Liz is a freelance writer and editor who lives on the road. Literally. Home is a cozy van parked wherever the views are stunning and the data is adequate. Always exploring, wherever she ends up, you can be sure she will be out hiking, biking, skiing, and paragliding.

Crown Jewels: 14 Majestic Hikes in Glacier National Park

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Glacier National Park Backpacking Guide

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With more than 700 miles of backcountry trails traversing lush alpine meadows, glacier-carved peaks, deep valleys, and moss-fringed cirques cradling stunning azure lakes, Glacier National Park is as breathtakingly beautiful as it is physically and mentally demanding. The trails to some of the best views in the park are rarely easy, but the rewards will surely be worth it.

Backpackers could spend five continuous summers in Glacier and still fail to explore all the sights this place has to offer. Beyond the pure physical beauty of the park, the density of extraordinary wildlife draws people from around the world to its trails. The all-star list of American wildlife includes bighorn sheep, mountain goat, black and grizzly bear, bobcat, gray wolf, cougar, coyote, elk, moose, bison, and the Canadian lynx – to name a few. If you head into the backcountry in Glacier, chances are high you’ll have some pretty unforgettable wildlife sightings.

As you begin preparations for your backcountry trip to Glacier, you may find the planning process – most notably the permit process – to be complex and, at times, exhausting. In this guide, we hope to provide you with all the details you’ll need to plan an exciting, safe, and memorable trip to one of our favorite national parks.

If you’re looking for information on day hiking in Glacier, check out our 10 Best Day Hikes in Glacier National Park post.

Best Time to Travel

Although conditions vary year to year, in general the best time to visit Glacier is from late July to late September. Backpacking season in Glacier is relatively short due to the fact that snow lingers on most high elevation trails well into July and can fall again by late September. Mid-August gives you your best shot at completing most backcountry trails, though you will be contending with some of the heaviest crowds. In some years, you can hike lower level trails as early as mid-July and well into mid-October. It should be noted, however, that it can also snow any month of the year in Glacier. So this is one place where you need to be prepared.

Backcountry use declines after Labor Day, making September a less competitive time to secure walk-up permits, while the weather is still great for backpacking most years. September temps are generally mild (highs 60’s), though you’ll want to pack a warmer sleeping bag (+15 rather than a +30) for chillier nighttime temps. Shuttle transports get trickier, and at the end of September, staff starts to remove 25 seasonal bridges. Although there are some downsides to backpacking in September in Glacier, it remains one of our favorite times to be on the trail.

How to Get there (Air, train, car)

Located in the northwest corner of Montana, the closest airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) located in Kalispell, MT. It’s a 30 minute drive from the airport to the Apgar entrance of Glacier National Park.

Great Falls, 200 miles southeast, and Missoula, 150 miles south are more direct flights from many U.S. cities, but most likely require renting a car.

Backpackers coming in from Waterton Lakes National Park in southern Alberta have a few other options. For them, the closest airport is 80 miles to the northeast in Lethbridge, Alberta. The limited flight schedule usually means it’s more convenient (and cheaper) to fly into Calgary, 165 miles north of Waterton.

Although it can be just as costly and possibly take longer than flying or driving, many people enjoy traveling to Glacier by train. Amtrak’s Empire Builder , which runs east-west from Chicago to Seattle, makes stops in East Glacier, West Glacier and Whitefish. If you’re arriving in East Glacier, you can hop on The East Side Shuttle , which runs from Glacier Park Lodge to St. Mary’s and costs $15 each way. Once at St. Mary’s, you can easily connect with the park’s free shuttle service, which runs the length of the Going-to-the-Sun road. If you’re arriving in Whitefish, the Glacier Express Shuttle runs from Whitefish to Apgar. If arriving in West Glacier, Xanterra also offers a West Side Shuttle from the train station to the Lake McDonald Lodge for $10.

If you’re driving to Glacier, the easiest ways to reach the park are from U.S. 2 and U.S. 89, depending on the direction you’re coming from. It’s often convenient to have a car when backpacking, however we found ourselves happily using the free shuttle service most of the time (more on that below). Also, many roads within Glacier National Park are seasonal. Check Road Status to see what’s open.

Getting Around – Shuttle Services

Free park shuttle.

A comprehensive system of shuttles makes transport to trails fairly easy during peak tourism season. Once you pay the national park entrance fee, you get free and unlimited access to the Park Shuttle System .

The shuttle operates as a hop-on hop-off two-way service along Going-to-the-Sun Road between the Apgar Visitor Center and St. Mary Visitor Center. The shuttle runs on the west side from the Apgar Visitor Center to Logan Pass every 15-30 minutes. On the east side the shuttle runs from Logan Pass to St. Mary’s Center. If you are planning on riding the full Going-to-the-Sun Road, you’ll have to switch shuttles at Logan Pass. 

There’s room for 12 or 16 passengers on the smaller shuttles and 20 + on the larger ones. All seats are first come, first serve, and at times packed. If the shuttle is full, you’ll have to wait for the next one. There is also limited pack storage on the buses especially when every seat is full, so you’ll likely need to set your pack in an aisle or on your lap. 

You should also be aware of the potential for transit delays. Going-to-the-Sun Road is often under reconstruction/rehabilitation in areas and construction delays are inevitable.

Also, plan to park your car at a shuttle hub parking lot instead of other locations where parking is limited. The East hub is St. Mary Visitor Center and the West hub is Apgar Visitor Center. Be aware that parking is competitive throughout the park, particularly at Logan Pass Visitor Center. During peak season many parking lots are full by mid-morning.

Glacier National Park Lodges Hiker’s Shuttle

This fee-based hiker’s shuttle between the St. Mary Visitor Center and Many Glacier Hotel/Swiftcurrent Motor Inn (operates from June 8 through September 18), connects to the National Park Service (NPS) free Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle system, and like that shuttle service is first come, first served—no advance reservations. Times vary depending on the free National Park Service Shuttle, but it typically takes about 45-50 minute to get from Many Glacier/SwiftCurrent Motor Inn to St. Mary Visitor Center.

It also has a west side shuttle that requires reservations. Contact Xanterra’s customer service agent at 855-733-4522 for seasonal shuttle times and to book a reservation.

Waterton – Chief Mountain Shuttle

If you plan on hiking in the Belly River region, starting or finishing your hike at Goat Haunt, you may consider using this shuttle service for an interesting way to begin/end your hike in Canada. The best way to do this is to park a car at the Belly River Trailhead and backpack to Goat Haunt. From here, you can take the water shuttle to Waterton Townsite and then use the Chief Mt. Connector to get an easy shuttle back to the US border, which is a very short walk from the Belly River Trailhead. If traveling between Goat Haunt and Waterton, you’ll need to bring your passport . 

Trip Planning

Glacier National Park’s website offers this insider take on planning: “In the broadest sense, Glacier’s backcountry comes in two flavors—east and west, roughly split along the Continental Divide. Each trail on a respective side offers a similar “feel.” West side trails start at around 3,200 feet in elevation, are more heavily forested, and offer the greatest solitude. East of the divide, trails start at around 5,000 feet and the terrain is more sparsely vegetated, creating more open vistas and attracting more crowds.” In other words, if you want solitude and lower level views, go west. If you want alpine trekking with glaciers and summit views, go east

A good place to start is to consider how many days you want to be on the trail, how far you want to go, how much water and food you’ll need to carry, and what your objectives are. Do you prefer high alpine hiking or forested trails with occasional views? Are seeing glaciers an important consideration? Or is your top priority to have opportunities to view wildlife (from afar)? All of these thing can help you refine and square up your itinerary. A very helpful tool as you begin your planning process are is the backcountry campground, trailhead, and area information map provided by GNP.

Wildlife concerns (ranging from aggressive bears to birthing goats) regularly result in trail closures. The park will list trail closures at every permitting office, so you need to be flexible with your plans. We recommend always building an extra day into your planning/itinerary.

backcountry map with campsite codes provided by nps.gov (click to enlarge)

Backcountry Camping Permits

The park has 65 backcountry campgrounds with 208 campsites. Permits, at $7 per person, per night, are required for all backcountry camping in Glacier. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight camping, and must be in your possession while in the backcountry. They are valid only for the dates, locations, and party size specified. There are numerous backcountry rangers throughout the park who will be checking your permits, so don’t even think about heading out without a permit. 

During the peak summer season (Mid-July to end of August), backcountry campsites are very competitive. With half of the reservations given in advance, the other half are set aside for walk-in campers. That said, nailing an advance reservation makes life a whole lot easier. Below is the process for both.

Advance Reservations

Advanced online reservations begin March 1 for groups of 9-12 people and March 15 for 1-8 individuals. Glacier uses an online reservation system . They don’t accept applications via email, phone, fax, or in person. Beginning in 2019, Glacier will be processing advance reservation applications in a randomly sequenced order, rather than the first come, first serve frenzy that happens on March 1st or March 15th every year.

Regardless of size, expect to pay, in addition to the campsite fee, a processing fee and application fee for each advance reservation request you submit. Currently, the fee is $40 ($10 administrative fee + $30 fulfilled trip request fee) for each application submitted.

If the backcountry office is unable to award an advance reservation itinerary based on the scope of your trip, the $30 fulfilled trip request fee will be refunded. It typically takes a month before you hear back. Remember there’s always potential to change your reservation in person, pending availability. Keep in mind that there is a limit of 16 miles per day you can hike with advance reservations. Hikers wanting to do longer mileage can only get campsite permits through the walk-in process.

Walk-in Permits

If you’re unable to secure an advance reservation, it’s still worth it to take a chance on a walk-permit. If you’re flexible with dates and locations, you can almost always piece together a great trip. Fees for walk-in reservations are $7 per night, per person.

For walk-in permits, arrive early the day before you want to start of your trip. The backcountry permitting locations open at 7 am every morning, however we recommend getting to the permitting office well before they open because competition is quite high during peak season and there will most definitely be a line prior to them opening the doors.

The availability of backcountry campsites will be set everyday at 4:30 pm for the following day. You’ll want to visit the What’s available tonight?  page on the Glacier Backcountry Site to make a plan for your trip to the permitting office the next morning. Have a Plan A, B, and C written down to increase your chances of getting a permit. 

Permitting Locations

According to NPS, there are 5 different locations where you can obtain a walk-in backcountry permit, some more busy than others. Generally, all backcountry permitting office open at 7 am, but we recommend checking with each office as this can change from season to season. The Waterton Lakes National Parks Visitor Center had issued permits in the past, but due to catastrophic fires in 2017 and the subsequent destruction of the Waterton Visitor Centre, Waterton Lakes National Park will not be issuing backcountry permits for Glacier National Park in 2018. This could change in the future, so check back for updates. Below are the permitting offices in GNP:

APGAR BACKCOUNTRY PERMIT CENTER – Open daily from May 1 to October 31. Note: This is not in the Apgar Visitor Center (a common mistake). Instead, it’s right next door to Glacier Outfitter’s in Apgar Village.

ST. MARY VISITOR CENTER – Open daily from late-May to mid-September

MANY GLACIER RANGER STATION – Open daily from late-May to mid-September

TWO MEDICINE RANGER STATION – Open daily from late-May to mid-September

POLEBRIDGE RANGER STATION – Open daily from early-June to mid-September

Best Backpacking Routes

Glaciers backcountry has it all—waterfalls, meadows, vast valleys, high ridges and summits, and lakes the color of sky on a clear day. Deciding where to go will always be the conundrum, but truthfully, you can’t go wrong in Glacier. Below we’ll highlight our five favorite trips, varying in difficulty and distance. 

Bowman-Kintla Loop

Distance : 47.5 miles

Days needed : 3-5

Trailhead: Bowman Lake or Boulder Pass Trail (Kintla Lake)

Starting elevation : 3,558 ft

Elevation gain : 6,958 ft

Elevation loss: 6,461 ft

The Bowman-Kintla trip is a horseshoe-shaped route which travels between stunning Bowman and Kintla Lakes, traversing over Boulder Pass, Hole in the Wall and Brown Pass before dipping back down the valley to a stunning lake. Logistics can be tricky in the less-visited northwest corner of the park. You’ll need to arrange a car shuttle or plan to hitch in order to complete this trip. Many people avoid these logistics by doing on out-and-back from either Kintla or Bowman Lakes. 

Stoney Indian Pass Trail

Distance: 26.6 miles (one way) Chief Mountain Customs to Goat Haunt

Days needed : 3-4

Trailhead: Belly River Trailhead

With its diversity of scenic beauty—waterfalls, lakes, breathtaking peaks—the best place to start this hike is at Chief Mountain Customs Trailhead (ending at Goat Haunt instead of starting in Waterton National Park in Canada). The reason? It’s downhill all the way once you’ve reached the pass. But there’s another even better reason to start at Chief Mountain Customs: The best and most stunning views on this trail are right in your line of vision, instead of behind you. 

The logistics of this hike will take some pre-planning, but can be a fun way to end a backpacking trip. If you end your trip at Goat Haunt, you can take the water shuttle to the Waterton Townsite and then use the Chief Mt. Connector to get an easy shuttle back to the US border at Chief Mountain, which is a very short walk from the Belly River Trailhead. If traveling between Goat Haunt and Waterton, you’ll need to bring your passport . 

Gunsight Pass Trail

Mileage : 20 miles

Days Needed: 2-3

Trailhead: Jackson Glacier Overlook

This spectacular trail begins with a descent into the Reynolds Creek Valley, then evens out as you traverse alongside St. Mary River. Eventually, you’ll begin a gradual climb uphill after a footbridge approaching Gunsight Lake. The climb to Gunsight pass is stunning with views of Lake Ellen Wilson across the valley. As you cross over the second and highest pass – Lincoln Pass – you’ll begin your long descent through the 2017 burn area, passing through the Sperry Chalet area as you head down to Lake McDonald. 

Park a car or take the shuttle to the Lake McDonald Lodge, and catch the shuttle up to Logan Pass.At Logan Pass, grab another shuttle down the other side toward St. Mary (east). Step off at the Jackson Glacier Turnout, and begin your hike there. You’ll end up back at Lake McDonald Lodge. 

North Circle Loop

Mileage : 52 miles, can vary depending on itinerary

Days Needed: 5-7

Trailhead: Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trailhead (Many Glacier area)

Although there are several variations of this trip, the North Circle Loop we discuss begins and ends in the Many Glacier area. If heading in a counterclockwise direction you’ll first head north on the Ptarmigan Trail, eventually heading west towards Stoney Indian Pass, and Fifty Mountain Trail before heading south on part of the CDT. You’ll stay on the CDT until you reach the Granite Park Chalet and then swing east on the Swiftcurrent Trail towards Many Glacier. If you want to add for miles (and beauty!), you can do a lollipop loop and add a trip along the Highline Trail. The best way to do this would be to begin and end your hike at the Highline Trailhead at L ogan Pass.

Another option is to complete this loop and then head north towards Goat Haunt. If you’re planing on continuing on to Waterton from Goat Haunt, don’t forget your passport.

It’s important to note that backcountry travel in this part of the park is one of the most sought-after itineraries. Furthermore, you’ll need patience as you encounter many day hikers heading toward the ptarmigan tunnel, which provides passage to the other side of the Ptarmigan Wall. But once through backpackers emerge to sweeping vistas of glacial carved valleys, pristine lakes and dense forests, and, more important, relative solitude.  

Dawson-Pitamakin Loop (Rising Wolf Mountain Loop)

Mileage : 19 miles

Days Needed : 2-3

Trailhead: North Shore/Pray Lake

For spectacular views, fewer people, and a higher likelihood that you’ll see some grizzlies, we recommend checking out one of the best trips in the Two Medicine area of Glacier. For this hike, skip the boat that cuts a few miles off the hike and start hiking as soon as the sun starts rising. We recommend traveling this loop in a clockwise direction.

At No Name Lake, take the short detour off the main trail to the lake. Depending on your itinerary, you can camp here or get water before hiking through Bighorn Basin up to Dawson Pass. That’s also your last chance for water for the next 5 miles until descending Pitamakan Pass. Make sure to load up on water again at Oldman Lake or camp there for the night, then enjoy the long downhill back. It’s also possible to do this loop as a long day hike, but know your own limitations before venturing out.

glacier can’t miss sights

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a spectacular 50-mile, paved two-lane highway bisecting Glacier National Park from west to east and spanning the width of the park, crossing the Continental Divide at 6,646-foot-high Logan Pass. It takes, on average, 2 hours to travel the full length of the road. A great way to experience it is to use the parks hop on-hop off free shuttle.

GTTSR (as it’s often abbreviated) is a serpentine lesson in geological, ecological, and human history. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and is listed as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, and travels through almost every type of terrain in the park, from forestland to glacial lakes to windswept alpine passes. Park transit users and motorists have many opportunities for views along the well-designed and built road. See the map below for all stop along the free shuttle that runs the length of the GTTSR.

Map of shuttle routes & stops provided by nps.gov

See a Glacier

Warming temperatures are rapidly reducing the size of many the nation’s glaciers since 1966, according to comparisons released by the US Geological Survey (USGS) and Portland State University. Some have lost as much as 85% of their expanse over the past 50 years, with Glacier national park set to lose all of its eponymous ice formations within the next few decades. Of the 150 glaciers that existed in Glacier National Park in the late 19th century, only 26 remain. See these three: Grinnell , Salamander (once part of Grinnell; separated due to melting) and Jackson. There is a spectacular day hike to get up close to the Grinnell and Salamander Glaciers that’s a can’t-miss trip. You can view Jackson Glacier from the GTTSR, but there are also trails you can explore that will bring you closer into view.

Lake McDonald

We recommend setting aside some time in your itinerary to take in the biggest lake in the park – Lake McDonald. There are a number of ways to experience it. The GTTSR winds alongside it for miles, offering plenty of places to stop and stick a toe in it. The best place to see the whole thing is from Apgar Village. The eponymous Lake McDonald Lodge offers parking, restaurants, trails, and boating. With plenty of flatwater days in summer and fall consider taking a self-guided tour on a paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or rowboat. They also have small 10 hp motorboats offering tours of the lower portion of the lake.

Lodging, Eating, & Supplies

Looking for a reward beer or meal after all your adventuring? The parks offers plenty of options in the core of the park. Lodging options include everything from cabins, backcountry chalets and inexpensive motel to rooms in historic grand hotels. Do keep in mind that during peak season restaurants often have long waits and rooms book up fast, especially during July and August. There are camp stores and limited restaurants in the east and west hubs of the park for stocking up on backpacking food supplies, though options are somewhat limited. 

For more information on all the services available inside Glacier, visit the NPS Eating and Sleeping page.

Bears & other wildlife

Glacier is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goats, deer, wolves, wolverines, mountain lions, coyotes as well as black and grizzly bears. Most people who visit Glacier National Park have bears on the mind and for good reason. Glacier is home to a thriving and healthy population of both Grizzly and Black Bears. When we visited the park in 2018, we were lucky enough to see a total of 12 grizzly bears over a two week period (they were all very peaceful encounters).

Before you begin your trip, it’s important to learn some basics about hiking in bear country. Learn about ways to avoid an interaction. Have a plan for what to do if you encounter a bear. Learn how to carry and store food and scented items. Know how to recognize recent bear activity. Learn how to use bear spray effectively. All this will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip in bear country. Below are some quick tips:

Stay at least 100 yards away from bears (especially mama bears and their cubs)

Let a bear know you’re there by clapping, making noise, singing, etc

Avoid hiking solo – best to be in a small group

Carry bear spray, have it in an easily accessible location, and know how to use it.

Use proper food storage (see below for specific in Glacier)

Even though the danger of a bear attack is incredibly low, you should always be prepared for bear encounters and know how to properly handle the situation. Learn more about bears and what to do if you encounter one here . 

Food Storage

You’ve probably head the phrase, “a fed bear is a dead bear” and this is a very true statement. When hiking in bear habitat, it’s imperative that you use proper food storage practices to protect your food from bears for your safety, as well as the bear’s. Food-conditioned bears are captured and relocated or executed after having sought and obtained human, or non-natural foods, destroyed property or displayed aggressive, non-defensive behavior towards humans. Please learn about bears before you head to Glacier to minimize this outcome. If you are heading into the backcountry, Glacier requires every person to watch a short video reviewing necessary information on bears and food storage. 

Each backcountry campsite in Glacier will have either a bear box or communal bear pole to hang your food and all scented items (toiletries, garbage, etc). If heading into the backcountry, you’ll need to bring at least 25 feet of rope, a food storage bag, and a carabiner in order to hang your food. Glacier National Park asks that when you arrive to your backcountry campsite, the first thing you do is go is to the food storage area to hang your food in order to ensure that campsites remain free of food or scented items.

Keep your campsite clean and free of food and trash. Regulations require that all edibles, food containers (empty or not), cookware (clean or not), and trash be secure by suspending from any NPS designated food hanging device or in an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) approved bear resistant container when not in use, day or night.

Depending on where you are in the park and time of year, insects run the gamut from present and only biting the susceptible to outright vicious. Mosquitoes, horseflies and black flies are present in the park in early summer but level off later in the season as sitting water dissipates. Hiking later in the season is often bug-free. Use a combination of permethrin  on your clothing and bring a small bottle of  DEET  or Picaridin for exposed skin to provide full protection. 

If you are heading into the backcountry, you’ll need to filter or purify your water to ensure it’s safe to drink. Giardia is a persistent parasite found throughout the park’s lakes and streams. It can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea. You’ll want to avoid this by treating your water.

In general, water is plentiful along many of the routes in Glacier and is easily accessible from lakes and streams. There are some exceptions to this and it’s always important to look at a map and know where your water sources are located. We carried the SteriPen Ultra  for all our trips and were happy with its performance. Two other good lightweight options are the Sawyer Squeeze and Aquamira Drops or Pills. More information and options are available at our Best Backpacking Water Filters page.

Leave No Trace

Many of Glacier’s backcountry camping regulations are based on Leave No Trace (LNT) outdoor ethics. LNT tells us that by concentrating impacts, including eating, sleeping, and human waste disposal, we prevent degradation of a broader area. Concentrating impacts essentially creates small pockets of impact and leaves nearly pristine conditions over larger areas.

Goat Haunt is a U.S.Class B Port of Entry and you will not be allowed to pass through the Goat Haunt Ranger Station without proper documentation, whether you start or end at your backpacking trip in Canada or the United States. You’ll need a valid (and current) passport to take the Waterton Lake Tour Boat in or out of Goat Haunt, Montana. There will be U.S. Customs Agents at the ranger station to make sure you have it, as well as an agent when you arrive to Waterton. If you don’t have the proper documentation, be prepared to head back the direction you came. There is no wiggle room on this.

To learn more about crossing the border during your trip, visit the NPS website addressing details. To learn about ferries in Goat Haunt, visit this website .

Maps & Guidebooks

There are a lot of books on hiking in Glacier National Park, but here are some of our favorites, including some topographical maps we found helpful.

Hiking Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks – We used this guidebook to plan many of our multi-day backpacking trips in Glacier. This book offers excellent backcountry detail for 59 backcountry hikes in Glacier and Waterton. Each has a line graph showing elevation and distance. Each also has a map of general topographic information.

National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map- Glacier and Waterton Lakes Natl. Parks – We used these detailed topographical maps for all our backcountry travel in GNP. Compared to other Nat Geo maps, this map didn’t have trail mileage listed, so be sure to write them in prior to your trip.

The Comprehensive Guide to Day Hikes in Glacier National Park – The first person to hike all of Glacier’s 700+ miles in one summer, this guide to day hikes is comprehensive. This map guide was laid out to help you decide which trails to explore using distance, slope difficulty and the hike/author’s recommendations. Many of these can be strung together to create backpacking trips.

Moon Glacier National Park Travel Guide – This travel guide is thorough and detailed, providing a vast amount of information on itineraries, hikes, maps, transportation, lodging, campsites, etc. It covers the gamut.

The 10 Best Hikes in Montana’s Glacier National Park: The Greatest Hikes on Earth Series by Team At 10Adventures and Richard Campbell

Glacier NPS website – A great resource for planning your trip. They also offer free downloadable maps here .

Backpacking Gear

We prefer lightweight backpacking because it’s more comfortable and it allows us to cover more ground with less effort. For recommendations on our favorite lightweight backpacking equipment, check out the CleverHiker Gear Guide  and Top Picks  page.

What To Pack

TENT:  We used the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3tent on our trips to keep our weight to a minimum and comfort to a maximum. The Copper Spur is one of the top picks on our best lightweight backpacking tents  list. 

BACKPACK:  We used HMG Southwest 2400  backpacks on all our hikes in Glacier. They’re lightweight, convenient, nearly waterproof, and make our list of the best lightweight backpacking packs . 

SLEEPING BAG:  We used the Enlightened Equipment Revelation 10°  quilts while backpacking in Glacier with nighttime temps in the lower 50’s. They’re lightweight, warm, and make our list of the best backpacking sleeping bags .

SLEEPING PAD : We used the  Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite  and the Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated Mat sleeping pad on this trip. They’re both light, comfortable, warm, and make our list of the best backpacking sleeping pads .

COOKING SYSTEM:  We used the BRS Stove  along with our Snow Peak Mini Solo Cookset  and Snow Peak Folding Spoon  on these trips, all of which make our top picks gear list  and best lightweight stove list . 

WATER PURIFIER:  We used a SteriPen Ultra  as our main purification method for these trips. Check out our best water purifiers list  for our other top recommendations.

SHOES OR BOOTS:  We wore the  Saucony Peregrine 8’s  and Brooks Cascadia 13’s on this trail and they were both excellent. If you prefer boots, make sure they’re lightweight and break them in really well before your trip. Here’s why we prefer hiking in trail running shoes:  5 Reasons to Ditch Your Hiking Boots . Also, here’s our top picks for the Best Backpacking Footwear . 

HEADLAMP:  A small headlamp like the Petzl Actik  is an affordable, bright, and lightweight option.

FOOD:  When heading into the backcountry in GNP, you’ll have to carry all your food. Check out our Best Lightweight Backpacking Food Guide  and our Best Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals  for some of our go-to recommendations.

FOOD STORAGE : Each backcountry campsite in Glacier will have either a bear box or communal bear pole to hang your food and all scented items (toiletries, garbage, etc). If heading into the backcountry, you’ll need to bring at least 25 feet of rope , a food storage bag , and a carabiner in order to hang your food.

BEAR SPRAY: Glacier National Park won’t let you travel into the backcountry without carrying bear spray. We recommend Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray . Learn about bear safety and, most importantly, how to use bear spray for the rare case you need to use it.

Here are some of our favorite hiking/backpacking clothing items from our Top Gear list . 

1 Rain jacket shell – Patagonia Stretch Rainshadow / Rab Kinetic Plus

1 Pair of rain pants (check weather) – Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic

1 Down jacket – Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody

1 Fleece jacket – Extra warmth under your down jacket that will be warmer when damp and better to hike in.

1 Pair hiking pants – (we love PrAna Zion Stretch ) or running tights

1 Pair hiking shorts – Nike dri fit running shorts

1-2 Hiking t-shirts – Nike dri fit t-shirts

1 Long-sleeve shirt – Nike dri fit quarter zip

1-3 Pair underwear – ExOfficio boxer briefs or or ExOfficio women’s briefs

2-3 Pair socks (add thin sock liners if using boots) – Balega running socks for warm weather & SmartWool mountaineer socks for snow.

1 Pair long john bottoms – long john top optional for nighttime use.

1 Pair gloves or mittens

MAP &COMPASS: We hiked with the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map- Glacier and Waterton Lakes Natl. Parks and found it to be a good resource (be sure to add in mileage though). In addition, we always hike with a compass  and a downloaded GPS app on our phone, like Gaia GPS .

FIRST AID KIT:  Always bring a small personalized first aid kit. We use the Ultralight .7 Kit  and add extras, like painkillers and personal medications.

SUN PROTECTION:  Sunglasses (polarized recommended), sunscreen, and spf lip balm are an absolute must on any backcountry trip, especially this one.

POCKET KNIFE:  We brought along a small Swiss Army Knife , which came in handy here and there.

OTHER ITEMS:

SMALL TOWEL: Nano pack towel is great.

CASH and ID

PERSONAL TOILETRIES

HAND SANITIZER: Always apply after using a bathroom and before eating.

WET WIPES: These can be useful for cleaning up after hiking.

INSECT REPELLANT: At higher elevations insects weren’t a problem for us at all. For lower elevations, a 1oz bottle of DEET or Picaridin will do the trick.

CAMERA: The Sony RX100 is our go-to camera for lightweight backpacking.

More glacier photos

Final Thoughts

Glacier is without a doubt one of the most spectacular national parks in the United States. We hope this guide helps you plan an awesome, safe, and memorable adventure. As always, please leave us a comment below if you have any recommendations, questions, or suggestions.

For more popular CleverHiker content, check out the following links:

CleverHiker Gear Guide

CleverHiker Top Gear Picks

Essential Trail Skills Videos

Lightweight Gear Foundations Videos 

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Glacier National Park, Montana

Looking for the best backpacking in Glacier National Park? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Glacier National Park. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

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20 Best Hikes in Glacier National Park: Trails You’ll Love

Outdoor enthusiasts love a good hiking trail, and Glacier National Park has them in abundance. From the beauty of Avalanche Lake to the glorious vistas of Belly River Valley, you’ll be enthralled by the natural wonders Glacier National Park holds for you. 

And that’s not even mentioning Many Glacier Valley or Swiftcurrent Lake!

National park hikes are exhilarating, and Glacier trails are no different. Whether it’s waterfalls or meadows that delight your soul, every hike on your Glacier National Park itinerary will have something to offer you.  

Enough chatter. Let’s get on with the reason you came here: to read about the best hikes Glacier National Park has to offer.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

Glacier National Park

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• 12 Great Tips On Biking Going To The Sun Road In Glacier National Park
• 10 Awesome Things To Do In Glacier National Park
• Where to Stay in Glacier National Park | 14 Best Hotels & Lodges
• Amazing 3-Day Itinerary for Glacier National Park | Top Trips Ideas

Where to Stay at Glacier National Park

Whether it’s a 4-star lodge or a camping bed, you’ll need a place to rest your head after a long day of hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of Glacier.

Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge (Budget)

Rustic, homely decor with a modern twist dominates the Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge. It’s classy and comfortable, located only 26 miles from Glacier National Park. 

The rooms are spacious and the Wi-Fi is free, and you can enjoy the hot tub, outdoor pool, and on-site fitness center at your leisure. A full continental breakfast will await you each morning. And what’s more, the hotel is pet-friendly. >>> Check Availability

Cedar Creek Lodge & Conference Center (Mid-Range)

With the comforts of a mountain lodge blended seamlessly with a modern style, Cedar Creek Lodge will lull you into a cozy stupor. 

Situated at the gateway to Glacier National Park, it’s a convenient location for hikers. Plus, they offer free Wi-Fi and a hot buffet breakfast to prepare you for the treks ahead. An indoor pool and hot tub are also on offer, plus a fitness center.  >>> Check Availability

Lodge at Whitefish Lake (Luxury)

Nestled on the shores of Whitefish Lake, this lodge has an award-winning restaurant, full-service spa, and gym for your enjoyment. The property has a marina where you can experience watersports and a coffee bar with grab-and-go options. 

Its upscale white-and-wooden decor belies its sultry comforts and views. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and fireplaces for that extra cozy feel.   >>> Check Availability

Many Glacier Campground (Budget)

This prime campground on the eastern side of Glacier National Park is comfortably nestled between fir trees and jagged peaks. It’s ideally located close to multiple hiking trails, and the campsite is well equipped — although the campsites are a little too small for big tents and RVs. 

You can take a hot shower and do your laundry at the nearby Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. Here are some tips if you’re a camping beginner . >>> Check Availability

Read More: Where to Stay in Glacier National Park | 14 Best Hotels & Lodges

Tours At Glacier National Park

What to wear when hiking glacier national park.

• Sunscreen:  Super important, and it is part of the ten essentials!   >Buy Sunscreen
• Chapstick: This one has SPF, so your lips won’t get burned! >Check Out This Chapstick
• Hiking Boots/Shoes:  If you use tennis shoes, you can easily hurt your toes hitting a rock by accident (Trust me, I have done it so many times before).  >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
• Hiking socks:  Having the correct socks helps you prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there.  >Buy Hiking Socks
• Water Reservoir:  Water reservoirs help prevent me from getting dehydrated while hiking. The great thing about this reservoir is that it doesn’t have the plastic taste.  >Here Is My Water Reservoir
• Water:  Stay nice and hydrated.
• Sunglasses:  It can get sunny even in the fall, so make sure to pack some sunglasses.  >Check Out These Sunglasses
• Snacks:  The best snacks are jerky, nuts, and energy bars.  Clif Bars are great for hiking
• Camera:  The Sony A6000 was one of the first cameras I started traveling with. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.   >Buy Sony Camera Here
• First Aid Kit:  This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable.  >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
• Day Pack to carry all your things:  To carry all your gear, water, and food, you need a good backpack. Osprey is known to have some of the best backpacks in the market.  >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
• Headlamp:  A headlamp is an absolute must in case you get stranded in the dark! It is a lot more portable and easier to use than a flashlight.  >Buy A Headlamp Now
• Leggings or Hiking Pants:  I always wear leggings while hiking because it is what I feel most comfortable with!   >Click For My Favorite Hiking Leggings
• Breathable sweat-wicking shirts : Cotton shirts soak up your sweat when hiking, so make sure to wear something breathable.  >Check out this awesome breathable shirt here.
• Mid Base Layer:  If you are hiking in the Fall or Spring, this might be a great idea.  >Check Out My Sweater Here
• Sports Bra:  For women. >Check This One Here
• Jacket:  I always have a jacket in my backpack, even if it is hot. I do it just in case of an emergency.   >Buy My Favorite Jacket
• Rain Jacket: The worst feeling in the world is being wet and cold while hiking. You can get hypothermia, so always carry a poncho or a rain jacket when you hike Montana. >Check Out My Rain Jacket Here
• Tripod:  This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the ideal sunset pictures.   >Check out this tripod
• Knife:  I always carry a knife in my backpack, just in case.  >Check Out My Knife Here
• National Park Pass:   I highly recommend getting a year-long America The Beautiful Pass so you can get into both parks with ease.   >Get It Here
• Map And Trail Guide:  Start planning your trip with this.   >Buy One Here

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Best Hikes In Glacier National Park

Best Glacier National Park Hikes

Are you ready for the ultimate list featuring the best hiking in Glacier National Park? Without further ado, read on to explore these gorgeous options. 

Hikes in West Glacier 

There are a couple of hiking gems in West Glacier you don’t want to miss out on, and here they are:

McDonald Creek

• Mileage: 5.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 280 feet
• Time: 2 Hours
• Difficulty : Easy
• Type of Trail : Out-and-back
• Trail Guide:   Link

During the off season, when most trails are closed off with snowdrifts, the McDonald Creek Trail that runs near Lake McDonald remains open. You can even blaze a trail over the frozen creek if your inner explorer urges you to venture off the beaten path during a winter visit. When it’s summer, this idyllic trail offers some respite from the crowds and some pristine peace. It’s a fairly flat and tranquil trek overall, beginning on a flat gravel footpath through a dense forest. Not far from the trailhead you’ll see McDonald Falls, and further on wetland areas will dominate your view. You may even see harlequin ducks in spring.

Trail of the Cedars

• Mileage: 1.4 miles 
• Elevation Gain : None
• Time : 30 minutes
• Type of Trail : Loop

The Trail of Cedars in West Glacier is probably one of the easiest Glacier National Park hikes, what with the elevated wooden boardwalk. It winds its way through a gorgeous grove of ancient western red cedars. There’s even a waterfall at the end of the trail to make it even more worthwhile. 

It’s not strenuous at all, so even hikers who’ve just embarked on their hiking lifestyle will be able to enjoy this boardwalk trail with ease. Seasoned hikers might find it a bit too easy, but it is nonetheless worth the quick journey for its beauty. It can get crowded though, as its accessibility and ease makes it a popular trail.

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Apgar lookout trail.

• Mileage: 7.1 miles 
• Elevation Gain : 1845 feet
• Time : 4 Hours
• Difficulty : Hard

One of the most notable features of the Apgar Lookout Trail is a section of dead trees leftover from the Robert Fire of 2003. It creates an eerie yet beautiful picture near the West Entrance. Less than a mile after the trail starts, you’ll begin a steady climb up the mountain slopes, rising 1,700 feet in just 2.7 miles. 

From Apgar Lookout, you’ll have stunning views of Lake McDonald, and the high peaks in the heart of Glacier. It’s one of the first trails to be snow-free in the park, so it’s a perfect early-season hike. This hike is one of the few that’s best done in the afternoon so the sun won’t be in your eyes, but it might be a bit hotter.

Read More: 10 Awesome Things To Do In Glacier National Park

Avalanche Lake

• Mileage: 4.6 miles
• Elevation Gain : 500 feet
• Time : 2.5 Hours
• Difficulty : Moderate

The Avalanche Lake hike distance isn’t too strenuous, at less than five miles with a low elevation gain. The first bit of the trail follows the Trail of the Cedars, and once you reach Avalanche Creek trail, the crowds will taper off. You’ll continue through a forest to reach Avalanche Lake. Some of the oldest growth in Glacier National Park is found here, thanks to a lack of any recent forest fires. Once you reach Avalanche Lake, you’ll be mesmerized by the giant mountains that seem to leer over the emerald waters and red rocks of the lake.  

If you have some energy left, head for the other side of Avalanche Lake for a different perspective. 

Johns Lake Loop

• Mileage: 1.8 miles 
• Elevation Gain : 225 feet
• Time : 1 hour

The Johns Lake Loop begins delicately as the trail passes through an old forest of hemlocks and red cedars. Soon you’ll start to catch glimpses of Johns Lake, which is surrounded by dense forest. But the water has pretty water lilies and grasses to make it that much more charming.

As you continue, you’ll see beautiful scenery including a footbridge over a charming river cascade and the stunning McDonald Falls as it empties into McDonald Creek. There’s another lovely viewpoint further along the trail where the creek empties into McDonald Lake which makes for a lovely photo opportunity. 

Hikes Along Going-to-the-Sun Road 

Plenty of hikes begin and end along Going-to-the-Sun Road. You can even bike along this road like I did.

Highline Trail

• Mileage: 11.8 miles
• Elevation Gain : 2,000 feet
• Time : 8 hours
• Type of Trail : One way

Highline Trail could possibly be the best hike in Glacier National Park thanks to its breathtaking vistas that offer a little bit of everything the park has to boast about. The Highline Trail distance is substantial, but nothing a seasoned hiker would complain about. 

Beginning from the trailhead near Logan Pass Visitor Center, you’ll navigate a rocky cliffside with steep inclines and drop-offs before encountering a grassy terrain. Mountain goats and marmots may be around, so keep your eyes peeled. 

This high elevation offers some spectacular panoramas, especially early in the day with the sunrise hitting the peaks at just the right angles. The Highline Trail is a one-way hike, so you’ll have to organize transport or hop on the free park shuttle to get back to your starting point. 

Grinnell Glacier Overlook (The Garden Wall)

• Mileage : 1.8 miles
• Elevation Gain : 900 feet

This short hike to Grinnell Glacier Overlook is also referred to as The Garden Wall and is basically a side-trip from the Highline Trail. It might be short, but it’s no joke. The straight-uphill, superbly-strenuous 1-mile trek may leave you breathless in more ways than one. You’ll probably end up rethinking your life choices on more than one occasion.

However, no matter how grueling the hike up may be, seeing Grinnell Glacier Lake from above makes you feel as though you’re on top of the world looking down. On a sunny day, the striking colors are even more stunning, and you’ll forget about the ache in your thighs pretty quickly. At least the return from Grinnell Glacier Overlook is all downhill. 

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Baring Falls

• Mileage: 0.7 miles 
• Elevation Gain : 108 feet

Baring Falls trail is one of those Glacier National Park hiking trails that is both accessible and pretty, so what’s not to love? It’s a cozy little gem that most people aren’t even aware of, meaning it’s seldom crowded. It’s quite close to the St Mary and Virginia Falls trailhead, which often steal the limelight, but that doesn’t make Baring any less worth your time. 

The waterfall cascades 25 feet over a rock ledge and continues flowing along Baring Creek into St. Mary Lake. It’s a prime spot for a pleasant respite and to spot some birds like American dippers. 

Hidden Lake Overlook

• Mileage: 2.8 miles 
• Elevation Gain : 460 feet

The Hidden Lake trail is one of the more popular treks. Thanks to the gorgeous views of Clements Mountain from this route, it’s easily one of the best hiking trails in Glacier National Park. 

You’ll pass through grassy meadows, starting along a paved path by the Logan Pass Visitor Center, which changes to a boardwalk and finally, a dirt trail. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, marmots, and bighorn sheep in the meadows. 

The scenic mountain vistas from the Hidden Lake Overlook trail are postcard-perfect, so keep your best camera gear handy. It’s one of the more popular trails, so start early to avoid crowds. 

• Mileage: 10.1 miles 
• Elevation Gain : 2,234 feet
• Time : 6 hours

Siyeh Pass begins and ends along Going-to-the-Sun Road, one point at Piegan Pass and the other at Sunrift Gorge. Expect impeccable snow-kissed mountain views from delightful alpine meadows along this route. It makes for a great alternative to the Highline Trail if you want to avoid crowds. 

You’ll have fantastic vantage points of Mt Siyeh, Piegan Mountain, and Pollock Mountain, not to mention Matahpi Peak. The meadow climb is the steep part, but you’re rewarded with views of Sexton Glacier and the Baring and Boulder Creek Valleys. 

Similar to the Highline Trail, you’ll need to use the free park shuttle or park cars at both ends as this is a one-way hike.  

St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls

• Mileage: 3.6 miles
• Elevation Gain : 285 feet
• Time : 1.5 hours

The St. Mary Falls trail and Virginia Falls trail melt into one, and it will take you to two popular waterfalls in Glacier National Park. The trail can be a little steep down to the lake, but it’s a charming place to spot feeding deer and other wildlife. St Mary falls drops about 35 feet from top to bottom along three tiers

One of the other biggest draws for hikers is that you can swim in the lake that St. Mary Falls plunges into. The water might be chilly, but hey, it’s a good way to cool down and wash away the sweat you worked up hiking there in the first place. There are even rocks you can climb and jump from into the lake below, if you fancy making a splash. Another 0.8 miles uphill, you’ll find Virginia Falls. It’s tall; it’s impressive; it’s the most postcard-pretty picturesque waterfall you could hope to see outside of a fairytale. Thanks to the abundance of water, Virginia Falls is a popular trail for birding.  So bring your binoculars and be lulled by birdsong in this wild wonderland, and look out for American Dippers. 

You can reach the St. Mary Falls trailhead easily thanks to the Glacier National Park Shuttle . 

Hikes in Many Glacier 

Home to some of the trailheads of the best hikes in Glacier, Many Glacier is a fantastic area to start if you haven’t already decided which trail to blaze. 

Swiftcurrent Pass

• Mileage: 13.7 miles 
• Elevation Gain : 2,467 feet
• Time : 9 hours

There’s no glossing over the fact that Swiftcurrent Pass is a challenge. It is, however, incredibly rewarding, too. The trailhead is located near Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and follows the same path as Redrock Falls.

At first, you’ll be walking beneath a canopy of forest. Then, after you hit the upper waterfall at Redrock, the trail ascends by thousands of feet, giving you an ache in your calves and amazing views of Glacier that only a high elevation can offer. Almost all the lakes will be laid beneath you, with Swiftcurrent Glacier behind you. 

Once you reach the summit, a short side trail will take you to Swiftcurrent Fire Lookout, if you fancy seeing everything this hike has to offer. 

Apikuni Falls

• Mileage: 2 miles 
• Elevation Gain : 700 feet

If you love waterfalls, this is one of the day hikes in Glacier National Park you should try out. You’ll start out near a young aspen grove, just beyond which you’ll begin a steep ascent through pine forest — 500 feet in less than half a mile, to be precise. But you’ll have some great views of Cracker Flats below. 

Soon after the trail levels out you’ll begin to hear the roar of the 100-foot waterfall, and just a little further, you’ll see it in all its glory cascading down two tiers. You can continue climbing downhill to the base of the falls from here fairly easily and enjoy the view before making your way back. 

Cracker Lake

• Mileage: 12.8 miles 
• Elevation Gain : 1,400 feet

Alpine meadows, an ethereal aquamarine lake that almost glows from within, and steep mountains with dustings of snow — it’s like a little piece of Switzerland. It may be beautiful, but this hike can be a bit of a challenging one with switchbacks aplenty and a steady elevation gain that might make your knees buckle. 

The trail is consistently uphill, but the incline isn’t very steep, and you’ll also be passing through the Cracker Flats area, which is a piece of scenic heaven. But bring your bug spray, because they’ll descend without mercy. 

The lake itself gets its color from glacial water and is the bluest in the park, making this one of the best hiking trails Glacier National Park has to offer if only for the views. The trail is all downhill on the way back, making it a bit easier on the legs. It’s one of the less frequented trails, so you won’t find it too crowded. Just keep that can of bear spray handy, as this trail is also known for its bear sightings. 

Redrock Falls

• Mileage: 3.6 miles 
• Elevation Gain : 100 feet

Stop by Fishercap Lake about one-third of a mile into the hike for some stunning mountain views surrounding this picturesque lake — you may even spot a moose! Continue on your trek passing through aspen groves and open areas of huckleberries and mountain views before reaching Redrock lake. From here, you can see Mount Grinnell and Swiftcurrent Mountain. 

Once you pass the red rock formations along the western shore of Redrock Lake, go left at the fork in the trail to reach the lower Redrock Falls. They’re some of the most impressive falls along the Glacier National Park trails, and there are several short side trails you can climb for different vantage points to admire Redrock Falls in all its beauty. 

Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint

• Mileage: 10.6 miles 
• Elevation Gain : 1,600 feet
• Time : 5.5 hours

Ready for a bucket list hike recommendation? The viewpoint at the top of this trail is heavenly on another level. The Grinnell Glacier hike begins by the Many Glacier Hotel, and you’ll pass three lakes on the way up. 

The elevation gain begins right from the start. But after you pass the initial Lake Josephine and Swiftcurrent Lake and begin to reach Grinnell Lake, the best scenery makes its appearance. Waterfalls, meadows of wildflowers, a few switchbacks, and turquoise waters will grace your vision, as well as some savage mosquitos (seriously, bring the bug spray). 

Once you finish your uphill trek, you’ll reach the Grinnell Glacier viewpoint, where once a massive ice flow basked beneath a frosty sun. It’s greatly reduced, but you can enjoy what’s left of the once majestic glacier. Seeing this river of ice creeping incrementally into the pale cloudy lake below with dramatic cliffs on either side is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not only will it make an impact on your Instagram, but it’ll also become a standout memory you’ll treasure forever. 

Tip : If you want to shave some distance off of your hike, you can take a boat that’ll drop you on the other side of Lake Josephine, making the trail 3.5 miles shorter.  

Iceberg Lake

• Mileage: 9.3 miles 
• Elevation Gain : 1,200 feet
• Time : 5 hours

The Iceberg Lake Trail is one of the top hikes in Glacier National Park, thanks to the glorious lake you’ll reach at the end, but let’s start at the beginning. The incline on the Iceberg Lake trail is steep — no sugar-coating here. It begins at the Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead and shares the first 2.7 miles of its trail with the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail. 

This first section has a high incidence of bear sightings, especially in September, and they’re often grizzly bears , so carry bear spray on you for safety. On rare occasions, bear activity may even close this trail, so checking trail status before you head out is ideal.

After you divert at the split to Iceberg Lake, you’ll continue your hike until reaching the crystal-clear namesake of this trail. This alpine lake is a curious mix of turquoise and emerald, as are most glacier-fed waters. But what makes it special is that, even in the height of summer, the waters stay cold enough for icebergs to bob about before a background of craggy rocks. 

It makes quite the sight, so bring a snack and soak up the views of this unique lake within the bounds of Glacier National Park.   

Ptarmigan Lake and Tunnel

• Elevation Gain : 2,300 feet

The Ptarmigan Lake Trail begins with alpine meadows interlaced with forests. This is primarily where you’ll see evidence of bear activity, and perhaps even one or two of the mighty beasts themselves (keep some bear spray handy). 

After about 2.5 miles, you’ll reach a clearing that overlooks Ptarmigan Falls, the perfect pitstop for a snack and toilet break. From here, the trail winds alongside the creek, meandering toward its final destination. 

After 3 miles, the spruce-fir forest becomes less dense, so you’ll be able to see Ptarmigan Wall towering 1,500 feet above in all of its splendor. Bright wildflowers throw pops of color along the trail here, so it’s a hard call whether you should be looking up or down. 

Finally, you’ll see the turquoise Ptarmigan Lake with mountain goats and bighorn sheep roaming the slopes around it. 

The final climb to reach Ptarmigan Tunnel is daunting — in two-thirds of a mile you’ll ascend 500 feet. But once you make it, all that’s left is for you to go through the tunnel to reach your prize. 

It took three months and two jackhammers (not to mention a couple of ten-hole rounds of dynamite) to create the tunnel in 1930. Now it offers a convenient shortcut and a unique vista of the Belly River Valley and Lake Elizabeth as you emerge. Once you’ve enjoyed the views, turn around and make your way back to the start of the trail.  

Hikes in Two Medicine 

From Two Medicine Lake to other natural wonders, this area of the park is home to some of the best hikes in Glacier.

Pitamakan-Dawson Loop

• Mileage: 17.2 miles 
• Elevation Gain : 3,641 feet
• Time : 9.5 hours
• Type of Trai l: Loop

The Pitamakan-Dawson Loop trail is not for the faint-hearted or the weak-calved. It’s the longest day hike in the park, but also one of the top Glacier National Park hikes for scenic vistas. It’s remote and free of crowds, but also exposed in areas, so if heights make your knees quake, you might have to face your fears here. 

The trailhead is near Two Medicine Campground. You’ll be ducking in and out of forests and avalanche chutes as you head north and then west, climbing over Rising Wolf Mountain. 

There are waterfalls to enjoy and alpine lakes with grazing bighorn sheep, not to mention mountain peaks. As you can tell, every mile of this trail has some interesting scenery to offer, and as such is possibly the best hiking trail in Glacier National Park for experienced hikers. 

Paradise Point

• Elevation Gain : 160 feet
• Trail Guide:   Link

The Two Medicine area is known for its more strenuous trails, but Paradise Point is an exception to this rule. It’s less intense and requires less athletic ability than others. The trail begins at the Two Medicine Lake parking lot and meanders along the fringes of the lake. 

You’ll see a gorgeous wetland ecosystem at play, and maybe spot some beavers along the way. The hike is especially beautiful at sunrise when the mountains surrounding it are reflected in its sapphire waters. 

Hikes Outside of Glacier National Park

Only 11 minutes away in Flathead National Forest is a delightful trail that should be mentioned as it’s close enough to Glacier to be within easy reach. 

Columbia Mountain Trail

• Mileage: 12 miles
• Elevation Gain : 4,000 feet
• Time : 8-9 hours
• Difficulty : Difficult

This delightful trail along the Swan Mountain Range may be difficult thanks to the steepness of the trek, but it offers plenty of incredible views to make up for it.  There’s an elevation loss in the first two miles, but then the trail climbs quickly as you continue. The trek can get rocky and narrow, so be prepared for this type of terrain. 

There are waterfalls interspersed through the trail, though, and wildflowers that burst with color in the spring and summer. You’ll often see glimpses over the rest of Flathead Valley from rocky outcrops. And at the summit of Columbia Mountain Trail you’ll find unparalleled views of Glacier National Park.

How Many Days Do You Need in Glacier National Park?

How many days you need depends on how much hiking you plan on doing. If you’re only visiting for the best day hikes in Glacier National Park, then one day can be enough for you. Three days will allow you to explore more of the park’s beautiful regions, while seven days will give you the opportunity to explore all of its hidden gems. 

The Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park for Hikes

The general consensus on the best time to visit Glacier National Park is in the peak season of summer from late June to mid-September. It offers the best weather and conditions for favorite Glacier National Park activities like rafting, fishing, and driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, not to mention hiking. 

Plus, all the park facilities are open during these months. If you want to enjoy the trails minus the peak crowds, though, aim for mid-September. 

Tips for Visiting the Best Trails in Glacier National Park

• Glacier National Park has a small window of prime hiking time during the year, and it tends to get dense with avid hikers and trail blazers. The best way to avoid crowds is to start out early and beat the rush.
• Trails in the Many Trails area of Glacier National Park are often closed due to bear activity. Because of this, it’s a good idea to check with a ranger on the status of the trail you plan on trekking. Bringing bear spray and following wildlife safety tips is always a good idea.  
• Parking lots fill up fast, so arrive early, preferably by 8 am to secure your place.

Wrap-Up on Glacier National Park Best Hikes

Hikes in Glacier National Park are a true delight. Whether you choose to traverse the high mountain peaks or meander the shorter flat trails, there is no wrong way to enjoy yourself here and no shortage of things to do in Glacier . 

Glacier National and its surrounding mountains are a true delight to replenish the soul. So take a day or week and re-energize yourself in the green embrace of Mother Nature. 

After experiencing the lush wonders of Glacier National Parks’ trails, why not go to the opposite extreme and head for the desert? The hikes in Joshua Tree National Park are almost unrivaled when it comes to desert beauty. 

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Top 5 Backpacking Trips in Glacier National Park

Choose your backpacking trip.

Backpacking trips in Glacier National park are not for the faint of heart! While beautiful it’s also a bit challenging mentally and physically. Find answers to your top questions about backpacking in GNP and our most recommended routes.

Do you need a permit for backpacking trips in Glacier?/ How do I get a backpacking permit for Glacier National Park?

Permits are required when doing any sort of backpacking or any backcountry camping in Glacier. Permits are issued prior, day of or even day before the day of hike start date at multiple locations within Glacier. Glacier’s website gives you all the information to obtain all you need to plan your backpacking trip in Glacier. 

How long does it take to backpack Glacier National Park?

This is a tricky question as there are over 700 miles of trails that the trail crew maintains within Glacier. This could be an all summer adventure or multiple return trips for years to come. One thing for sure, is you wont run out of trails for quite sometime while you are here.

Can you camp anywhere in Glacier National Park?

Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds or wilderness camping within the guidelines of your permit obtained prior. There are 13 campgrounds in Glacier, some are first come first serve while the others are reservation campgrounds. These are reserved off recreation.gov and fill up fast so I wouldn’t procrastinate! With your camping spot reservation, also includes your GTTS road ticket for the dates of your reservation!! If you are looking to do wilderness camping, those details of that will be explained with your permit.

Can you backpack Glacier National park in a weekend?

Backpacking in Glacier is a perfect way to spend a weekend, or even take an extra day or two and add some miles to the itinerary and make it a long, beautiful, scenic weekend you won’t forget! Make sure when you’re planning a backcountry trip you don’t travel outside of your physical limits, pack all you will need while trying to keep your pack light. Essentials only- there are lots of great packing lists out there to help you make sure you have everything you need.

Top 5 Backpacking Trip Routes

Backpacking trip 1.

Sperry Chalet- 12.3 mile strenuous hike (3360 ft elev gain)

Experience one of Glacier’s famous Chalets, the Sperry Chalet. This historic chalet was built originally back in 1913 by the Great Northern Railway, the original structure was consumed by the Sprague Wildfire in 2017. The National Park Service was able to stabilize the remaining stone from the original structure and the Sperry Chalet was under construction shortly after the loss of the original chalet. They reopened the chalet in 2020 offering lodging for lucky guests each year and have a restaurant open to the public. The Sperry Chalet is only reachable by trail, if you aren’t able to reserve a room at the chalet there are a few campgrounds nearby available for hikers. Again book ahead and reserve your spot. There is a nearby backcountry campground and also Lake Ellen Wilson campground just 3 miles up the road from Sperry Chalet.

The photos are breathtaking along this trail as you trek along on this 12.3 mile strenuous hike, with a total elevation gain of 3360’. This is an experience of a lifetime! Hike along red cedar, western larch, hemlock trees. Along the route you will pass a few junctions with Mt. Brown trail, Snyder Lake train. You will follow along Snyder Creek and also get to see first hand some of the damage from the Sprague Fire that consumed the original chalet. Once you reach Glacier Basin you will be nearing the chalet and you will have plenty of scenery to enjoy. From majestic mountain peaks, waterfalls and even wonderful views of Lake McDonald in the valley below. This backpacking trip will not disappoint.

Backpacking Trip 2

Granite Park Chalet – 15.2 mile strenuous hike (1920 ft elev gain) 

Glacier originally had 9 chalets, Granite Park being the last of 9 built, but over time it along with Sperry Chalet are the only chalets that remain. The amenities are much more basic at Granite Park vs Sperry Chalet but the views are just as good if not better. Start off by taking the famous Highline Trail which the trailhead is at Logan Pass, located off Going To The Sun Road. The 7.5 miles you will spend along the Highline trail are going to be breathtaking for many reasons. Be mindful there is a fairly narrow part of the trail with a steep drop off the edge but there is a hand cable for those who need it. Just be mindful if you are traveling with anyone who is afraid of heights.

You will see incredible views of the valley below, hike along the famous “Garden Wall” seeing wildflowers and other foliage for days and keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep and mountain goats along the way as well.  Haystack Pass is a great spot for lunch along the way! Keep your cameras ready but be mindful of other guests as this trail is one of the most traveled in Glacier.

Once you reach the Chalet there are plenty of places to hike from there if you would like. Some of those include Swift Current Lookout, Ahern Pass- if you are looking for miles without much elevation gain or Grinnell Glacier Overlook. There are lots of options from the Chalet. Granite Park Chalet is equipped with a  propane powered kitchen to whip up a warm meal, lodging here books up quickly so don’t delay or plan for future!

Backpacking Trip 3

Pitamakan Pass/ Dawson Loop- 18 miles difficult hike (4400 ft elev gain) 

The Two Medicine area has lots of trail opportunities. One of the quieter trails due to its difficulty is the Pitamakan Pass/ Dawson Loop trail. The most difficult part is the elevation gain to make it to Pitamakan Pass. One of the rewards when you reach the saddle of Pitamakan Pass will be seeing Pitamakan Lake to the North and Oldman Lake to the south. You will also see some incredible views of Two Medicine Lake along with Mt Phillips and Mt. Stimpson.

Pitamakan Pass has an interesting tidbit of Blackfoot history, it is named after a fierce warrior who led many war parties and many successful raids. Pitamakan also holds such an influential part of the history for this area is that she was a woman, which it was not only unheard of to have a woman leading such raids and war parties but more impressively how successful she was within her tribe. Pitamakan name translates to Running Eagle, and this is where she experiences a vision quest and this is why this area is named in remembrance of her. Enjoy this trail and take your time to appreciate the dramatic views and to contemplate the history of the people who have inhabited the area before you.

Backpacking Trip 4

Cracker Lake- 12 miles intermediate/ difficult hike (2,760 ft elev gain)

Many Glacier should be on your Glacier to-do list while you are here but not only does it serve its purpose as a bucket list item, it also has lots of trailheads to explore. Cracker Lake is probably one of most popular trails that takes off from Many Glacier. This trail doesn’t have any vertigo- inducing cliffs to endure but it does have an elevation gain of 2,760’. This out and back trail is well traveled by both hikers and horses so please be mindful when you are on the trail. Although this is definitely doable in 1 day you could also make this a baby backpacking trip to introduce yourself to the backcountry life that Glacier is well known for. If when you reach the lake it’s cerulean blue waters don’t take your breath away, maybe Mt. Siyeh will. It holds the titles for one of the tallest vertical cliffs in the continent-even the faces of Yosemite in California. This is a great trip to dip your toes into backpacking with, speaking of dipping…don’t let the water fool you, it’s COLD! 

Backpacking Trip 5

Gunsight Pass- 19 mile difficult hike (4,900 ft elev gain up- 6,350 ft elev loss down)

Glaciers, alpine lakes, craggy cliffs and waterfalls…OH MY! Just a few of many things you will see as you traverse the Gunsight Pass trail. This trail was originally created for horse concessionaires as Going To The Sun Road was being built. No rush on this trail as your destination is your journey so take your time and enjoy, there are multiple places to camp along this trail for you to enjoy the trip.

This is a point to point trail so you will need to plan for transportation at the other end. Starting from Jackson Glacier Overlook and ending up at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge. This trail will have you parallel with St. Mary River, you will really start to see the elevation gain once you pass the junction with Florence Falls and begin the climb to the shores of Gunsight Lake. The views from the shores of Emerald Gunsight Lake only improve as you move along. The suspended particles of rock from shifting glaciers have given Gunsight Lake the beautiful emerald color it is known for, this is known as “glacial flour”. This is a great place to enjoy your lunch and take in the views.

As you continue on and come to the top of Gunsight pass you will start to see Lake Ellen Wilson, a great place to call it a day. Book ahead or if you plan to stay at Sperry Chalet book even earlier. From Sperry Chalet you will transcend into the valley below and eventually end up at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge. Again make sure you have some wheels waiting for you at the other end of this trek. Utilize the shuttle system or have a car there waiting.

Whether you’re planning a day hike or a multi day backpack trip in Glacier National Park there are lots of aspects to remember and plan for. This can be stressful so it’s smart to be well educated about the area you are hiking and make sure you have not outdone yourself with your pack or the terrain you have chosen to explore. Our friends at Montana Raft Glacier Guides are your go-to hiking experts and offer a VARIETY of day hikes, overnights, multi day trips, even super custom hikes! Their boots book up their miles fast so I would reach out and reserve your pack with them and let them do the planning. Their guides know the areas like the back of their hand and can shed some lights and history on the park and the surrounding areas onto you. 

A backpacking trip through Glacier National Park could be the highlight of your trip! If you still have energy left, or kiddos to entertain, consider a stop at Glacier Highline’s aerial adventure park for some treetop playing before heading home. We are a great way to relieve some of those sore muscles after a few days of traveling the terrain of Glacier. Make sure to plan in a few family fun things to do at Glacier National Park or stop for a frozen huckleberry lemonade at our West Glacier restaurant , the Tower Grill. 

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Glacier National Park Three-Day Trips

You’re getting excited about heading out to Glacier National Park for that sweet three day/two night backpacking trip and you look at the map and see 734 miles of trail and 65 campsites. What to do?!

Here are a bunch of my picks in video form with me walking you all over the map. There are views, great chance of animal sightings and just all around Glacier goodness. Below the video are all of the trips listed out with distances which I covered. If you think I missed a trip or want to ask about one, comment below! (You may want to click on the video and watch it on youtube in HD so you can see where I’m pointing)

(number after leg is trip length in miles)

Three day backpacking trips in Glacier National Park

Going-to-the-sun road region.

Gunsight Pass Jackson Glacier Overlook to Gunsight Lake(6) to Sperry Campground (7.5) to Lake McDonald Lodge (6)

Jackson Glacier Overlook to Lake Ellen Wilson (11) to Sperry Campground (2.5) Day trip up Lincoln Peak and/or Sperry Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge (6)

Logan Pass to Granite Park via Highline (~8) to Many Glacier over Swiftcurrent (~8) over Piegan Pass to Siyeh Bend (12.5)

Many Glacier

Apikuni Flats to Poia Lake (6.5) to Elizabeth Lake over Redgap Pass (10) to Many Glacier through Ptarmigan Tunnel (10.5)

Apikuni Flats to Poia Lake (6.5) to Gable Creek over Redgap Pass (13.5) to Chief Mountain trailhead (5.5) (day hike to Bear Mountain Overlook)

Apikuni Flats to Poia Lake (6.5) to Elizabeth Lake over Redgap Pass (10) to Chief Mountain trailhead (9)

Belly River

Chief Mountain trailhead to Elizabeth Lake(9) to Cosley(4) (day hike 3 mile round trip to Bear Mountain point) to Chief Mountain trailhead (8.5)

Chief Mountain trailhead to Elizabeth Lake (9) to Mokowanis Lake (9) to Chief Mountain trailhead (13.5)

Chief Mountain trailhead to Cosley (8.5) to Stoney Indian Lake (9.5) to Goat Haunt (7)

Chief Mountain trailhead to Glenns Lake Head (12) to Kootenai Lakes (10) to Goat Haunt (3)

Chief Mountain trailhead to Slide Lake(8) to Cosley Lake (8) to Chief Mountain trailhead (8.5)

Logan Pass to Granite Park via Highline (~8) to Fifty Mountain (12) to Goat Haunt (10)

Goat Haunt to Lake Frances (6) to Hole-in-the-Wall (4) to Goat Haunt (10)

Two Medicine

Old Man Lake trailhead to No Name Lake (4.5) to Morningstar Lake (8.5) to Cutbank trailhead (6.5)

Old Man Lake trailhead to Old Man Lake (6.5) to Morningstar Lake (5) to Cutbank trailhead (6.5)

Old Man Lake trailhead to Old Man Lake (6.5) to No Name Lake via Pitamakan and Dawson Passes (8) to Old Man Lake trailhead (4.5)

Old Man Lake trailhead to Morningstar Lake via Pitamakan Pass (11) to head Red Eagle Lake (13.5) to Old Ranger Station in St. Mary (8.5)

Cutbank trailhead to Atlantic Creek (4.5) to head Red Eagle Lake (9.5) to Old Ranger Station in St. Mary (8.5)

Kintla Lake to Upper Kintla (10.5) to Hole-in-the-Wall (8) to Goat Haunt (10)

Bowman Lake to Bowman Lake head campground (6.6) to Hole-in-the-Wall(8.5) to Goat Haunt (10)

Bowman Lake to Quartz Lake via Cerulean Ridge (6.2) to Lower Quartz (3) to Bowman Lake via Quartz Ridge (3)

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162 responses to “Glacier National Park Three-Day Trips”

Do you have anything that includes Lake Isabel? A few buddies and I are looking for exactly this length of trip! We thought maybe Cobalt Lake to Isabel from Two Med?

I hiked from Park Creek to Lake Isabel and that was looooooong, but I loved the hike from Isabel out. It’s 5 miles from Two Medicine to Cobalt Lake and 5.6 more to Lake Isabel with a cool hike up and over Two Medicine Pass. I think any combination there and back would be great! Keep in mind that Cobalt’s campground takes a bit to open up as snow lingers there a bit.

Thanks for putting this up! We are looking to do an early July trip (only time we can go this year) and I have been struggling over books, maps, trail guides etc to try and figure out what backcountry sites would be suitable for that early in the season. Thanks!

Did you get what you needed from the blog or do you need more info?

Which one of these do you think would be possible without advanced reservation for August? How would you rank these three day trips? Thanks!

I’m not sure which ones would be available honestly. I think any trips that have Stoney Indian, Elizabeth Lake foot, Granite Park, Fifty Mountain, Hole-in-the-Wall and Lake Ellen Wilson, you’ll struggle to get a site in unless you get there super early. Other than that, I think that Two Medicine/Cutbank/St. Mary should be pretty good. Many Glacier and Highline are pretty tough while the Belly (minus Elizabeth Lake) should be okay. I would say that the Highline, Two Medicine and the Belly are probably some of my favorites, so I’ll let you figure it out from there. 😉

Which of these would be doable the first week of July?

Wow, just WOW I am very very inspired. You wouldn’t happen to have a 4 day segment would you? I am planning an adventure with my last big summer with my oldest son next year. I have been getting the books – getting in shape etc. etc. I am an old army grunt who still likes the outdoors and feel that Glacier would be one hec of an adventure. The challenge I am having is making SURE that there is fly fishing opportunities along the way. I know it’s early for next year but looking to get my map and form submitted timely.

[…] a route! So one of the funniest parts of the preparation was deciding a route. I used hike734‘s writeup on great 3 day hikes  to get some good ideas, and spent a lot of time looking at […]

WOW!!! Wish I would have come across this site 2 months ago. Still stuck on the daunting task of what to submit for Permits. This helps immensely! Thank you

No problem!

Hi, love your website and all the useful information. We are planning a visit to Glacier right after Labor Day this fall. We are putting in for the lottery. Our first trip choice is an in and out from Lake McDonald up to Sperry and Lake Ellen Wilson and back out. But we also want to put in a second option as we know how hard it is to get your first choice. We can’t decide between 1) going from Goat Haunt up towards Hole in the Wall and back out or 2) going in from Chief Mtn. towards Glen Lake and out. Any thoughts? There is so much to see in Glacier but we are limited due to the shuttle system being shut down.

So are you looking for a 3 day/2 night trip then?

Hi Jake, 3 nights.

I’m sooo sorry for not responding! I would try for Hole-in-the-Wall as it’s way more epic.

Love this! Being from Texas and not knowing how to do this, what would you suggest? It would need to be a July trip for us. We are planning a 2016 summer trip, to give us time to train with packs. Would like a trip that would not have a lot of snow, and being able to leave after day 3, grab a shuttle back to our car, so we can grab a hotel, restock, and then do another 2-3 day hike elsewhere. Would love any and all suggestions! [email protected] is my email.

Hello Stephanie! I’ve shot you back an email. 😉

Great site, Jake! My wife and I would be looking for a similar route with a similar timetable (late July 2016). We will be coming from the east and after 3ish days (2 nights camping) in Glacier, heading north towards Lake Louise BC. We are in good shape, both with a fair amount of backcountry experience and are not averse to snow. We would very much appreciate any suggestions? Also, any recommendations on an interesting place to stay the night before we head out that will make it easier for us to get out early?

Hello John! The first piece of advice will always be to keep an eye on snowpack as that can affect what’s open. Late July is right at the cusp of everything being open… low snowpack such as this past year is good for everything being open.

As you can tell by the list I have above, there are a bunch of different options. I think you would be well served to pick a couple of areas that you would like to explore and create a sublist of hikes within there. Usually, your trip is more determined by what’s available. I’m a huge fan of the loop in Many Glacier that includes Poia Lake, Elizabeth Lake and then back out for a quick trip. Make it longer by hitting up Elizabeth Lake and exploring Helen or heading up the Mokowanis drainage. You can always start at the Belly River trailhead and working your way over Stoney Indian Pass and come out via boat in Canada… or hike up that way. For a slower option, do the Dawson-Pitamakan Loop in three days.

Is there anything in particular you’d like to see?

Thanks for your wonderful site. We’re planning on visiting Glacier for the first time in July 4th, 2015, so we’d like to book ahead :-). We’re looking for a 2-3 day backpacking trip that will be beautiful, but will most likely also be open that early in the summer. Probably not more than 20 miles total. Any suggestions?

Hi Jake, So happy to find this site – many thanks. My daughter already made a flight reservation so we are committed (before I really knew what was involved.)(son and I live in CO) and I have to get our BP application form in.

Son, daughter and I want to do a 3 night backpack trip – July 21,22 and 23. She’s flying into Glacier Park airport on the 20th. Flies out 24th – early evening.

Would LOVE any suggestions (I’m feeling overwhelmed by the size and options) *prefer a loop *like lakes * passes rather than peaks * daily segments 10 miles or less *hope to get a feel for the area rather than do a macho-push trip

Many thanks for any advice or recommendations.

Don’t worry about trying to get your backcountry permit in as most of the trips are pretty booked for advanced reservation. Watch my Walk-in Backcountry Permits blog as it will give you some advice on how to do that. For three days, one of my favorite recommendations is some combination of the Belly River and Mokowanis River drainages in the far northeast corner of the park. Perhaps hiking into Glenns Lake Foot the first day, then day hiking up to Stoney Indian Pass, spend another night at Glenns, then hike to Helen Lake, then hike out. Something along those lines would be super sweet. I’m a big fan of the “two nights in one place” kind of backpacking so you can explore without tent/stove/fuel/food/sleeping bag/etc. Basically, you’ll need to have a few different options when you go into the backcountry office and you should be fine. Another option would be to start or end in Two Medicine and work your way to No Name Lake, Morningstar Lake, then either head back via Old Man Lake or move camp slightly to Atlantic Creek and then day hike up to Triple Divide Pass. Hope that gets you a bit started.

Thanks for the note Jake.

Appreciate the suggestions and the advice not to sweat it as I was getting a bit anxious. LOVE the map – lots of work in it that makes it a very helpful tool!

Hey, I was informed of this website and found it to be extremely resourceful. My brother and I planned to do a summer hiking expedition without doing much research and we excitedly booked our vacation and flights. Now, I wished we researched more on best time to go because we will be traveling there late June (24-28th). Seeing that most of the backcountry hiking, passes and high elevation trails are not open until later July and August, I’m hoping you could offer this idiot some ideas for multi-day backcountry hikes for late June. Your input would be valuable and helpful!

I think that you may be in luck this year with the low snowpack. Some places like Hole-in-the-Wall won’t be accessible still as we’re not that ahead of schedule, but I think quite a bit will be open. Are there a few places you had in mind?

Thanks for the responses and news! We were looking at several hikes going from Kintla Lake to Brown pass and down to Bowman lake or Kintla to Goat Haunt. The other one we considered is the gunsight pass trails. Then seeing how the pass might be difficult due to snowy condition, it became challenging to find a 30-mile three day hike through Glacier. Any suggestions or what to look for would be helpful.

I’d look at maybe hiking to Helen Lake the first day, Mokowanis Lake the second day and out through Waterton the last day and shuttle back to Chief Mountain. Remember to bring your passport! The other two options you said you were interested in might just be too snowy like you mentioned. The alternative to my option would be to come out back to Chief Mountain if Stoney Indian Pass was inaccessible. But you could do a little day scramble up there to see what it looked like until the snow was too much.

Jake: what is the chance of this coming Sunday through next Saturday, getting a 3 or 4 nighter that includes: (REF or REH), to Triple Divide to (ATL or MOR), to (OLD or over Dawson to NON), and finish at TMC?

Hello Frank! Keep checking http://home.nps.gov/applications/glac/bcpermits/bcbull/bcrescgstatus.cfm for what is coming up and available. As of today, the first couple stops look really good. I can’t see past that. Just remember to go in to a backcountry office first thing on Saturday morning if you can to get your permit. Check the availability on Friday night so you know what trips are there still. Also remember that you can do that trip backwards and it is fantastic that way as well!

After having looked around for good info on Glacier for months we finally came across your site. Thank you so much!

We are going on a 3 or 4 day hike in the second week of August and just wanted your opinion about two or three trips we could make. We especially want your opinion on the ongoing fires and closures in the park. Do you think there is a chance that we won’t be able to make it into the park?

As for your recommendations, since we will be walking in without a reservation we are looking for two or three options. We are driving in from Seattle so potentially are looking for trails that start from the west. We will try to get the permits very early in the day. We are looking for something quite physically challenging but not technically challenging (no ropes etc.). We would like a route that is diverse and offers significant vertical gain.

We have seen your recommendations of the Highline, Two Medicine and the Belly to other people. Do any of those routes match our wishes?

Thanks for the advice.

Best, Jacob and Jamie

You’ll definitely be able to get into the Park! Number one, even when things were the most “closed” most of the Park was still open.

In regards to getting a walk-in permit, make sure you watch my video on walk-in permits so that you can give yourself the best possible chance. https://hike734.com/educational/walk-in-backcountry-permits-of-glacier-national-park/

I would strongly consider trying to get a permit that would allow you to get into the Boulder Pass/Hole-in-the-Wall area. I would come in via Bowman Lake as it’s a nicer walk than Kintla (even though the Upper Kintla campground is quite nice). From Boulder Pass, Boulder Peak is a pretty straightforward scramble to a summit. That would be my first recommendation. I would also consider the Belly River area, specifically looking into the Mokowanis Drainage. Stoney Indian Pass is exceptional. I don’t think you’ll have time to do the Northern Circle, even if you got the permits. Honorable mentions would be hiking up to Sperry campground and spending a day going up to the Glacier (maybe summiting Gunsight Mountain), evening climb up to Lincoln Peak, maybe hitting up Lake Ellen Wilson if you are lucky enough to get that with a day stroll up to Gunsight Pass.

Thanks so much for the quick and detailed response!

Since one of us is in the process of getting a green card, we cannot leave the US and enter Canada. Does that eliminate your suggestion of Chief Mountain Customs to Mokowanis Drainage and then Stoney Indian Pass? We would end up at Goat Haunt at have to cross the border right?

Could you say a little more about the: Chief Mountain trailhead to Slide Lake(8) to Cosley Lake (8) to Chief Mountain trailhead (8.5) Would we park our car at Chief Mountain Trailhead? And then walk along the Mountain International Highway until we reach the trail to Slide Lake? Is that easy to find?

Alternatively, with the current fire situation do you think we could do the: Logan Pass to Granite Park via Highline (~8) to Many Glacier over Swiftcurrent (~8) over Piegan Pass to Siyeh Bend (12.5) We have heard that the road between Logan Pass and Siyeh Bend is closed due to the fires. So is that option not possible? How would we get from Siyeh Bend to Logan Pass?

Thanks again. This is so helpful! Jacob and Jamie

Yes, you would enter Canada at that point after Goat Haunt. Another option would be two days at Cosley. The first day would be getting to camp, the second would be exploring up to Stoney Indian and the last day you could wake up, climb to Bear Mountain Point, break camp and head out.

Yes, you’d park at the Chief Mountain trailhead. I’d actually first park at the Lee Ridge trailhead, unload everything, then have the driver go down and part the car and walk back so you didn’t have to haul everything…. it’s a pretty short walk. The trailhead is right before the sign that says something like 1/4 mile to customs.

Yeah, the Logan Pass all the way around to Siyeh Bend won’t work at this time because of the fire. I’d still also have you consider Hole-in-the-Wall/Boulder Pass area. 😉

Thanks for the recs. I think top of our list now is some Belly river combination (depending on availability – maybe Elizabeth, maybe Slide). However, we would like to have multiple options in case we are not able to get reservations in the morning.

The boulder/hole-in-the-wall option looks good too. To avoid backtracking what do you think about this option?

Bowman Lake to Hole-in-the-Wall (15) to Upper Kintla (8) to Kintla Lake (10.5)

Do you think it’s easy to hitch a ride from Kintla to Bowman afterwards? In the video it sounded like you are not that fond of Kintla. – Should we just backtrack out of Bowman?

It’s a little frustrating that we are challenged by not being able to enter Canada – and by the fires in the east. We would even consider a 4 day trip if that would allow us to fully enjoy the diversity of the park. What do you think about this idea?:

Bowman Lake to Lake Francis (~15) to Fifty Mountain (~13) to Granite Park via Highline (12) to Logan Pass (~8)

Only challenge is then to shuttle back from Logan Pass to whereever we park our car. Do you have a suggestion?

Sorry for all the questions – it is really hard to do research and figuring out what’s possible.

Thanks, Jacob & Jamie

Thanks for the recs. I think top of our list now is some Belly river combination (depending on availability – Cosley, maybe Elizabeth, maybe Slide). However, we would like to have multiple options in case we are not able to get reservations in the morning.

Only challenge is then to shuttle back from Logan Pass to where ever we park our car. Do you have a suggestion?

Jake, Thanks for your site. Great information. We are heading out there the last week of July/first week of August 2016. Our background: we will have 8-12 backpackers, a few of us have 25 nights plus in each of the last few years in the backcountry (North Carolina, Virginia, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, etc.), the rest will be middle of the road skill level, all of us are in great shape and will have the best light weight gear, and prepared for any weather. We are an adventuresome BSA Troop and are all about “Leave No Trace.” Any suggestions on a four day loop, and then followed by a two day loop (or 5 day and overnighter)? We would like to maximize hikes that have altitude (views), alpine lakes, wildlife, and solitude. But we are not above doing the tourist thing to see something memorable. We like miles and steep climbs. We train on a local mountain out here, the Black Mountain Range, were we get 4,000 feet of elevation gain in 5 miles. A concern, and where I could use some help, is last year in Yellowstone and the Tetons (12 of us), it was hard to get campsites near each other (we had to separate many nights and hike 3-4 miles each way on spurs to get backcountry campsites) so any suggestions would be great. Thanks, Matt

Yikes! That IS a big group. My guess is that you’ll have to plan on that again if you do epic loops like the Northern Circle. Most campsites are made so that it feels like you’re in the backcountry and not front country camping. If you all want to stay together, I think your best bet would be the Coal/Nyack Loop. It wouldn’t be my first choice for all of the scenic views, but it’s beautiful and great wilderness (of course, the fire in there is currently reshaping it, so it’ll be interesting to see what it ends up looking like). Other options would be starting at Kintla and ending up at Bowman via Boulder Pass or vice versa. Once again, not sure if you would be able to camp together in that scenario. Shuttles are a problem between those two lakes, but with larger groups, you probably will have more than one vehicle to shuttle.

Jake – Great site, exactly what I’m looking for. I’m leading a group of 6 relatively experienced backpackers for a trip in early August 2016. We are looking for a 4-nighter and were considering something with Boulder Pass, but there are so many amazing options in GNP that it’s overwhelming. Any recommendations for a 5-day / 4-night trip?

Most of my backpacking experience is in the desert, so I’m excited to not have to haul gallons upon gallons of water.

Ha! I wouldn’t understand what you were talking about until backpacking down in Zion. I guess I took it for granted that there is water all over the place in Glacier. Just remember to have a filter as a good practice.

In regards to suggestions about 4-5 day trips, have you looked at my extended trips blog? That is a great place to start. Watch both of those videos first, then feel free to drop me a line!

Thanks, Jake. We’re looking at the Northern Traverse but the logistics are going to eat up a day of our precious time getting to/from Chief Mountain and/or the boat from Waterton to Goat Haunt. So, am thinking about dropping a car at KLE, getting a ride to the Going-to-the-Sun Road to PRE/LTE trailhead.

For the hike, my initial thoughts starting from Loop Trail or Packers Roost trailhead to FIF > JAN > HOL > UPK > Kintla Lake parking area. The question is which route to take the first day – via the Continental Divide Trail from LRE or from PRE through the Lake McDonald area?

I really want to do COS > STO > HOL > UPK, but again, the logistics are daunting.

Jake, I am trying to plan a 5 day back country hike for 3-4 guys. I have done the Two Medicine area in the past and this time I would like to try the Goat haunt ..Hole in the wall.. Area. 1) can you give me a suggestion for a 5 day hike (would a hike of GLF/STO/GOA/BRO/KIN) be good?

2) how would I get back to the Gable Creek entry point from Kintla lake?

Thank for any and all help Chris,

Jake I saw your videos after this post…sorry

I think the Northern Circle is the path I will try to book

Love the page

That’s definitely a great route. I’d still look at alternatives as some of the campsites involved are very difficult. As to you original questions, You may try a route where you start at Chief Mountain, then work your way up to Hole-in-the-Wall, then work you way back to Goat Haunt and take the boat, then a shuttle back to the border. You’ll need a passport for that, but that would be a sweet trip! The hard part of the Northern Traverse from Chief Mountain to Kintla is indeed the shuttle. It’s usually done by having friends drive or by a key swap.

So you are talking maybe a trip like: 1)MOKO Lake or junc 2)KOOTENAI lake 3,4)Then Two Nights at Hole in the wall or Brown Pass.(we could do some day hikes) 5) GOAT HAUNT Out the next day on the boat

Now you’re talking! I would opt for Mokowanis Lake or Glenns Lake Head over the junction as it’s a mundane camp compared to the lake sites. I’d also Stay at Lake Francis over Goat Haunt. If Lake Francis isn’t available, consider Waterton River site. (or even camping along one of the Waterton sites!)

Thanks we will see what happens in about a month when I can register.

If getting in wasn’t a question… Would you rather do the Goat haunt Hole in the wall hike

Or The northern circle ?

I think that your question is like asking a parent which child they like better! I might lean towards the Northern Circle because you aren’t retracing steps, but there is more solitude with the Goat Haunt hike.

well I got the reverse of the Northern Circle GRN FIF STO GLF ELF

pretty excited … seems like the first two days will be harder… but then the last few get easier.

Nice! The first few days will be more difficult, but you’ll be fresh and the scenery will easily keep you moving along. 😀

Hi Jake, First off, thank you for creating such an amazing site! It has really helped us plan our trip out to glacier for this summer. With that said, my girlfriend and I have waited to the last minute to submit for our permit, and it is slim pickings for camp grounds. We are looking to pack a 3-4 night trip in late Aug/ first week Sept, and have found the following open:

A. Redgap to Poi, to ELF, to MAN and back to the car

B. TwoMed to OLD, to ATL, to REF or REH, to St. Marys.

C. Bowman LK to BOW, to BRO, to UPK, UPK to Kinta lk trail head (this seem like the most difficult for transportation,

I would sincerely appreciate any insight or recommendations on which/ which not to submit for. Im leaning towards B based on your Video of the area, but am seeking suggestions. Thanks so much!

My best, Steve S.

Hello Steve! Here are my thoughts: A. You can’t come have MAN be your first or last campsite, so it won’t work how you have it. Consider looking for another night in the Belly/Mokowanis (HEL, COS, GLF, GLH) and come out at Chief Mountain and pay for the GPI shuttle back to Many. Super great trip! B. This one is also amazing. I think I’d go for this one, start out on the boat across Two Medicine, up to Dawson Pass, around Pitamakan Pass to your camp. The second day, when you get to ATL, consider day hiking to Medicine Grizzly Lake (keep your eyes looking in the avalanche chutes for moose!). C. Transportation is wonky up there and you’ll spend some frustrating hours trying to hitchhike most likely. Unless you have a plan in place, skip this one…. Although if you can get HOL, this trip is worth the out and back!

I’d just submit the first two on the itinerary (with my changes to A) with B being first and A being second just in case!

Hi Jake, AWESOME site, thanks for the great info! Steve, were you able to get any of your requests? We are doing bowman to kintla mid-august and are trying to figure out the ride situation 🙂

That’s always the toughest part of that hike. I almost think you might want to try and park at the turn by Bowman Lake Road (check with the park service to make sure you can), then hitchhike into Bowman Lake in the morning when people are going in. Then, when you get out in the afternoon at Kintla, people are leaving Kintla and getting to your car would be easier. The big problem with hitchhiking when you are at either lake is getting back up the road in the evening as most people are either already there or leaving).

Hi Jake, Thank you for your swift response and suggestions. We just submitted all our itineraries and have our fingers crossed! Look forward to following more of your adventures.

My best, Steve S

Let me know how it turns out!

Thanks for your help before. We successfully scored permits for our trip this September. We will be Starting at Two MED, to OLD, to ATL, to REH, to St. Mary. It would be my girlfriend and I hiking. Any concerns/ suggestions for such a small group in back country with bears? We keep reading how we should travel in a larger group, but wanted your advice based on experience.

We will be parking our car at St. Mary, and taking the shuttle to Two Medicine. Downside is that it will get us there by 11AM. We were hoping of taking the Dawson pass route over Pitamakan, but are unsure if this is our best option with such a late start. Also would have to hike down the switchback to OLD, and back up the next day Any thoughts on this?

Lastly, are these routes typically crowded, or have a remote feel? We were not sure if we would be following large groups/ in crowded camp sites.

Once again, thank you soo much for your help and support!

I love your trip! As far as bears go, I don’t see any problem with what you’re doing. Rent bear spray at Glacier Outfitters before you head out on the trail if you don’t have any. Stay alert, make noise, etc. This is part of one of my favorite day hikes. I would try and do the section from Dawson Pass down to Pitamakan. I know it’s more effort, but it’s worth it. I’m not sure what the day length is by then, but that’s your biggest foe. You could always set up camp, then day hike up towards Dawson Pass. It’s worth it to get the view over to a place we call Pitamakan Overlook near Cutbank Pass. This section of trail should be much quieter than other sections… especially in September. You’ll see people doing the Pitamakan-Dawson loop and others hiking to Triple Divide, but for the most part, it will be pretty quiet.

We are a family with 2 teenagers looking to do a 4 day backpack with 2 nights in one site. We are trying for 6 miles or less in one day and not extreme amounts of elevation gain. Looking at what’s still available for our dates in late July, we could do the trip from bowman lake to Quartz lake, then lower Quartz and back to Bowman. What’s the elevation gain for this trip? Which of the two campsites Would you recommend staying at for two nights? Is there a good day hike from one of those sites?

Another option could be to hike into Hawkins and do day hikes from there.

Thank you in advance. Your site Is excellent.

I think hiking into Quartz is a fine hike. I’d stay at Quartz Lake and then day hike to Lower Quartz. Go back out the same way you came in as it’s a lot more friendly on the elevation if you’ve already day hiked to the other two lakes. I think you’re referring to Hawksbill which is a site that I don’t like. I would get the Quartz Lake site and plan for a couple of others. Watch my blog on walk-in permits to see how to plan for that. You can always get a different route to something that you might rather have such as Cosley or Elizabeth Lake or even Gable Creek) with multiple day hikes from there.

Thank you. That’s great advice. We were planning to try for a walkup somewhere else with Quartz being our safety.

Given our parameters (sixish max miles in a day. 3 nights with two nights in one place, not much elevation gain,) can you recommend a hike to try for? We will use the process you outline in your blog for walk up permits, it’s very helpful. you suggested Cosby or Elizabeth Lake or Gabel – do those fit? Thanks again, I really appreciate your knowledge.

You can’t stay at Elizabeth for two nights and Cosley will also be difficult. Gable isn’t my favorite campsite, but it does give you great access to day hiking up to the Belly River and Mokowanis drainages, so I’d think about that one. Another cool trip might involve heading up to Waterton and taking the boat down (you’ll obviously need passports) and stay at Lake Francis and/or Kootenai Lakes. Both are sweet.

Thanks again, Jake! Much appreciated! Hope you have some great trips planned out this summer.

hi I’m headed to glacier about the third week of june an was wondering what are some good high altitude three day hikes to do there that time of year.

Things are opening up pretty fast, but snow still sticks around at passes and such creating some dangerous patches. The only high altitude one that I can recommend off the top of my head would probably be doing Poia Lake and then out Chief Mountain. You’ll then shuttle with GPI. When you’re actually in the backcountry office, they’ll know a bit more.

Hi Steve, We are doing bowman to Kintla mid-august. Any suggestions on who/where to pre-arrange rides/car swaps? Thanks!

hi! thank you so much for this information, exactly what I was looking for. Question: I would love to have your app to look at the maps on my Mac. I have Avenza on my iPad which is great, but the screen is too small :-). Any help to get the App would be fantastic. Thanks again! Marie-Claude (From Québec), going to Montana this summer 😀

Which app are you talking about? I only have videos and this website, but maybe I’m misunderstanding you!

sorry! must be my French 😉 in your video where you describe all the three day backpacking options, you show maps on you computer screen. it looks like you are using an app on your Mac to display the maps. hope this makes more sense 🙂 thank you again!

Ha! I see what you are talking about now (and I’m the one who feels silly now!) Yes, I used the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Explorer app. I’m not sure it’s a current title any more actually. You can look for it at your local hiking shop or on Amazon or something. The other option would be to go to alltrails.com or something like that. They also do trail profiles. One last one that I’m working with as well would be hikingproject.com which is the source for the REI national parks app. Hope that helps a bit!

Lastly, you can just go old school with a map and get my day hikes map which is an excellent topo map with distances between junctions as well as a way to see how steep a trail is. I also have campsite codes which aides in planning. 😉

thank you ! I will look into all those options. Did order maps from NG (I love maps), but I’m impatient to start doing some hard planning 🙂 and “sell” my backpacking idea to my companions. Again thank you, hope we see you somewhere along the trails! PS: I’m also looking at Flathead NF for options. if you know of a good source to find direction for three day backpacking trips there, that would be awesome. tx

Hey Jake, thank you for the helpful information! My friend and I are going to Glacier in late June. For our first hike, I was thinking it would be more convenient to shuttle to Chief Mountain, then hike back toward Many Glacier, doing nights at Cosley, Elizabeth, and Poia Lakes. Do you think going one direction or the other is preferable?

Also, what’s the best way to track on the opening of the Going to the Sun Road?

I agree with getting the shuttle out of the way first. That way you can relax knowing that you’re hiking to your car, not a clock. Either way is going to be fantastic. Going the way that you are planning has a lovely walk out instead of the climb out of the Belly River drainage. If you go the other way, when you climb over Redgap Pass, there is a moment of taking your breath away that is pretty special. I might lean towards heading north, but either way is a win.

As far as tracking the opening of the road, the park keeps it pretty close to its vest as it’s a big deal and they don’t want to have to explain why they are going back on their prediction to angry crowds. I would keep an eye on the road status page, but even moreso, probably check the Daily Interlake newspaper and maybe follow one of the Flathead Beacon reporters on Twitter if that’s your thing. Oh and both of those papers should mention something on Facebook, but you’ll have to check. My plan, as usual is to run up there and get a blog in by the afternoon. I’ll try and let people know I’m heading up.

We decided to do the hike heading south so we wouldn’t have to worry about shuttling on the way out. I see what you mean about the breathtaking moment coming over Redgap Pass from the south side, but it was pretty cool to look north and see the drainage that we had come up. Also, hiking south makes the Chief Mountain to Cosley stretch amazing, as you’re moving through meadows closer and closer to the mountains!

I agree! I also hate coming out of the Belly River. Uphill through the trees at the end of a hike. 😀

Hi Jake! what a sweet website, thank you! Spontaneous Fourth of July weekend (I know, I know… early and crowded…) roadtrip/backpack to Glacier. Husband, wife and 16 month old. Would like to travel 12-24 miles 3 day/2 night trip. Suggestions? Thanks!

Belly River! Lots of level hiking with options to get up if you want. You can’t go wrong with any site that has the word “lake” in the campsite.

We’re attending a wedding in the end of May near Glacier National, and decided to make a week of it. Would it be insane to try to backpack in the late spring? Should we stick to day trips?

The good news is that you won’t have to get reservations, so you can play it by ear. That being said, I’d be surprised if there were great trips to be had then. I’d plan on day hiking for the most part.

Jake – glad to see you’re still at it! Looking at August – North Fork. KLE-KIN-UPK-BOU-HOL-BRO-BOW-BLE. Hopefully overnight at HOL and somewhere else.Not sure which direction would be better (inclined toward as laid out above, but open to…). Suggestions on how to break this one up?

Hello Gregg! I’m not as big a fan of the Kintla side (with the exception of Upper Kintla Lake which I LOVE!) so I’d consider getting to UPK and skip KIN if you want. It’s a slog up to BOU, but as you get closer, it gets amazing! From there out to Browns Pass, you can just hang out in those campgrounds and be happy (especially HOL). I would probably go the route you suggested as you’ll be fresh to go up and down the ridge which the Kintla trail inexplicably does. Then you can cruise out along Bowman Lake which is more level and stays near the lake more. Not sure how much that helps.

Thanks so much! This blog is super helpful!

We are trying to plan a trip for late July or early August. Wanting to spend 2-3 nights in the backcountry. What would your top two routes be, and what would be the most scenic campgrounds? We’ve day hiked 24 miles before but would prefer to keep it to 10ish with the heavier packs. we want to do the most scenic route as possible. Thanks so much. Your site is wonderful

First of all, you’re going to need a few options as you may or may not be able to get your first choice. My favorite campground is Fifty Mountain followed closely by Hole-in-the-Wall. The trick is that Fifty Mountain usually is part of a longer trip and Hole-in-the-Wall isn’t the most scenic until you get in the alpine (although Bowman Lake is beautiful on the way there). You may be able to start at Logan Pass, then go to GRN, then FIF, then back out through either FLT or GRN. Hole-in-the-Wall could be done as BOW-HOL-BRN or BOW on the way back.

Other trips that I think make for better shorter hikes are starting in Many Glacier and hiking to Poia Lake, then over to Elizabeth Lake, then back out… or in reverse. You can stay at either Elizabeth Lake foot or head. Make it one day longer and visit Helen Lake and stay there.

I also would consider employing shuttles through GPI (see my blog on shuttles) and go from Two Medicine to St. Mary or from Many Glacier to Chief Mountain and visit Cosley Lake on one of your nights.

The thing about it is that the campsites are competitive, so you’ll want to have a few trips in your pocket if you don’t get your advanced reservation permit for your first choice, you have to do walk-in because you don’t get any of them, or your advanced permit gets cancelled because one part of your route is closed.

Hope that helps somewhat!

Thanks so much for your response. I think we are going to try to start at chief mountain and end at goat haunt. Probably try to stay at cosley lake the first night.

Stoney Indian Pass might not be passable, but you’ll find that out when you pick up your permit. A trip to Cosley Lake the first day, then a morning climb to Bear Mountain Point, then move camp to Mokowanis Lake and then get up as high as you can in the Stoney Basin would be sweet, then move over to the Elizabeth Lake/Helen Lake area, then out would be a sweet backpacking trip with level days with heavy packs and great access to high places.

Oh wow. So Stoney Indian may still be closed in August? Will definitely need to keep that in mind. If it is open….would a hike from Stoney Indian to lake Francis be possible or would that be too much in a day? We routinely do day hikes up to 20+ mile range. I just hate to not see hole in the wall.

Dang, I might have gotten your request confused with someone else. Stoney should be accessible by then. You may encounter some old snow, but it should be passable by then. Like I said before, however, is to make sure that you have a couple of trips in your back pocket. Trail closures, late snow, fires, etc can wrinkle your plans and it’s good to have something else to go on instead of scrambling at the last minute. 😀

Would you recommend any of these 3 day hikes for mid June? we are looking to take our first trip to Glacier this June.

Your biggest issue will be going over passes. The only pass that really opens up earlier is Redgap Pass which may or may not be open… who knows until we get there! When you arrive, you can confirm with park service to see what is and what isn’t passable. Assuming it is, here are a couple of options:

1. Anything that goes from Apikuni Flats to Poia and out via Chief Mountain 2. Entering and exiting via Chief Mountain… both drainages are amazing to explore! 3. Upper Two Medicine and No Name Lake could be open and that might let you day hike to Dawson Pass

Those would be my first choices that early. Overnighters would also include Red Eagle Lake, maybe Gunsight Lake (big maybe, but if it’s open you may be able to link the two together) and Bowman Lake.

I’ll be taking my first trip to Glacier this June. We’ll be there from June 21-26. We wanted to do Gunsight Pass but it looks like Sperry is closed till July. Any other 3 day trips you might recommend? Thanks!

Hello Chris! June is a really tough month to do a lot of backpacking. Gunsight Pass will be super buried still (and really dangerous with steep snowy aspects draining to precipitous cliffs). Your best bet will be heading into the Belly River and Mokowanis River drainages. From there, you’ll be able to explore any high country that has opened up, but aren’t committing to a campsite. You should have no problem getting a permit. The folks in the backcountry office should be able to help you out. On route that might be great would be to start at Many Glacier and go to Poia Lake, then to Elizabeth Lake, then out via Chief Mountain. You’ll need a shuttle for that trip. Check out my shuttles blog for more info.

This amazing and just what we needed! We’re planning to go in mid-August this year for a 3 day trip. Does Gunsight Pass get very crowded? If it does, is there anything that’s a little more remote and offers just as spectacular of a view? I know you gave a lot of alternatives but they’re a LOT (which is great!). Just was wondering if you’d narrow it down to any itineraries in particular. Thank you!!

All of the campsites in the park are limited, so they don’t tend to be “crowded”, but most routes that you’re describing will end up being fully booked. If you’re looking for more remote with views, once you get north of Granite Park Chalet on the Highline Trail, it gets much quieter. The Belly River area is quiet as is Hole-in-the-Wall/Boulder Pass area. All of these areas feature great alpine sections that are less busy.

Wow Jake, you have something really special with this site! So glad I came across it!

I’ve got my flights booked and planning on somewhere between July 6th – 14th. Just waiting to get permits and need your help.

Right now, looking at getting there and camping on Saturday (8th) or Sunday (9th) and then heading into the back country for at least 3 nights ideally. I’ll have a buddy with me and we can both take cars if needed. I am turning 40 (the reason for crossing this off the bucket list) not in the greatest shape (yet) but not new to backpacking. Both of us have bum backs so it will be slower going.

What I’m really looking for is just the amazing “wake up in a postcard” views. Also hoping to avoid any floods of people so hoping the week after July 4th and during weekdays will help.

All that to ask, where would you go if you were me? 🙂

I think that the “waking up to postcard views” part will be easy. The snowpack looks pretty high this year, so not sure how much of the high country will be open when you arrive, so sites like Gunsight Pass and some along the Northern Highline won’t be open, but I’d look at trips going from Two Medicine to St. Mary as well as the Belly River. Later in the summer, everything is open which makes it more overwhelming. What I like about doing the Belly River for you is that you can get to any one of the lakes in the Mokowanis drainage or the Belly River drainage, then do hikes up into elevation with day packs such as hiking up to Bear Mountain Point from Cosley Lake.

Regardless of what you apply for, you may need to tweak things when you show up. I always think it’s a good idea to brush up on the walk-in permits blog to make sure you’re prepared for alternatives when you show up.

Anyway, I would probably focus on something like COS-MOL-ELF or some permutation of that in the Belly River area or OLD-ATL-REF.

Jake, thanks for the help!

I put in a bunch of variations of the Belly River trail on opening day for reservations – after I read up on the area it sounded perfect. I’m tempted to bring the fishing pole now 🙂 I also picked up your map, really looking forward to the trip and super appreciative of your guidance. Seriously, thanks man.

Update – got Chief Mountain to GLF, ELF, HEL, and COS. Super excited!

One question for you…we are doing the GTTS road to St. Mary campground our first day and doing a couple small day hikes that day off the road in between (Virginia Falls and Hidden Lake Overlook) . Out of an abundance of caution I got 2 nights at St Mary. Would you forego GLF and instead take that day in Many Glacier (Grinnel, Iceberg, Ptarmigan, etc) then go pick up at ELF the next day from Chief Mountain (essentially the same miles)?

I only have 5 days and want to make sure I don’t miss anything too epic. However I don’t want to disrespect the backcountry permit gods because I am thrilled with the itinerary. Curious to your thoughts and thanks again!

I think your trip will be really fun. I’m not sure that you can change an itinerary like that. Those sites are reserved for you, however, so you may be able to ask the park service to have you start on the second night… do it when you get here. If you end up doing that trip, I would get to camp and set up. If you have time either that evening or the next morning, head up further up the valley to the Stoney Indian area. It’s pretty ridiculous.

Any idea as to where I can find elevation and difficulty for the legs of these trips. Would be happy to purchase

Kirk, your best bet would be my day hike map. On it I have two things that are helpful. The first are topo lines which are pretty standard fare for maps these days. The second is that I’ve broke the trails up into small segments and calculated the slope. I’ve then color coordinated them green for level (0-5 degrees), yellow for moderate (5-15 degrees), and red for steep (15+ degrees) using the Mountain Biking Association’s recommendations as a guide. I don’t have elevation profiles for every leg or every route at this point, but I think that those two should get your where you need to go.

Hey there! My husband and I are visiting the park memorial day weekend and are wanting to do a 2 night backpacking trip. Will it still be snow packed around that time?if so, what are the best routes during that time?

Thought to tell at this point. Many passes will still have snow, but will hopefully be clearing out. Keep an eye out on the trail status page on the park’s site ( Trail Status) ) Redgap Pass is a good early season pass. You may end up spending time in the Belly River/Mokowanis River areas as well. Like I said though, the trail status page and the backcountry office will have a great idea. You’ll have some options though for sure!

Hey there. We recently didn’t get our requested reservations for backcounty camping and basically just are wondering if we should still go without a reservation and take our chances, or move the dates to try to get a different time? It’s our first time out there, so I’m not sure exactly what to do. I know the campsites are 50% walk-in and we’re very flexible with what route we take. Currently we’re planning on going the first week in August, but I was also wondering if the last week in September is too late in the season? Thank you so much for this site. It’s daunting to plan a trip and this site helps immensely.

That’s always a tough judgement call. I’ve done most of my reservations via walk-in, but I’ve also usually had a few places in mind. Preparedness and flexibility are key. I love hiking in September, but that month can be fickle… especially towards the end. I would stick with August. It will be busy, but show up at the backcountry office early to get a good spot in line and know what is and isn’t available so you can quickly snag your trip!

Hey so I am a Canadian going to hike in Glacier. I’m completely unfamiliar with the US parks system and from what I can tell, it varies a bit from Canada’s. We are planning a short trip: looking at either dayhikes, or a 2-night trip in the backcountry. We are planning on going the week after Labour Day. Do you have any tips/suggestions for trails? It’s pretty overwhelming, even to someone accustomed to trail research.

Thanks in advance.

Check out my day hiking page. I’ve ordered them by my recommendations. You may want to pick up my map as it’s got even more detail and I think you’ll love the map.

Hi Jacob, your website is incredibly helpful! I’m looking to do an early season 3-day hike June 23-25th (open to West Glacier as well, but from what I’ve gathered so far, East Glacier around the Many Glacier area is best for this time of year). I’m thinking I’d hike in from Many Glacier to Poia Lake day 1, hike over to Elizabeth Lake day 2 and hike out via Chief Mountain day 3. However, I’m not sure where makes the most sense for parking my car and shuttling around. I’m guessing the easiest would be to park at Many Glacier trailhead, but I read that the GPI shuttle no longer runs up near the border where the Chief Mountain trailhead meets up with Highway 17. Any tips/updates on shuttles that run in that area or am I S.O.L. and left only with hitching my way back to Many Glacier (or wherever I park… if Babb would be the better place to stash the vehicle)?

I think your plan sounds great. The shuttle is definitely the frustrating factor. Check out my shuttles page for the Chief Mountain Cab company to get you from Chief back to Many… unless you do your shuttle first and hike to your car. Also keep an eye out on the trail status reports for what’s open as you get closer: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/trailstatusreports.htm

Hi Jake! I messaged you a few months back! I’ll be going to Glacier next week and we’re staying in the backcountry for 2 nights. We were going to enter at Lee Ridge, stay at Slide Lake, Cosley Lake, then exit at Chief Mountain. Apparently, Slide Lake will be closed til late June according to the trail condition webpage. Any idea how this would affect our reservations? If we need any backup plans, do you have any ideas? Thank you!

Ugh. Sorry for not getting back with you! Let me know what you ended up working out with the backcountry office!

HI jake 2 questions: I haven’t seen any mention of bear canisters to store food. Is hanging food in a separate bag sufficient? And, we have two sites that allow fires. Is it reasonable to expect we will be able to find wood? My sense is that fires are on,y allowed where there is an adequate supply. We are staying in gable creek and goat haunt.

You won’t need bear canisters as hanging is sufficient. Bring a separate stuff sack for hanging. If, for some reason, the pole is broken or something like that, the park service has canisters to lend you courtesy of the Glacier Conservancy. In regards to fires, your assumption is correct!

I’m trying to plan a backpacking trip in Glacier – My brother and I are in our early twenties and my parents are in their early sixties. We are trying to decide between doing Gunsight pass or the Belly River basin area. We have some backpacking experience (did Garibaldi Lake in British Columbia last summer). What would you recommend?

Gunsight Pass has more elevation than cruising around in the Belly River area… unless you head over to Stoney Indian. If sore knees are a big concern for some members, I would stick to Belly River and then do day hikes up to cool places like Bear Mountain Point, Stoney Indian basin, Redgap Pass, Ptarmigan Tunnel, or Lee Ridge. Otherwise, Gunsight is an epic trip to remember. Either one is a coin toss for me though. I’m in love with both. (don’t tell them that I said that) 😉

Hi Jake, thanks for your website it is awesome. My brother (60) and I (57) are looking at the 3-day Backcountry trips to the North Fork in late August – either KLE to UPK to HOL to GOA or BLE to BOW to HOL to GOA and according the advanced reservations those sites are booked. So I’m thinking we will have to hit the Polebridge backcountry Permit office early the day before (or day of?) and get a permit(s)?? Can you shed some insight on that process and likelihood of success? I’d hate to fly all the way up there from STL and then end up with only day hikes…although that wouldn’t be such a bad alternative. Also, since we will only have 1 car will it be possible to thumb a ride from someone from GOA back to our starting point, or do you have any other suggestions for us? Your insight would be very appreciated.

That is an epic commute back to your car. You can get a shuttle back to the border where you’ll walk across, then rent a cab back to St. Mary or Many Glacier (if Many, then take another paid shuttle) then take the park’s free shuttle to West Glacier, then a taxi or hitchhike to Polebridge, then hitchhike back to your car. Ugh. Most likely, it would be easier as an out and back, although not as much fun.

I think you’ll be able to get an advanced reservation permit, but show up as early as possible the day before your backpacking trip starts and know what is available by checking the park’s Walk-in Availability page https://home.nps.gov/applications/glac/bcpermits/bcbull/bcrescgstatus.cfm

Wow! Awesome information Jake! We are a group of 3 families (about 12 to 16 people including kids from 10 to 16). We are from Texas and looking at being around GNP area from Aug. 11 to 19th and are looking at doing a 2 night 3 day backcountry camping trip. Unfortunately SPE, ELL and MCD campgrounds are all taken. Looks like LIN and REY are available. Can you suggest an itinerary around these two sites? If not any other trails you can suggest where the campgrounds would be available? Greatly appreciate your help! Would love to visit any part of GNP as to us Texans any of it is beautiful 🙂

With that big of a group, it’s difficult because you’ll need a few sites for your whole trip. I think that you will kind of have to wing it when you get here. I know it sounds lame, but it’s kinda crazy. I think you’ll have a great time in the Belly River area because it’s mostly level with lakes and plenty of opportunity to explore from the campsites. REY is a campsite that needs to be part of a longer trip and LIN is a bear to get to. I wouldn’t recommend that for a family outing like you’re suggesting. 😀

Hi Jake. Last summer while I Glacer I pick up one of your day hike guides. I’m starting to plan a one or two week hike for this summer. I’m thinking of making a loop covering as much of the park as possible. Would you hike Nyack creek trail or coal creek trail? And Why. Do you know if the ranger stations or other places except food drops for food resupply? I like to dehydrated my food in advance. Also I don’t know if I can make this happen with the permits. I’m used to hiking by hours in the day and just finding camping as it apears each night. What happens if you get off schedule? Thanks. In the mean time I’ll keep reading through your site

The Coal/Nyack Loop is a great way to get away from Glacier’s crowds (and get a lot of creek fords). It’s not my favorite area however as I prefer to be hiking to passes, seeing Glacier’s vast summits, alpine meadows, and lakes. The best bang for your buck is the Northern Circle which starts at Many Glacier and goes to the Belly River Area, over Stoney Indian Pass, then south along the Highline Trail to Granite Park where you go over Swiftcurrent Pass. That trip is pretty difficult to get because it has a lot of popular campsites and will require approximately 5 days. Another incredible trip involves heading up to the Hole-in-the-Wall area via Bowman Lake or Waterton Lake. Ultimately, Glacier is a massive place, so one loop doesn’t see it all like say the Teton Crest Trail. Feel free to pick an area and plan on coming back. 😀

Hi Jake Thanks for getting back to me. I have unfortunately scrapped my Glacier plans. Getting to permits was highly unlikely to work out. I’m not use to having to camp in specific spots. I hike by hours in the day, not miles and camp as I find it. I wanted to start at East Glacier go over Firebrand pass through the Walton area back to west side of Two Medicine. Back one side or the other in Nyack/coals. Resupply in Apgar. Continue over Gunsight pass to Siyeh bend. Hop a bus to the highline trail. Then take Stoney Indian to either ptarmigan or redgap. Then just CDT back. I figured I could leave resuppies in bear cans along the way before starting out where I could not reach a store. It seemed highly unlikely to get permitting for such a hike. I’m now thinking about exsploring the High Unitas wilderness. Thanks again. Wayne.

A few friends and I are planning a trip but I am the only experienced backpacker in the group (and by experienced, I mean I have been once). I am also worried about the distances being too long or too strenuous based on our physical capabilities. The last trip I did was three days and it was 7.5 miles out, 8 miles the second day, and 7.5 the third day. I don’t think it would be wise to go beyond 8 for this group and I worry even that might be too difficult but it’s hard to gauge. I love all the options you provided in the blog. I am wondering if you have any recommendations in terms of a 3 day trip that is reasonable in terms of mileage and difficulty?

Thanks! Stephanie

I would probably think about days in the Belly River area with side trips up the valleys to Stoney Indian, Bear Mountain Point, Ptarmigan Tunnel, Redgap Pass, and Helen Lake all as options. The other option would be to do a slower, three-day hike around Dawson-Pitamakan.

I am planning to be out there in June for a 1/2 marathon (June 14-18). I plan on doing some hiking before and after my race which is Saturday morning. I am physically capable of long hikes in strenuous conditions and would love to do overnight backpacking in backcountry. HOWEVER, I am solo! I don’t mind solo day hikes but being from Miami, I’m not sure I’m equipt to do overnight trips :). Do you know of where or how I can find people to do some hiking or even overnight trips with? I don’t know where to turn, I’m sure i’m not the only one looking for company.

That’s a tough one. The easiest recommendation would be on one of the Glacier hiking/backpacking pages on Facebook. Not sure if the 1/2 Marathon has a glacier page as well for group discussion. Have fun!

Thank you. I did find a forum on Facebook. Being up there, you think it will be extra cold this year in June?

I don’t know if it will be extra cold or not. It will have more snow on the ground than an average year. You’ll be restricted to lower elevation stuff, but the waterfalls and rivers will be amazing!

Thanks for this website! Got any advice for a 2 or 3 night backpacking trip in late May/early June? Is that too early? It’s the only time I have off work!

That’s always a tricky time with the snow (especially this year). I think that you’re just going to have to keep an eye out on the trail status page as you get closer and see what you can get! It’ll probably be something low. A spring trip into the Belly River is sweet! I was there in May one year and it was divine. 😀

Thanks for the advice!! Might try late September when I’m off work then. 🙂

September is my favorite. 😀

Could you possibly recommend a resource where I can look up the elevation changes of all of these hikes?

I think Hiking Project would be a decent place to look. You’ll have to do a bit of piecing together, but it shouldn’t be TOO cumbersome! 😀

Hi Jake, Thanks for your helpful information. My family is going to Glacier in early August and will be trying for walk up backcountry permits. I have a lot of options and just wanted your opinion about a few knowing I may just have to take whatever we can get. Also, we didn’t get passports in time so have to stay in the US which limits some backpacking options. I’m super interested in Gunsight Pass from Jackson Glacier Overlook to Lake McDonald. Also just looked into an out and back in the Mokowanis Drainage from Chief Mtn. Customs camping at Cosley and Mokowanis Lakes and hopefully going up a bit past Mokowanis Lake to see some of the waterfalls past there as well as going to the Bear Mtn. Overlook. Also Highline to Fifty Mountain and then back along FlatTop Mtn. Trail (can’t go to Goat Haunt) but can’t really find much out about Flat Top Mtn. Trail. Wondered how Ahern pass usually is the first week of August. We don’t have ice axes. Will have hiking poles, possibly yak trax if needed. Also looking at a couple of Two Medicine options. Any feedback on those options in terms of best scenery, solitude, ability to secure spots? We will be in the park for about a week so want to do one backpacking trip then day hikes. Kids are 13 and 15, we live in Western North Carolina mountains and all hike a bunch. Thanks for your site and your help. Already purchased your map for Glacier.

Love all of your videos! I’m stuck with going late June & was hoping to get in an out-and-back trip from Bowman over Brown Pass to Lake Francis, then Kootenai and back out. Do you think there’s much hope of that being a successful trip?

My guess is that you’ll encounter too much snow when dropping down from Boulder Pass to Hole-in-the-Wall. Plan on it, keep your fingers crossed, and have a few other options too. You might just have to get whatever is open at the time. Sounds lame, but spring is fantastic! (Spring in Glacier extends into June btw). 😀

Hello! We really want to do two backpacking trips (due to logistics / split the trip) and have a couple questions: 1st trip – Chief Mt. – COS – MOL – STO – WAT/GOA (Spend a night or two in Waterton and shuttle back to Chief Mt. 2nd Trip – Highline to Granite Chalet – Swiftcurrent Pass to Many Glacier – Many Glacier to Piegan Pass/Siyeh Bend Questions – – When I put in my backcounry permit that’s 2 different entries right? Does it do me any good to put both on a single permit (1 permit with Trip 1 first and 2nd as an alternative) then put in a second permit with trip 2 as the first trip and #1 as the alternative?) So the rules with GRN and MAN state I have to have a minimum of 3 nights with Man not being the first night of my trip. But I can’t do any road walking and Reynolds cant be used if its on a trip starting or ending on Going to the sun Road…… Our only other option I see is day hiking Highline to Many Glacier, Staying there for a night or two then hiking over Piegan on another day hike to pick the car back up. But that’s a long day hike. Help? Suggestions? Please…

Hi, I have a similar question to Kristen Weise’s. This statement in the park rules for backcountry camping:

“Itineraries must be contiguous. You cannot exit one trailhead and drive to another trailhead to access campgrounds on the same trip.”

We’d like to stay a few nights in our base camp (we have reservations for a week). This is an example of what we’d like to do: Stay in base camp Saturday & Sunday evening, backpack and camp at a backcounty site on Monday evening. Go back to base camp for a few nights, more day hikes, then another backcountry site overnight on Thursday night.

Is my application going to be turned away?

Thanks, and your site is very helpful.

Basically, you need a backcountry itinerary for each of your separate trips. Sounds like you’ll be putting in for two reservations.

Thank you! I’m going to try a phone call.

Hi – great site! Went and did day hikes at Glacier on my first trip there last summer. Looking at a second week of July trip and wondering whether that *tends to be* a good time for this 2 night, 3 day route:

Will be submitting my possible routes and wondering how popular it may be that time of year. Most importantly, how buggy that time of year!

I hope you make money off this site. It’s the best!

That’s a great trip for that time of year. You may end up needing to get the head of the lake as the foot is super popular at that time. You’ll pass a couple of waterfalls and get some great views. Things change quickly around that time of year, so keep your eyes open for other trips that may come available as well!

The Highline Trail to Granite Chalet to Swiftcurrent Pass to Many Glacier to Piegan Pass to Siyeh Bend is no longer doable. The Many Glacier backcountry site must be part of a 3 or more night itinerary. whomp whomp…

Hi – Thanks for this!

I will be in Glacier the first week of July, and am hoping to do a 2-3 day backpacking trip. After watching your video, and spending hours in the rabbit hole of youtube GNP backpacking, I am slightly more overwhelmed with options than before – However, I realize going early in the season limits my options (which sad, but also a relief).

My travel parter is Canadian and would like to make the trip across Waterton lake. I was thinking of going from Goat Haunt to Hole in the wall, as you suggested, but I think it’s too early in the season. Are there other options in this area you recommend?

Alternatively we can backpack further south, saving the boat trip for another afternoon. For early July would you recommend Poia Lake to Elizabeth Lake? Or Gunshot pass to Lake McDonald? Is there anything open in Two Medicine?

Not sure this is still helpful, but here goes. Hole-in-the-Wall and Gunsight Pass are later July trips (especially HOL). The boat trips this year are in flux due to staffing issues, so that’ll be a decision that happens when you show up anyway. Poia to Elizabeth Lake is a great option as is anything that stays a bit lower in the Belly River/Mokowanis River area. You can always hike to Mokowanis Lake and camp there and do a splendid day trip up to the Stoney Indian basin.

It’s really all about elevation and what has opened up by then. As you get closer, keep an eye out on the trail status page and think about a walk-in permit. Follow the instructions for getting a walk-in permit, be prepared and get in line early!

Hey Jake. It’s Jacob. Haha. I may have posted this in the wrong spot before so I am reposting: My wife and I are planning to go to GNP this summer. We were looking at “being in Glacier” the 13-20. We plan to do that going to the sun road and Logan pass drive one day. We want to see hidden lake and the day hike to Grinnell glacier. I would really love to surprise her with a beautiful 3-4 day backpacking trip in Glacier. I could hike 10 to 20 miles a day and be just fine. She would be 5 or 10 at most. What would be your suggestion for a 3-4 day backpacking trip in Glacier? I want it to be really pretty for her, she is afraid of heights and not used to steep climbs yet. But we have done these and always just take our time and she does great. Really appreciate all you do. Ordered your day Hikes map, but it won’t be here by the 15th.. any help is appreciated! If there are better ways to get her into some beautiful country than 3 day trips two days, longer/shorter that’s fine. 3-4 days is what I had in mind. I really think it would be a great experience for her. What better way to get someone addicted to hiking in the backcountry than at Glacier!!! Thank You again. Jacob

Sorry that I didn’t get back to you by the 15th. Watch the video and shoot me an email if you still have questions. 😀

Hey Jake, I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me! I’m planning a trip for 4 people about the first week of July and we were hoping to hike in the Lee Ridge area and do the loop back to Chief Mountain trailhead. Do you think that area would be okay that time of year? And obviously I’m late on trying to get the advanced permits, would it even be worth it to submit an application for that and a backup at this point or would we be better off going for the same day permits? Thank you!

Hi! We are trying to plan a 3 day backpacking trip in Glacier from March 21-23, but not sure about conditions. Any recommendations of trails and campsites sites that would be open? Trying to avoid snow camping and anything too risky. Would love some insight from those with any experience with this!

Hi there, My husband and I will be visiting GNP July 4-8, 2020. We are hoping to backpack and will be applying for advanced reservation on March 15. We’re hoping to backpack 3-4 night, approximately 10 miles a day. We fly in on July 4 in Kalispell. I know we have to pay attention to snowpack when we arrive. I also read the alert to avoid Many Glacier area due to traffic delays. Can you share any plausible itineraries? Thanks so much. Oh, and we are experienced backpackers. This will be our 21st National Park.

Of all of these trips, which one would you suggest for kids. I have three daughters from 8-13. They can do up to 10 miles in a day but less elevation is more enjoyable and the 6-8 mile range daily is ideal. More shade, water (stream crossings/waterfalls) and animal sightings make the traveling easier for them.

What are your top 3? Thanks so much for this fabulous information!

Hello Jake! My name is Gillian Brennan. I just graduated high school and I want to plan a three day hiking trip for my dad and I. I have been on a couple of local backpacking trips and one four day trip in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I had a few questions for you, one being which hike has a mix of above tree line and valley hiking? I want to make the most out of the trip and get the most variety. My second question is (which may be a stupid one) but these hikes include sleeping in a tent right? That is what we would prefer. My third is: is there a shuttle at the end of the trail heads to take you back to your car? I would also like to know if there any fees for doing these hikes? I am young, so my budget is tight. We would also like to be challanged, my dad has never done a backpacking trip before, but he is in great shape. So what do you suggested for a very medium to medium to hard hike? Thank you for all of this great information. I would love to be able to call you or email you so there is a more direct line of contact, if you are willing to do something like that. Thanks again!!

Any maps or guidance on the Ptarmigan Trail to Cosley Lake hike, from Many Glacier trailhead (and back)?

What are your top suggestions for a 3 night, 4 day hike in Glacier?

Thank you! Jim

Hi Jake! I’m planning a 4 day, 3 night trip. Can you recommend a couple trips you think would be the best? Thank you, Jim

Hi! I’m thinking of doing a multi-day backpacking trip in Glacier Park in August, but I know that will be a busy time. Do you have a recommendation for which trip will maximize natural beauty and solitude? What are some of the less busy routes? Thanks!

Hi! I’m looking at a few possible areas to backpack to and was hoping to get your opinion on the “best” choice in terms of scenic trips since I would only have time to visit one area. 1) Boulder Pass/hole in the wall/ lake francis/ lake Janet area 2) Stoney Indian Pass/ Mokowanis Lake/Glenns Lakes/Cosley 3) Elizabeth lake/ Helen lake (might could include Cosley and Glenn’s)

Thanks for all the information in your article!

Is there a trail that I could do a multi day hike with my 5 year old

Hello Cacey! That’s a surprisingly tough question to answer due to the great variation of abilities in 5 year olds and the parents that will be hauling extra gear. I suggest figuring out how many miles you all can do with your kiddo and then look for campsites that are amenable to that distance. I think that basecamping and doing day trips might be a swell way to go, that way you are spending more time doing lighter hikes. My day hike map also shows the elevation steepness of each trail (green/easy, yellow/moderate, red/steep) which can help you visualize effort along the way.

Any 3 day 2 night recommendations with the available reservations left? thank you so much for the info this helps alot

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North Circle

The North Circle Loop in Glacier National Park is a strenuous and rewarding backpacking trip that takes you through some of the best terrain in Glacier. This 4-6 day backpacking loop is one of the best backpacking trails in the entire US, and requires you to enter a lottery to get one of the few reservations on this epic backpacking route in Montana.

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Route Description for North Circle

The epic North Circle Trail is one of the great backpacking trails in the Rocky Mountains. This route takes in some epic scenery, like Ptarmigan Pass, Elizabeth Lake, Stoney Indian Pass, Fifty Mountain Campground, Granite Park Chalet and Swiftcurrent Pass. Needless to say, this is one incredible trip, and many backpackers spend years applying for the lottery to backpack this route!

There are many different campgrounds on the North Circle Trail, and you can see which ones on this map of Backcountry Campgrounds and trails in Glacier National Park. Don’t expect to get the exact campgrounds you want, but Rangers do their best when they allocate permits. In addition, due to the popularity, you may end up with some pretty long days between campgrounds. We had one day that was 25.0 km and 2,000 m of elevation gain. That was a killer!

The North Circle Trail typically starts at Many Glacier, though it could also start at other locations in Glacier, depending on what campsites you get in the lottery.

We will describe the common route from Many Glacier, and outline the route we did most recently.

Day 1: Many Glacier to Elizabeth Lake ( 17.6 km , 735 m )

Arrive at Many Glacier Ranger Station early to get your briefing and pick up your permits. You can pick up any last minute provisions at the shop at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.

Once you’re ready to go, follow the route that heads out and is signed for Iceberg Lake/ Ptarmigan Tunnel. You can follow our route guide for Ptarmigan Tunnel for this first section.

This route goes up along the side of Mount Henkel, and there are nice views as you go in and out of the trees.

You cross over the pretty Ptarmigan Falls and just after the path splits, you’ll want to go right. The path going left going to Iceberg Lake , a fine hike. If you choose to do it, remember you can’t leave your backpacks unattended at any time in Glacier National Park.

Now that you’re on the path to Ptarmigan Tunnel, follow it as it rises through the trees and some spectacular views, and you’ll soon reach Ptarmigan Lake. As you look ahead you’ll see the switchbacks that lead to a tunnel, which isn’t visible yet.

The switchbacks are tough, but as you reach the tunnel it’s all worth it. The views back to the Many Glacier Valley are spectacular. Go through Ptarmigan Tunnel and be amazed by the view.

Follow the route down through some of the prettiest red rock you’ll ever see. Marvel at how this trail was built. The view down of Elizabeth Lake is stunning, but it’s much farther than it seems. Follow the path and eventually you’ll arrive at Elizabeth Lake.

If you’re lucky, you’ll get a spot at Elizabeth Lake Head, a stunning campground with epic views (and unfortunately when we were there, epic bugs).

Day 2: Elizabeth Lake Head to Mokowanis Junction ( 16.4 km , 275 m )

Today is an easier day along the North Circle Trail. The route is mostly level, but does include a river crossing!

Start by walking north along the Belly River in the trees. You have some nice views, and a view of the very pretty Dawn Mist Falls, where if it is hot you can nip in for a swim below the falls, but the water is COLD!!

After about 2.5 km , you’ll see a trail goes off to the right, it heads to Chief Mountain International Highway. Don’t take this trail, but continue going ahead as the path moves away from the Belly River and heads towards Mokowanis River, which you eventually reach (roughly 6.0 km from Elizabeth Lake Head campground) at the outflow of Cosley Lake.

You need to ford the Mokowanis River here, it’s not very deep and there is a cable to hang onto. Make sure to unclip your buckles on your pack as you cross the river.

Once on the other side of the river, savour the views of Cosley Lake, it’s beautiful. This is a great place for a break while your feet dry out.

If you’re looking at the map, the next 10.0 km stretch along Cosley Lake and Glenns Lake looks incredible. In reality, you are about 100 m - 200 m away from the lakes, in a forest with very limited views. This was the part of the North Circle Trail we liked least.

Follow the path and pass Cosley Lake Campground, Glenns Lake Foot Campground, Glenns Lake Head Campground and then Mokowanis Junction Campground.

We ended up getting our permit for Mokowanis Junction Campground, which is probably the worst of the campgrounds, as there is no view. There was a bull moose that wandered through the campground for a couple of hours!

Day 3: Mokowanis Junction to Stoney Indian Lake Campground ( 8.3 km , 690 m )

The route from Mokowanis Junction to Stoney Indian Lake is absolutely spectacular, and a highlight of the North Circle trail!

Note that you can combine Day 3 and Day 4 on this route into one very tough day. We’d suggest that you’d have more fun doing it over two days. Also, the campground at Stoney Indian Lake is not that great, however, the views and location are absolutely spectacular.

Start from Mokowanis Junction and you almost immediately start to climb. Your first objective is the beautiful Atsina Lake, which you reach in about 2.5 km . You go around the north side of Atsina Lake, and it’s stunning.

Continue on the trail as it heads south and gains elevation on a series of switchbacks, before crossing Mokowanis River. You are now walking in a beautiful high meadow, with stunning views. You pass another tarn and then switchback up to Stoney Indian Pass.

The views from Stoney Indian Pass are incredible, with Wahcheechee Mountain to your left and the Lewis Range on your right. From here, head down on the trail to Stoney Indian Lake, but beware the trail is steep. You eventually end up around the back, far end of Stoney Indian Lake.

Once at the lake, follow the path around and the campground is near the outflow of the lake. The campsite here is only ok, however the views are incredible!

Day 4: Stoney Indian Lake Campground to Fifty Mountain Campground ( 12.2 km , 840 m )

Today is a day of great variety on Montana’s North Circle Trail. From Stoney Indian Lake, hike downhill on a trail that leads to the valley bottom and the Waterton River. As you descend, the foliage gets thicker and thicker, and in our case we had to use our poles to move the foliage so we could see the trail.

Once at the valley bottom, there is a crossing trail, the epic Continental Divide Trail. If you go right, you can hike north into Canada and Waterton Lakes National Park.

Our path goes left, and soon passes a ranger cabin. While you are near the Waterton River, don’t expect to see too much of it. While you’re in the valley bottom, fill up your bottles, as water is harder to find in the alpine.

You’ll spend roughly 2.0 km walking in the valley bottom before the trail starts to rise up the flanks of Cathedral Peaks.

As you rise through the forest, eventually you get into the alpine, and this is one of the best parts of the North Circle Trail backpack. The views for the next 20.0 km + are spectacular, and one of the best alpine walks in the Rocky Mountains.

You’ll pass a former stone ranger cabin that has been demolished. We stopped and marvelled at spending a summer in such an incredible location. Continue walking southeast, and if you see a stream we recommend stopping and filling your water bottles.

Soon you are at Fifty Mountain Campground, an absolutely spectacular campground, with enormous views.

Day 5: Fifty Mountain Campground to Granite Park Campground ( 20.4 km , 770 m )

Today is another epic day backpacking along Montana’s North Circle Trail. Some say this route, known as the Upper Highline, is the best walking trail in Glacier National Park. It definitely is spectacular!

Leave Fifty Mountain Campground and walk through a meadow that is full of wildflowers early in the season. Then go right and start to climb on a clear trail.

Very soon after going right, you get the option to take the Sue Lake Overlook. Take it. The Sue Lake Overlook is spectacular, and the view is a highlight of Glacier National Park, with incredible views down to Sue Lake, which is a lake above Atsina Lake (you walked by this on Day 3).

Come back down to continue on the Upper Highline Trail. The route is clear as you walk below Mt Kipp, and the views are spectacular.

After about 9.5 km you come to Cattle Queen Creek, which descends beneath Ipasha Peak. This is a great place for lunch and a fill of the water bottles.

Continue on the Highline Trail as it then contours around Ahern Peak and then comes to Ahern Creek, then contours around Iceberg Peak. Note that this part of the trail has one major barrier that can be challenging, the famed Ahern Drift.

The Ahern Drift is a patch of snow that lingers well into summer. The Ahern Drift is on a steep bit of the trail, and can be very dangerous to cross, with the rangers recommending crampons and ice-axes. When we did it at the end of July, we found a clear path down to the rocky trail, and there was no danger, however we could see how this would be dangerous. Check Trail Conditions on the Ahern Drift before starting out, this part of the trail is in the Lake McDonald area.

After passing the Ahern Drift, the trail leads on for about 5.0 km until it reaches Granite Park Campground. Be aware that the Granite Park Campground is still about 1.0 km from the Granite Park Chalet , and the campground doesn’t have the spectacular views of Granite Park chalet.

If possible, we’d definitely suggest booking in at Granite Park Chalet, it’s a beautiful location. You can buy backpacker meals and drinks at Granite Park Chalet.

Day 6: Granite Park Campground to Many Glacier ( 18.3 km , 650 m )

Today is another great day, and if you are feeling energetic you can include a summit of Swiftcurrent Mountain.

Leave Granite Park Campground and take the signed path to Granite Park Chalet (note that the map shows the route that doesn’t go via Granite Park Chalet).

Once you get to Granite Park Chalet, buy a snack and get a seat at a picnic table and marvel at the view, it’s spectacular.

From Granite Park Chalet take the signed path to Swiftcurrent Pass. This is a pretty walk, and before you know it you’re at Swiftcurrent Pass. From here we highly recommend the walk to the summit of Swiftcurrent Mountain. It’s about 400 m of elevation in 2.5 km , but the views are worth it.

Whether you summit Swiftcurrent or not, continue over Swiftcurrent Pass and make your way on a pretty path that contours around the flanks of Swiftcurrent Mountain and then switchbacks down to a very pretty cirque, passing Swiftcurrent Creek along the way.

Once in the cirque below Swiftcurrent Mountain, follow the trail as it goes along a dry streambed and eventually comes to Bullhead Lake. There are fine views as you go along Bullhead Lake, and it’s also a good place for a swim on a hot day.

Walk another 2.5 km and come to Redrock Falls, an absolutely glorious place for a swim on a hot day. You can easily spend an hour here playing in the cool water.

From Redrock Falls, it’s an easy 3.5 km stroll back to your car in the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Many Glacier to Elizabeth Lake ( 17.6 km , 736 m )

Insider Hints for North Circle

• You need a permit for this route. We suggest getting your permit application into the lottery as soon as the lottery opens. You can find out more info backcountry permits here .
• While we list actual campgrounds for the North Circle Trail, the campgrounds on your permit will vary.
• Check Trail Conditions on the Ahern Drift before starting out, this part of the trail is in the Lake McDonald area.
• Be aware that you have one major stream crossing near Cosley Lake. You may have other smaller stream crossings depending when you do the route.
• If possible, book a night at Granite Park Chalet instead of Granite Park Campground. The chalet is spectacular.
• This is a tough route, with some long days.
• There is a lot of foliage on Day 2 and Day 4. You can expect foliage to cover the path and be waist to armpit height. Having poles really helps to move the foliage to see the trail.

Getting to the North Circle Trailhead

You need to check in at the ranger station in the Many Glacier part of Glacier. You often start and finish from the parking lot by Swiftcurrent Inn, though sometimes you will start at other locations.

Re-supply points

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn in Many Glacier has some options

July - September

Mountain Huts

Granite Park Chalet

Backcountry Campsites

Many options, our route was Elizabeth Lake Foot, Glenns Lake Head, Fifty Mountain, Granite Park Chalet

At Campsites

Pets allowed

Family friendly

Route Signage

Crowd Levels

North Circle Elevation Graph

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Nearby Trails

• Poia Lake Trail
• Swiftcurrent Nature Trail
• Apikuni Falls Trail
• Lake Josephine Trail
• Grinnell Lake Trail
• Bullhead Lake Hike
• Cracker Lake Trail
• Grinnell Glacier Trail
• Swiftcurrent Pass Trail
• Ptarmigan Tunnel Hike
• Iceberg Lake Trail
• Swiftcurrent Creek and the Lakes

Nearby Regions

• Bragg Creek and Sheep River
• Castle Provincial Park
• East Kootenays
• Idaho Panhandle National Forests
• Kananaskis Trail
• Kootenai National Forest
• Waterton Lakes National Park
• West Kootenays
• Kananaskis – Smith Dorrien

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Best 3 Day Backpacking Trips in Glacier National Park

• CevherShare

My friend and I are going on an epic road trip in late May-early June, and we’re putting Glacier as our last stop to try to get the best weather.

However, looking through most of the pages for Glacier National Park, I’m finding a lot of proof that a lot of passes will not be easy… or warm.

So, what would be your advice for the best 3 day backpack trip in early June?

Since you’re from the Rockies, I’m sure you know that there has been an absurdly high late-season snowfall (this response was written in 2011… Late season snowfall and snowfall pack varies by season. I’d recommend contacting the NPS Rangers to find out specifically for whatever year you’re traveling, or drop me a note . I’d be happy to help you out).

While it’s always very challenging to predict what passes will be open in Glacier in early June (err… let me change that–it’s impossible to predict), this season is even more challenging.

I once hiked Gunsight Pass in late June and it was too early. Way too early.

Don’t put you or your buddies in danger–be sure to listen to whatever the Rangers tell you.

If you do decide to brave a mountain pass during this early season, be sure you have the following equipment:

• 4 season tent
• Extensive first aid kit
• Bear spray , which is a must for any hiking in Glacier National Park
• And tell people where you are going!

Most likely, you’re going to have to settle for a low elevation backpacking trip.

Cobalt Lake , near Two Medicine , might be open.

Or, you can hike Bowman Lake or Kintla Lake. They are both near Polebridge , an area I recommend everyone tries to see when visiting Glacier.

The likelihood is you can also hike from Chief Mountain Customs down to Elizabeth and Helen Lake. Ptarmigan Tunnel might be open, but I doubt it.

The bottom line is you’re going to have to improvise due to this insane amount of snowfall and how early in the season you’re going.

Be sure to stop back and share the details of your trip! And great call making Glacier National Park part of your road trip!

Comment from HockeyRef

This year (2011) you’re likely to be limited to valley hikes in June. There’s just too much snow at the upper elevations. That said, keep in mind that you MUST have a permit to go backcountry camping in Glacier. You can apply at a ranger station for a walk-up permit the day BEFORE your planned hike, or you can submit an application in advance by going to http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm

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Best 3 Day Backpacking Trip in Glacier National Park

Great site! Could you possibly recommend a 3 day backpacking trip through Glacier National Park with great views and wildlife?

I was looking at Gunsight Pass, but it seems that 20 miles is not a lot for 3 days and me and my buddy are in great shape and not afraid of heights. Thanks for your time

First, great choice for considering Gunsight Pass. It’s one of my favorite hikes in Glacier National Park.

Day 0 (night of Day 1): Park one car at Bowman Lake a. Drive and camp the night at Kintla Lake’s frontcountry campground.

Day 1: Park at Kintla Lake. Hike from Kintla Lake base to Kintla Lake Head. Camp out for the night there. Distance is 6.6 miles and the terrain is rolling hills.

Day 2: Hike from Kintla Lake Head to either Boulder Pass or Hole in the Wall campground. The elevation gain is intense. Something like 3,000 feet in 4 miles (to Boulder Pass). Hole in the Wall campground is about another 2 miles from Boulder Pass. Both are some of the most breathtaking backcountry campgrounds in Glacier National Park.

Day 3: Hike from Boulder Pass or Hole in the Wall to Bowman Lake’s foot. There are TONS of mosquitos, so be warned 🙂

If you’re looking for a more complete itinerary, please don’t forget that I offer personalized montana vacation itineraries

Be sure to take lots of pictures and come back to share your adventure!

Have a great day!

Another alternative is the 19-mile Dawson-Pitamakin loop in the Two Medicine area. It includes two passes (Dawson and Pitamakin) plus a spectacular four-mile stretch along the Continental Divide. Campsites are at Oldman Lake and No Name Lake. Total elevation gain is 3,000 feet, and it’s all front-loaded no matter which direction you go in (I personally recommend counter-clockwise with Pitamakin Pass first). This could be turned into a one-nigher if you want, or even a long day hike, which I’ve done twice.

Also, in the Many Glacier area is a loop that includes the Ptarmigan Tunnel, camping at Elizabeth Lake (foot), Red Gap Pass, and camping at Poia Lake. Total mileage is about 30 miles. Not sure of the elevation gain, but there are moderately strenuous climbs to the tunnel and over Reg Gap Pass.

Comment from Fawn

Good evening! This will be our first backcountry trip to Glacier. We will be arriving on the east side Amtrak train and want to spend 3-4 days in the backcountry, would like to ride the shuttle down the Going to the sun road and maybe put a boat shuttle in as well.

How long would it take to hike the Continental Divide Trail from E. Glacier to the northern part of Going to the Sun Road and take the shuttle down to the west Amtrak train?

Is this a good hike/idea? Is there a better more scenic 3-4 day route to fit these things in? Thank you for your help!!

Comment from Perry

I’m sorry, Fawn, but I can’t answer that question. Everyone hikes at a different pace. Generally, you can hike around 3 miles/hour but that doesn’t take into account inclines and declines in terrain.

Hello and thank you for the quick reply! Could you suggest a hike with great scenic views from the East side train depot, including the shuttle down Going to the Sun Road to the west train depot?

It would be great to include a boat shuttle in too. We will spend 3-4 days total in the park. Thank you for your help.

Sorry, Fawn, but I’m not familiar with any hikes that meet those needs.

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Hi Perry, Three of us are planning a trip to Glacier over this Fourth of July. We are experienced backpackers and two of us live in the Tetons, so we will be acclimated to the elevation. We are planning to arrive from Idaho on the evening of July 3rd, giving us the 4th-6th as full days and the 7th as a half day (heading back in the afternoon for an 8 hour drive). Any recommendations for a 3.5 day, 3 night trip? We’d like elevation gain, spectacular views, and maybe a nice alpine lake. We average about 3 mph flat, 2 mph uphill. Thanks! Anna

I’m a big fan of the Bowman > Hole in the Wall > Kintla loop that I mentioned above. You’ll need 2 cars for it though.

Considering you’ll be there on one of the busiest weekends, I’d recommend reserving a backcountry campground ahead of time (you can do that through the NPS here ).

Another great backcountry trip I’d recommend is starting along Route 2… Hike about 7.2 miles into Park Creek campground (PAR). Then hike 8.7 to Lake Isabelle (ISA). Finally, climb Two Medicine pass and hike down to Two Medicine . That can also be done in 2 days. It’s a good area to go during July 4th weekend as it won’t be nearly as crowded as the Belly (the Many Glacier area ).

Again, you’ll need two cars though. The Bowman > Kintla trip can be done with 1 if you’re OK hitchhiking back :-).

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The Best Hikes in Glacier National Park

G lacier National Park is filled with miles of trails and amazing hikes to do with your family. What we loved about them is most of them had an end point: a lake, waterfall, or a cool overlook. That always helps when kids know they are hiking to somewhere, not to mention the fact that the end point almost always took our breath away.

It was hard to rank this list because every hike was so unique and beautiful, but here is our list of the best hikes in Glacier National Park with kids or without. Hiking is definitely one of the best things to do in Glacier National Park and should be on every Glacier itinerary .

Things To Know

***PLEASE NOTE – Glacier National Park requires a vehicle reservation ticket to access the park starting May 26th for the west side and July 1st for the east side.   From 6am to 3pm.

• Going To The Sun Road (westside entrance):  May 26th – September 10th
• North Fork (Bowman Lake):  May 26th – September 10th
• Many Glacier:  July 1st – September 10th
• Two Medicine:  July 1st – September 10th
• Going-To-The-Sun Road from the Rising Sun (east side):  July 1st – September 10th

To get into these parts of the park during these times you will need a vehicle reservation AND a National Park Pass or to pay the park entrance fee.

If you have lodging, camping, transportation or a commercial activity reservation during these dates you will still be able to enter the park. But always check with these reservations/tickets to confirm.

Vehicle reservation tickets are rolled out 4 months in advance and become available at 8am MDT. Always check the site for exact dates and times.

There will also be 24 hour advance reservations available on a rolling basis starting May 25th at 8am MDT.

Make your vehicle reservations here.

***Trails can randomly be closed due to bear activity or weather – so always be sure to ask at the Ranger Station/Visitor Center before you go.

***You always want bear spray with you while hiking in bear country! Buying your own and bringing it with you is always what we recommend. If you can’t do that make sure to check at the Visitor Center or find a local store that has some you can bring with you. NEVER approach any wildlife while in the park. Learn more about hiking in Glacier here: Bear and Animal Safety in GNP .

DON’T MISS THIS: Learn more tips and must-know-before-you-go info in our Glacier guides :

Planning a trip to Glacier? We put together a series of digital guides that take the guesswork out of planning. Stop-by-stop itineraries for making the most of 1, 3 or 7 days in Glacier National Park including where to stay, where to eat, what hikes to take and the best driving routes.

We’ve even included links for you to book your stays and buy your park passes. Everything you need in one convenient digital guide. Just download and go!

Easiest Hikes

We will list our picks for easiest, medium and hard hikes. Please note for all of these hikes we have taken our kids with us ranging in age from 7-12 at the time – who have hiked all over the US. You know your own and your kids abilities so keep that in mind when picking a hike to do!

Trail of the Cedars

This is the easiest hike on our list, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful! The trail is groomed and accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. It is also short at 1 mile roundtrip. The trail is really wide so it gives the kids room to run, plus there are multiple places where you can go off the trail a little ways to let the kids run and play.

The highlight of the trail is the waterfall. We were not expecting it, so it was awesome when we crossed the bridge and there was this bright blue waterfall and creek right in the middle of the trail. This is the definition of hiking in Glacier National Park – unexpected beauty everywhere!

The trail is a loop so you basically make a circle and you are almost back to where you started. You will have to walk on a small section of road, but this is a very populated trail and area so there are signs everywhere for cars to slow down.

There is also a picnic area across the street if you want to leave a picnic lunch or dinner in the car for after the hike.

Location: Trail of the Cedars Trailhead

Distance: 1 mile

Elevation Gain: 60 feet

Want help planning your trip to Glacier? Check out our post: The Best Glacier National Park Itinerary from 1 to 7 Days.

Rocky Point Nature Trail

Another shorter hike that takes you along Lake McDonald and to a lookout area where you can look across the lake at the Apgar Visitor Center area. This is a nice hike through the forest then out to the overlook or you can head down by the edge of the water and spend some time throwing rocks into the lake.

Location: Rocky Point Trailhead by Fish Creek Campground

Distance: 1.9 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 350 feet

Aster Falls

This hike is located in the Two Medicine area, so it provides a different landscape than other areas of Glacier. You hike through mostly forest and some meadow area. It is a gradual increase through the forest, but a nice short hike for kids. The waterfall is small, but works as a turn-around point.

Or if everyone is ready to go you can hike up to the Aster Park Overlook. The hike has a quick elevation gain and you are doing a lot of switch backs. We decided to do it and it was a mistake. It was just too much for our kids that day.

The view from the top was pretty and a great way to get a feel of the Two Medicine area, but just be sure your kids are ready to make the hike up. We had forgotten Carson’s shoes so he ended up hiking the whole thing barefoot. Lesson learned by all of us . . . had we stopped at the waterfall, it would have been the perfect distance.

Location: Two Medicine area: South Shore Trailhead

Distance: 2.8 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 320 feet

St. Mary Falls/Virginia Falls

This is a well known hike, and for good reason. The St. Mary Falls are beautiful! The hike there is on a downhill rocky trail through a forest. You then come to the bridge you walk across to view the falls.

There are a few rocks for the kids to climb on, but the closer you get to the water the more slippery they get. There is also a ledge around the falls and up the trail. Needless to say, this isn’t really a great place to stop and hangout since it is a stressful location with little kids!

At this point you can either turn around and walk back or decide to hike approximately another mile to Virginia Falls. If you have it in you, go for it! We are glad that we did. In my opinion the Virginia Falls were better than St. Mary Falls. You are hiking up for a lot of this stretch but it is gradual, so not too bad.

There are a few ledge areas on the hike to Virginia Falls so you want to be careful with kids, plus there are a few streams that they can choose to walk on the rocks and not get wet or, like our kids, walk right through the water . . . this means wear Keen sandals or bring a dry pair of socks!

Once you get to Virginia Falls, you cross a fun little bridge and then you are brought to the base of the falls.

We walked out and were sprayed by the freezing cold water of the falls!

From there, we hiked down a ways and found a good spot to sit and have a drink and some snacks.

The waterfall and the views definitely made it worth it to go the extra distance to Virginia Falls. The hike back was downhill for most of it, which always makes it easier and then from St. Mary Falls to the parking lot you are hiking uphill, but it is gradual and a nice path so it worked well with the kids.

Location: St. Mary Falls Trailhead (on the Going To The Sun Road ) – limited parking – we ended up having to wait 20 minutes to get a spot.

Distance:  .8 miles to St. Mary Falls and then an additional 1 mile to Virginia Falls for a total of 1.8 miles there and 1.8 miles back for a roundtrip of 3.6 miles.

Elevation Gain: (Mostly from St. Mary Falls to Virginia Falls) 525 Feet.

Medium Hikes

Apikuni falls.

This is a shorter hike, which makes it a great hike for kids, but a fast elevation gain. It was tough on little legs, but doable because of the distance. The trail is mostly one lane through a pretty dense forest. Then when you get to the top it becomes a really neat rocky trail.

Make sure you scramble all the way up to the big waterfall that streams down from the mountainside. It is a beautiful waterfall with a crystal clear pool at the bottom. We walked out a little ways, but never reached the waterfall. The water was freezing!!

The views from the base of the waterfall were awesome and the kids had fun climbing around and throwing rocks into the falls.

The hike down was a nice steady downhill hike. We only came across a few other hiking groups so this was definitely a more secluded hike. Make sure to bring your bear spray  on this one!

Location: Many Glacier area of the park: Poia Lake Trailhead

Distance: 1.7 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 625 feet

Hidden Lake Overlook

I made this #1 on the list of the best Glacier National Park hikes with kids because the area by Logan Pass is beautiful and amazing and truly takes your breath away. It isn’t an easy hike since you climb the first half of the hike, but it has a well defined trail and stairs at some points. So it is doable.

You look out over fields of wildflowers and also a few waterfalls as you are hiking up.

Once you get past that point it is a nice gentle incline up to the lookout. While you are hiking up, be sure to stop and turn around to see the beautiful views behind you.

Once you get to the lookout you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of Hidden Lake and mountains.

If everyone has more energy you can take the additional 1.4 mile hike down to the shores of the lake. I was ready to go, but the kids weren’t. So we didn’t. Instead we walked a little ways down the trail and were rewarded with a herd of mountain goats walking right in front of us!

The hike back is much easier since you are going downhill. So be ready, you may either have to run to keep up with your kids or keep telling them to slow down.

Location: Behind Logan Pass Visitor Center

Distance: 2.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1325 feet

Glacier Guides

Avalanche lake.

This hike is very populated – we saw people constantly on this trail. This one starts on the Trail of the Cedars, then you take the route to Avalanche Lake where you start climbing up and pretty much don’t stop until you get there.

The trail is a lot of fun with logs to jump on and boulders to climb along the way. This definitely helped to keep the kids interested. This by no means was an easy hike but it was worth it! The trail follows along and crosses Avalanche Creek at some points.

Once you get to the top you walk out into a clearing that has a Lake (really more like a shallow pond) with mountains surrounding it and waterfalls coming down the mountains into the lake. Yes, it is as beautiful as it sounds!

When we got there we walked out to see the lake and then, boom, there was thunder and rain started pouring down on us! We found a hiding spot under a tree and waited it out and were able to enjoy the lake for a little bit before the rain started again!

We started to hike back and got stuck in a downpour, so we made a run for the pit toilet that was about 100 yards from the lake on the trail. Yup, we hung out in one of those stinky pit toilets until the heavy rain stopped.

Then, with one umbrella and a couple of beach towels for the 6 of us, we made our way 2 miles back down the trail . . . lesson learned. Always have ponchos with you when you hike up a mountain. You never know what the weather is going to do.

Even with the rain, we were glad we did the hike. Avalanche Lake was amazing and the trail was a lot of fun.

Distance: 4.5 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 730 feet

Grinnell Lake

I included this one of the kids hikes because our kids did it. However, this isn’t a hike for a kid that has never hiked before. Round trip it is about 7 miles. The good thing is, it is relatively flat. Just long.

At one point you come to a spot where you can choose to go to the Grinnell Glacier instead of the lake. This would have added miles to our hike and a large elevation gain. For those reasons we did not do it. Even though I really wanted to!

If the hike is too far for your family you can also pay to take a ferry ride across the lake just a short distance from the trailhead parking lot. You can then continue the hike from there or you can jump on another ferry that will take you within 1.3 miles of the Lake (so 2.6 miles roundtrip to get to the lake and then back to the boat). We thought about it but the ticket prices were pretty expensive so we figured we would hike it.

You can learn more about tickets here:  Glacier Park Boat Company

The lake was beautiful! You again walk through a forest and over a couple cool bridges – including a suspension bridge. So much fun! Don’t worry, it was sturdy and the creek was just a few feet below you and very shallow.

Then you reach the lake and it opens up to a beach area with the lake surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. The lake was pretty shallow, but deep enough that you could walk out and dive under if you wanted to. You can also see the people hiking the Grinnell Glacier trail up on the mountain surrounding the lake.

This really was a great spot to get out a picnic lunch, bathing suits, and just hang out for a while before making the hike back. Yes it was long, but the kids did it!

And if you want to take the hike to Grinnell Glacier check out our friends post about their hike to the glacier!

*UPDATE* We have since been back and hiked the Grinnell Glacier trail, read on below to find out more!

Location: Many Glacier – Grinnell Glacier Trailhead

Distance: 7.2 miles roundtrip – or much shorter (but expensive) on the ferries.

Elevation: 220 feet

Hardest Hikes

Grinnell glacier.

We did this hike our last time in Glacier – the kids were 11, 9, 9 and 7 at the time. It was challenging but totally worth it. The beginning of the hike is pretty flat. Then for the second part you have some elevation gain but the views help make it worth it! Plus at one point you walk under a small waterfall so you can cool off.

As you make your way around the corner to get to the Glacier you are awarded with an amazing view of the Glacier and the lake below. When we were there we were lucky enough to see the lake filled with icebergs! It was such a cool site! Note – the icebergs aren’t always there. I am guessing it depends on the weather that week.

We hung out by the lake for a while, had drinks and snacks and the kids played with some of the icebergs they could reach. Just be really careful since the water is FREEZING and you don’t want anyone to fall in.

We could have hung out by the lake all day but we could tell it was getting late and we didn’t want to be hiking in the dark so we started to head back. The views of the Glacial Blue water on the way back is unbelievably beautiful. The hike was definitely a challenge but so worth it!

Location: Many Glacier

Distance Roundtrip : 11.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 1840 feet

Highline Trail

The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park starts at Logan Pass and follows the Continental divide, or Garden wall. In the beginning you walk along a ledge with a chain rope you hang on to. It is about a 4 foot wide trail with a huge ledge and drop – so you want to hang on!

It was definitely stressful with kids but they did great. Once you are past this section you walk through a trail with a few random cliff edges but for the most part it is a nice trail for walking on.

We only went about 1 mile out and then turned around and walked back. We had already done the Hidden Lake Overlook trail that day so we knew the kids wouldn’t make it much farther.

The trail has gorgeous views at every turn due to the elevation, but it is over 11 miles roundtrip, so be prepared for that.

Location: Logan Pass

Distance Roundtrip: 11.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 1950 feet

Some of these hikes are on the longer side, but if your family can do it they are worth it. These best day hikes of Glacier National Park with kids definitely gives you such a great feeling for what the park is actually like versus just driving around and stopping at the lookouts.

Honorable Mentions

We haven’t tried these hikes ourselves but have heard they are great hikes.

Sunrift Gorge

This one isn’t a hike so much as a short trail, just off the Going to The Sun Road, with an awesome view of the naturally formed gorge and the waters that rush through. A super short, easy trip with a great payoff! If you want to hike a bit farther, the trail continues on to several additional waterfalls.

Location: Sunrift Gorge parking area, near marker 39 on Going to the Sun Road

Roundtrip Length: 1.3 miles

Total Elevation Gain: 360 feet

Iceberg Lake

This is a longer hike, but with the amazing payoff of seeing Iceberg Lake at the end, along with beautiful alpine meadows along the way. This hike is also in prime bear and wildlife territory, so it is definitely recommended to have appropriately strong bear spray and travel in large groups.

Location: Iceberg Lake Trailhead

Roundtrip Length: 9.7 miles

Total Elevation Gain: 1275 feet

Where To Stay

Both of these sites offer reservations instead of just first come first serve camping, to make your trip a little smoother!

Fish Creek Campground is located on the West side of the Park, and is the second largest campground in Glacier.

St. Mary’s Campground is located on the East side of the Park, just next to the entrance to the Going to the Sun Road.

Edgewater RV Resort and Swan Lake Trading Post are a bit of a drive but still good options for staying near Glacier National Park. Check those out if you don’t mind driving in!

Glacier is an awesome place for an RV road trip. Consider renting an RV for your Glacier trip! Learn more here!

Meadow Lake Resort is a family friendly resort located just 10 minutes from Glacier National Airport. The resort contains a family recreation center and a special area called Hucklebear’s Den with boardgames, arts and crafts and other family activities, as well as scheduled activities throughout the day. It also has excellent reviews!

Cedar Creek Lodge combines rustic mountain charm with great amenities like a free shuttle to Glacier in the summer and Whitefish Mountain for skiing in the winter, as well as a complimentary hot breakfast buffet.

Check out this Family cabin 7 miles from Glacier Park Entrance . This adorable, rustic cabin is a nice combination of seclusion and proximity to civilization to meet your needs. Bicycles are also available to rent right next door at the Lodge!

Or check out this amazing Montana Treehouse Retreat near Glacier Park. This is what Glacier dreams are made of. Enjoy your stay in this home right out of your children’s wildest dreams!

To prepare for these hikes, here are our tips for Hiking With Kids .

If you want more information on hiking in Glacier check out this site.

If you need assistance or trail status updates you can contact the ranger stations or visitors centers ( list here .)

Also, if you’re looking for other things to do while in the Glacier area, check out our posts on visiting Polebridge Mercantile and Bowman Lake , Whitefish Mountain Resort and Montana Raft ! 

Let us know if you have any other favorite hikes in Glacier National Park with kids in the comments below. We will definitely be visiting this park again!

Learn more about: America’s National Parks For Kids and if you love National Parks check out our National Park Road Trip ideas!

That was a lot! We know! Be sure to check out our Glacier Guides to help plan your trip!

More posts like this:

19 Magical Things To Do In Glacier National Park [Map Included]

7 Awe Inspiring Things To Do In Many Glacier in Glacier National Park

Tips For Driving The Stunning Going To The Sun Road

Visit The Magnificent Bowman Lake and Polebridge Mercantile

Rafting With Kids With Montana Raft

Whitefish Mountain Resort Summer Activities

23 Exciting and Fun Things To Do In Bozeman, MT

22 Amazing Things To Do In Red Lodge, Montana

Pin this list for later:

The post The Best Hikes in Glacier National Park appeared first on Crazy Family Adventure .

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This epic national park in B.C. is comparable to the Rocky Mountains

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Travellers looking to explore Glacier National Park near Revelstoke will enjoy panoramic alpine views on every hike and might see some B.C. wildlife, too. 

Comparable to the Rocky Mountains, the expansive national park encompasses over one million acres and includes 43 parks and park reserves across Canada, including a portion of the Selkirk Mountains. It contains lush, mossy forests and massive active glaciers one of the largest cave systems in the country.

If you only visit for an hour, there are great opportunities to take a break from driving and experience the scenery beyond the edge of the highway.

According to Parks Canada, the  Rockgarden Trail  takes about 20 minutes, offering "an intimate view of the diminutive nature of the park, nestled among sweeping views of the Selkirk Mountains wilderness."

Visitors who can afford to spend a day in the park can see several attractions and hike multiple trails. Their trip can start at the  Rogers Pass Discovery Centre , which   offers up-to-date park information, visitor services, and interpretive exhibits. It's an ideal place to plan the day and what trails you can accomplish.

The trails range from short, valley-bottom strolls, to steep, tough climbs across the Columbia Mountains. There are also places to stroll to that offer mesmerizing perspectives of the area, including the Slide Path that stretches 1,500 meters, "from the valley floor up to the very gates of the Selkirk Mountains," according to Parks Canada.

The government offers several examples of  one-day itineraries and long weekend ideas, too.

Where can I stay to explore the park for several days?

Visitors can reserve campsites at Loop Brook Campground and Hermit Meadows backcountry campground. All other campgrounds assign sites on a first-come, first-served basis, according to Parks Canada.

Travellers who prefer to stay in hotels or motels can find accommodation nearby in Revelstoke or Golden. A couple of mid-range cost options in Revelstoke include the Swiss Chalet Motel , the Ramada by Wyndham Revelstoke , and the Revelstoke Lodge . 

When is the best time to hike on trails in the park?

Hikers should always brace for poor weather when they venture into the mountains; unpredictable conditions are possible any time of the year. Before you head out, check the forecast and consider the risks. 

It is possible to hike in parts of the park in the spring from early May to late June. While higher-elevation trails are snow-bound and may have avalanche hazards, some lower-elevation trails may be accessible. Most of the trails are accessed off the Trans-Canada highway. 

The prime hiking season is summer, from July to mid-September. There may be some "snow on higher-elevation trails until mid-July" but "subalpine wildflowers typically bloom in August," according to the government. 

Hikers who head out in the fall, from mid-September to early October, will experience "shorter days and cooler temperatures" and the trail bridges are "typically removed between late September and early October for the winter."

How will I know if I have the right fitness to embark on a trail?

Parks Canada offers a guide for the national park that rates trails on a three-level system, factoring in elevation, prior experience, and the number of obstacles.

The estimated time to complete a trail will differ based on the trail distances, fitness levels, weather, and conditions.

Here are the government-provided skill levels: 

Easy trails 

• Suitable for those with little or no trail experience.
• Flat to gently rolling with few obstacles.
• Little or no elevation change.

 Moderate

• Suitable for those with basic trail experience.
• Gently rolling with short, steep sections and infrequent obstacles.
• Moderate elevation change.

 Difficult

• Suitable only for those with trail experience.
• Long, steep sections with frequent obstacles.
• Major elevation change.

Do I need to bring anything with me when I go? 

It is possible to get lost or stranded in Glacier National Park. While most people will be safe if they gauge their prior fitness level before embarking on a journey, they should bring essential supplies for emergencies.   

Some of these supplies include a trail guide and map, a full water bottle or thermos, high energy food, bear spray, bug spray, sunscreen and sunglasses, a first aid kit, headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries, a hat and gloves, hiking poles, fain/wind jacket, extra warm clothing in case of an emergency, and a cell phone or satellite communication device.

Always travel with someone or a group and don't leave anyone behind. The government recommends you "choose a trail suitable for the least experienced member in your group" and not wear earbuds to stay alert.

Risk of Lyme disease 

Ticks carrying Lyme disease may be present in the park and you must check yourself and your pet(s) for ticks after hiking. You should also wear protective clothing to prevent being bitten. Use bug spray containing DEET or Icaridin on your skin and clothing. 

If you find a tick on your body or your pet, remove it with fine-point tweezers . Removing it within 24 to 36 hours can help prevent infection, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

Things to consider about wildlife in the park

The park is home to wolves, cougars, grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, beavers, muskrats, and other wildlife. Some of these animals are viewable from the Trans-Canada highway. 

Travelling in groups is one of the best ways to prevent interactions with wildlife on trails since they generally avoid loud, unfamiliar noises. Talk to each other throughout the hike. 

• Related : Here is what to do if you run into a cougar, bear, or wolf in B.C.

If you do see an animal, give it space. The government recommends you carry bear spray outside of your pack for easy access and know how to use it.

Campers and hikers can also mitigate the risk of attracting bears by bringing garbage and not tossing organic materials. 

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Best Hikes in Washington State’s National Parks

Pacific northwest hiking expert matt wastradowski explores the best hiking in washington's three national parks..

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Washington’s three national parks host some of the best hikes in the state . Each offers natural scenery that showcases the best of the Pacific Northwest. Olympic National Park is most famous for its lush rainforests but is also home to a wide range of rain-soaked landscapes. North Cascades National Park comprises jagged peaks and alpine lakes. Mount Rainier National Park surrounds the region’s most famous peak.

Naturally, all three are covered with hiking trails that reach wide-open viewpoints and head into quiet backcountry. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite hikes in each of Washington’s national parks, along with suggestions for extending your stay at a campsite nearby.

Best Hikes in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park spans nearly 1 million acres across the Olympic Peninsula in northwestern Washington and contains three disparate ecosystems—the jagged Olympic Mountains, rocky shorelines along the Pacific Ocean, and old-growth rainforests that receive 140 inches of annual rainfall. Epic hikes and backpacking trips cover it all, with trails geared toward hikers of all fitness levels. Most are open year-round, but heavy rainfall between October and April make the park a popular stop in summer.

Perhaps the park’s most popular trail is the family-friendly Hall of Mosses hike , an 0.8-mile loop that gains a gentle 100 feet in the Hoh Rain Forest; here, thick coats of moss droop from old-growth maple trees, creating a magical, tunnel-like feel over large stretches of trail. Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk that enjoy lounging along the path.

If you’d like to stretch your legs a bit more, tackle the 3.2-mile (round-trip) Hurricane Hill hike , most easily accessed between May and October. You’ll gain 650 feet while ascending through fields of summertime wildflowers before summiting the trail’s namesake hill; there, sweeping views include nearby mountain ranges, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and even Vancouver Island in British Columbia to the north.

Backpackers adore the East Fork Quinault River Trail , a 27.8-mile (round-trip) trek that gains 3,700 feet while heading into the heart of Enchanted Valley. There, dedicated hikers enjoy views of snow-capped mountain peaks, spy seasonal waterfalls high in the valley, walk past a long-abandoned chalet, and spy all manner of wildlife—including elk, deer, beavers, and black bears.

Looking to pitch a tent or park your RV? Olympic National Park hosts 14 campgrounds in all, but we’re partial to the old-growth surroundings at Hoh Rainforest Campground , oceanside views from Kalaloch Campground , and lakeside sites at Fairholme Campground —which sits on the quiet shores of the glacially carved Lake Crescent. Some campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others accept reservations up to six months in advance; most are open between April and September.

Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park

Sitting about three hours northeast of Seattle and about two hours east of Bellingham, North Cascades National Park is home to more than 300 glaciers near the U.S.-Canada border.

Generations of glacial activity have sculpted and shaped the park’s peaks, giving the mountains a craggy, jagged feel that’s far less common further south in the range. The turquoise-hued Diablo Lake, the 23-mile-long Ross Lake, and the winding North Cascades Highway (officially known as Highway 20) provide some of the park’s most-visited, best-loved highlights—but with 400 miles of trails crisscrossing the park, there’s always more to see. Note that snow may linger on trails into late June or early July—and the season’s first snowfall may arrive by early October.

In autumn, larch trees across the park turn vibrant shades of gold—a time of year known locally as Larch Madness. One of the best trails for experiencing the colorful displays is the Blue Lake hike, which totals 4.4 miles (round-trip) and includes 1,050 feet of elevation gain. The turnaround point is the trail’s namesake lake, surrounded by colorful trees and at the base of a rocky crag.

For a friendly day hike, the 6.5-mile (round-trip) Chain Lakes Loop offers a little of everything that makes the mountain range so dazzling; highlights include up-close views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan, alpine lakes, sprawling valleys, and colorful wildflowers in late spring and early summer.

One of the park’s best backpacking routes is the 12-mile (round-trip) trek to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm . You’ll feel like you’ve walked onto the set of a fantasy film while marveling at views of Sahale Mountain, walking through meadows of wildflowers, admiring a handful of mountain peaks, passing crystal-clear tarns, and spying the occasional black bear.

A handful of drive-in campgrounds line Highway 20, offering easy access to the park’s most popular trailheads. The 41-site Colonial Creek North Campground sits on Diablo Lake and is where you’ll find the trailhead for the 3.6-mile (round-trip) Thunder Knob Trail ; nearby, the quiet Newhalem Creek Campground hosts 13 tent sites alongside the Skagit River. The park’s campgrounds are largely open between late May and mid-September.

Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is about 100 miles southeast of Seattle and surrounds its namesake volcano. Mount Rainier stands more than 14,000 feet tall and is covered with more than two dozen glaciers. It is the tallest peak in the Cascade Range. Myriad trails, most of which are snow-free between mid-June and mid-October, offer wide-open views of the snow-capped peak.

Enjoy the park’s sublime views without a thigh-burning ascent on the Nisqually Vista Loop . The 1.1-mile (round-trip) paved path gains about 200 feet and offers panoramic views of the rugged Nisqually River valley, the rapidly receding Nisqually Glacier, and (of course) Mount Rainier rising above it all.

Not far from the shore of Mowich Lake, at the remote northwest corner of the park, the 6.5-mile (round-trip) Tolmie Peak Trail climbs 1,010 feet before ending at an old-school fire lookout that shows off Mount Rainier in all its splendor.  Along the way, hikers pass the shore of Eunice Lake and head through subalpine meadows covered in summertime wildflowers. Closer to the central part of the park, the 5.5-mile (round-trip) Skyline Trail departs from Paradise and offers wide-open views seemingly every step of the way—with highlights that include Mount Rainier’s snowy peak, seasonal waterfalls, and colorful wildflowers.

The Wonderland Trail is, far and away, Mount Rainier’s most famous backpacking trek. The 93-mile trail completely encircles Mount Rainier while passing through old-growth forests, alpine meadows covered in wildflowers, and ridgelines that afford up-close mountain views.

If you’re staying the night, you’ll find three campgrounds accessible to vehicles within Mount Rainier National Park. The centrally located Cougar Rock Campground offers 179 sites near the bustling Paradise area, the more remote Ohanapecosh Campground hosts 179 sites of its own, and the White River Campground (with 88 sites) offers easy access to the Sunrise hiking and climbing area. Campgrounds are typically open between late May and early October.

Finally: Keep in mind that a timed-entry permit may be required to drive the Paradise Corridor (between mid-May and early September) and the Sunrise Corridor (between early July and early September).

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3 Day Backpacking Trip in Glacier National Park – A Taste of Glacier

A taste of glacier trip details.

“A Taste Of Glacier” is a fun filled 3 day backpacking trip to Glacier National Park’s rugged backcountry. It’s perfect for those with limited time to venture into wilds of Glacier. You’ll visit parts of the park that most visitors don’t even know exist. You’ll spend your days in sub-alpine and alpine meadows amongst Glacier’s towering peaks. On the trail, your guide will point out features of interest, identify flora and fauna, and be on the lookout for wildlife. You’ll camp in Glacier’s beautiful backcountry campgrounds. Almost all campsites are located near lakes or streams, offering opportunities for fishing or swimming. You’ll be hard pressed to find a 3 day itinerary that packs as much Glacier National Park adventure as this one! Take a look below for more details on itinerary, suggested fitness level and typical routes we take!

Price: $840/person (15+ years)

Other: Glacier National Park Entrance Fee (not included in price)

Guide Tip: Industry rate is 18-20% (not included in price)

Trip Details

This 3 day guided backpacking trip in Glacier is jam packed with fun and is perfect for those with limited time to venture into the backcountry!

Difficulty:  Moderate

Dates:  This 3 day guided backpacking trip in Glacier leaves every Wednesday between the dates of 5/29/2024 and 09/25/2024.

Trip Duration:  3 Days

Minimum Age:  15

Want to know how we determine the physical rating of this trip? Visit our ratings page here!

What's Included, What to Bring

• What’s provided? Do you need a sleeping bag? View our full packing list.

Itinerary & Additional Details

Example itinerary.

For trips starting in mid June onward, we will have permits in early February. Feel free to ask us what we have scheduled for a particular date. For trips in late May and early June we won’t know exactly where we’re going until the day before the trip.

May and June:   Early Season ( Difficulty 2: Easy to Moderate )

• We spend most of the early season exploring Glacier National Park’s Belly River. You’ll experience fields covered in wildflowers, towering snow-capped peaks and plenty of backcountry lakes to admire. 

Late June – Late July : More Terrain Options ( Difficulty 3: Moderate )

• We love the Cutbank area of the park both for the beauty and serenity. This is the perfect time of year for a peaceful few days spent in Glacier’s backcountry and typically our first chance to go over Triple Divide Pass and into St. Mary. Total elevation gain for this pass is about 2,400 feet! 

Late July – Late August : Opportunities abound ( Difficulty 3: Moderate )

• We’ve made it to that time in Montana’s short summer window where we can reach higher elevation areas and see the Glacially carved valleys below. Many times, we will begin in the Two Medicine area and hike over Pitamakan Pass to Cutbank, or vice versa.  Another amazing option that occurs frequently in August is hiking over Gunsight Pass from Jackson Glacier Overlook to Lake McDonald Lodge

September: Cooler Weather Arrives ( Difficulty 3: Moderate )

• As we drift back into cooler weather and early fall, high alpine areas or passes may receive snowfall. In this case, we venture back to The Belly River or hike from Cutbank to the Two Medicine area.

Here is a general description of what you might expect!

Arrive at our West Glacier office at 8:30 am to meet your guide. You’ll go over your gear and split up food and equipment among the group. Depending on the itinerary, you may expect a 1 to 3 hour van shuttle to the trailhead. We should be on trail between 11:30 to 12:30! Expect to hike approximately 4-6 miles the first day. Our guides are passionate and encyclopedic about Glacier National Park — no matter your level of hiking experience, we promise they’ll teach you something new as you hike. Our first night’s camp is likely to be on the shore of a beautiful alpine lake, surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, or nestled in a secluded valley next to the peaceful sounds of a babbling creek. After setting up camp, your guide will prepare an incredible backcountry meal.

On the subject of meals, you will be amazed by what our guides cook for you. We like to eat, and it shows. Our in house kitchen staff, who assists our guides in trip preparations, believes in sourcing locally, purchasing organic when possible, and fueling your body with the best available, homemade food. You won’t find commercially freeze dried one bag meals on this trip! We can also accommodate nearly any dietary restriction or preference – just ask.

The next morning you’ll awaken to a cup of fresh, organic, fair trade coffee or tea and a hearty breakfast. In late summer, your guide might sprinkle freshly picked huckleberries onto your protein packed pancakes! After breaking camp, expect to be on the trail between 9:00 am to 10:00 am, depending on the mileage for the day. The average backpacking day is about 8 miles. A longer day could be up to 10 miles – in that scenario, expect to break camp a little earlier. Lunch is usually made along the trail next to a relaxing creek or on a scenic pass. After arriving at that night’s campground, you will set up camp and refill water while your guide prepares another delicious dinner.

On the last day, you’ll hike out to the trailhead and meet your shuttle driver. A delicious deli lunch awaits you, which will be a fine treat after 3 days in the backcountry. Typically, we return to the Glacier Guides and Montana office around 5 pm, although that can vary.

• Mileage covered on our 3 day backpack trip ranges from 4-10 miles per day. Early season (through June and into first few days of July) our backpacking trips tend to base camp more, and then day hike to explore the alpine passes. This is due to winter snows lingering in the high country.
• Elevation gain and loss on an average day will be about 500 to 800 feet, while a more strenuous day will be 2,000 to 3,000 feet, i.e. if you are hiking over a pass.
• Weight of your backpack will depend on the weight of what you choose to bring. Upon arrival, your guide will give you 5-7 pounds of food to add to your bag. Most people on a 3 day backpack trip end up with a pack weight of around 35 pounds. Remember, ounces make pounds!  Not comfortable carrying a heavy backpack?  Send us an email to inquire about porter availability and add a porter to your guided trip.
• Our guides pack and prepare all meals and are great backcountry cooks. You’ll enjoy delicious, largely locally sourced and organic meals. We are happy to accommodate special dietary needs upon advanced request. Please let us know what they are when you book your trip.
• Group size will be no larger than 8 people per backcountry trip. 7 guests per guide.
• Don’t forget your passport, because some of our trips during mid July through early September either start or end in Waterton, Canada!

Add an Overnight Rafting Trip to your backpacking adventure in order to see even more of Glacier. Her southwestern border is formed by the Wild and Scenic Middle and North Forks of the Flathead River. Don’t miss your chance to relax by these turquoise waters after your backpacking trip! You’ll receive a 10% discount on the  2 Day Raft Trip  if you make your reservation for the  5 Day Hike/Raft Trip , which includes the discount. Or just give us a call at 406-387-5555 and we’ll get you set up.

3 Day Guided Backpacking Trip in Glacier Meeting Notes

Guests should call our office the day prior to departure at 406-387-5555 or 1-800-521-7238 to check-in. The day of the trip, you should arrive at our office at 8:30 AM to meet your guide. Click on  directions  for how to find us.

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Hiking Testimonial

Went on a guided hike to Avalanche Trail yesterday with our guide Tom. Perfect way to experience the Park for the first time. I learned so much about the Park as Tom pointed out many interesting points that I would have not known if I went alone. Enjoyed the company of 5 other guests. Took a van ride about 16 miles in to access the Trail. Tom brought lunches for each and we ate halfway through on the shore of a beautiful lake. I enjoyed asking questions to learn and Tom had the answers. I would highly recommend taking a guided hike with Glacier Guides even if you’ve been to the Park before. Glad I did.

— Peter Lemp

We did the 3 day backpacking trip with Tom a few weeks ago. It was the BEST experience we could have asked for! We will book again if we get the chance. Unforgettable views and experience. Not to mention the food Tom made with just one little burner was perfect.

— Ashley Marie

What an amazing experience! Just finished a four day backpacking trip with guide, Jen. Jen was extremely professional and so “in tune” to the group. Her knowledge of the surroundings we walked through was incredible. It’s clear she holds a passion for what she does that really shines through. She went above and beyond to help give me a most memorable first time experience at Glacier. Thank you!

— Jessica Wolf

I went on a six day hike with four guys and our guide, Maketa. It was amazing. We had a wide range of ages 35-70 and our guide was able to create the perfect trip for all of us. It is an unbelievable park and we were able to optimize our time there because of the expert planning from Maketa. Glacier Guides was helpful throughout the experience and I wouldn’t have had the same trip any other way. Definitely a FIVE STAR rating. Best trip of my life!

— Andrew Rocca

Glacier guides was more than I could’ve imagined! My Friends and I did the 5 day glacier challenge and it was amazing! They offer longer hikes and shorter hikes. I thought I would do all the long hikes but I didn’t every day. Every hike you take is absolutely stunning!! definitely do what your body will allow, you’ll still be very satisfied! Best part of the challenge is most certainly the guides… TOM MATELICH is awesome! he is a wonderful leader, cook, guide, absolutely hilarious and all around great guy! ARI MELINGER-COHEN is super chill and very calming to be around, extremely knowledgeable and very caring. MAKETE ROESCH is magical, super helpful and can pretty much answer anything you want to know (especially about bears and flowers). All these guys are seriously the best and when I go back I will 100% be requesting them. Glacier guides couldn’t have made this experience any better! Forever grateful for their guidance and the love they have for this beautiful place!

— Britney Doe