16 Finest Glacier Nationwide Park Hikes
Situated in Montana, Glacier Nationwide Park presents many nice mountaineering experiences. The park is stuffed with wonderful pure wonders of recent blue lakes, imposing mountains and awe-inspiring glaciers.
With greater than 700 miles of each quick hikes and prolonged backpacking trails, it’s straightforward to search out one you’ll love. Listed below are my picks for the 16 greatest Glacier Nationwide Park hikes. This put up was initially written by Julie from Outdoorzer who shared her shared her must-see trails once you go to Glacier Nationwide Park and The Planet D crew has added extra selection that can assist you plan your journey.
Mountain climbing Glacier Nationwide Park
Earlier than you begin your hike, plan for a protected mountaineering expertise. Cease on the park’s guests middle to get all the data you want, suggestions from the guides, and any particular warnings. Go to the Nationwide Park web site for closures and extra data.
Plus, don’t neglect to let somebody know the place you’re going. Make sure to have sufficient water, meals, and provides ought to something occur. We all the time carry a primary first assist package when mountaineering. However most significantly, convey a way of journey and have enjoyable once you strive considered one of these wonderful hikes.
1. Ptarmigan Tunnel
The Ptarmigan Tunnel is a full day Glacier Nationwide Park hike. That is an unbelievable path, as a result of once you come out on the different aspect of the tunnel, you are feeling such as you’ve walked into one other world.
When passing by this 240-foot tunnel, you hike by large meadows stuffed with wildlife in addition to a dense forest. Take into account that this tunnel was constructed for horses through the Thirties and it’s full of varied slopes and edge ridges.
After you cross the Ptarmigan Falls, the path will get rather a lot steeper, so be ready for some robust mountaineering throughout this part. It then continues for about 1.6 miles to Ptarmigan Lake, the place you may calm down and admire among the most stunning surroundings within the space.
- Complete Distance:
- 10.7 miles spherical journey
- Elevation Acquire 2300 ft
- Be ready for a protracted day.
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2. Swiftcurrent Move
It is a tough Glacier Nationwide Park hike but it surely’s price it for the nice surroundings. This hike passes by three lakes and a spectacular waterfall. All through your hike, you could spy among the rarest and vibrant birds all through the six lakes. Additionally, you will see the attractive Granite Park. In reality, throughout this hike, you will get among the most unbelievable photographs of the blue lake and the encompassing mountains. If you happen to like, cease on the Fishercap Lake, the place you would possibly see moose within the mornings or early within the night.
- Size:
- E levation Acquire: 2400 Ft
Warning. When mountaineering Glacier Nationwide Park: Concentrate on bears and cougars (mountain lions) and use correct security precautions. Mountain climbing in teams or pairs lowers threat, making noise and don’t depart any meals out to attraction animals.
3. Iceberg Lake
This is among the hottest mountaineering experiences in Montana’s Glacier Nationwide Park. It additionally provides you the alternative to see icebergs floating in an alpine lake. If you hike right here you cross by many open areas alongside the best way that provide you with excellent vistas of the peaceable mountains round you.
- Size:
- Spherical Journey: 9.7 miles
- Common Acquire: 1275 Ft
4. Cracker Lake
Cracker Lake is taken into account to be one of the crucial stunning lakes on the earth. The wonderful coloration of the lake is a crystal clear aqua blue and makes all of the surroundings round you much more great.
- Size:
- Spherical Journey: 12.6 miles
- Elevation Acquire: 1400 Ft
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5. Pitamakan Move Path
This peaceable path goes over the ridge of Rising Wolf Mountain, passes a waterfall from Sky Lake, and finally ends up at Oldman Lake. From there the path switchbacks as much as Pitamakan Move. Take note although that because of the snow, this received’t possible be satisfactory till late July and even August.
Right here you may climb up the excessive hills, then drop again down, almost 3,000 ft. You additionally must hike a really slender path so be ready.
- Size:
- Spherical Journey: 15.4 miles
- Elevation Acquire: 325 ft
- lengthy and full day
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6. Grinnell Glacier
This hike takes you to one of the crucial iconic glaciers of the park. You cross varied lakes, wonderful meadows and gorgeous cliffs alongside the best way. The primary half of the hike is simpler than the second half. It then turns into tougher because it rises steeply with a number of slopes.
However it’s price it as you may see some wonderful vistas over the Grinnell Falls, Angel Wing, and Grinnell Lake. The mountaineering path is effectively maintained and you could encounter wildlife sightings alongside the best way.
- Size:
- Spherical Journey: 7.6-miles
- Elevation Acquire: 1840 Ft
7. Siyeh Move
This path hike begins in a forest and takes you to varied peaks. Hike the rocky slopes after which go down by extra meadows to the Sunrift Gorge. Observe the path by the bushes for about 2.5 miles after which head as much as Preston Park.
Make sure to take a little bit of time to admire the attractive surroundings throughout you earlier than you descend over 3,000 ft for the following 5.4 miles the place you’ll find yourself on the Sunrift Gorge.
- Size:
- Spherical Journey: 8.9 miles
- Elevation Acquire: 2090 Ft
8. Two Drugs Space
Situated on the north a part of the town of East Glacier, this unbelievable space presents extra jaw dropping surroundings and a few nice mountaineering. The paths are extra peaceable than those at the start line (positioned close to the Many Glacier lodge). It’s a superb Glacier Nationwide Park hike in case you are a newbie.
It’s also possible to take a picket boat tour on this space and yow will discover some improbable tenting. At roughly 1.5 miles you emerge from the forest to be greeted by lush meadows and different vegetation. Throughout your hike, you’ll cross by a big open meadow and open terrain with colourful wild flowers. If you want, you may spend the night time tenting right here.
9. Dawson Move
Mountain climbing the 15-mile Dawson Move takes you as much as wonderful views of the Oldman Lake. This path crosses the Dawson and Pitamakan passes taking you by peaceable scenes and waterfalls alongside the best way. If you wish to shave a while off your hike you may take the shuttle boat throughout Two Drugs Lake.
10. Hidden lake path
Whereas the hidden lake path is a reasonably quick path, the altitude makes it fairly difficult. The path is totally open, anticipate plenty of solar and wind as you stroll by alpine meadows. Relying on the season, you would possibly even must work throughout snowfields.
Maintain an eye fixed out for marmots, and big-horn sheep. Mountain goats are widespread on this path and recognizing one makes it fairly the journey. Grizzly bears have been seen within the space as effectively. On the overlook, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the close by mountains, lake, and wildflowers, nonetheless it may be very busy on the overlook. A really breathtaking expertise that makes your difficult hike effectively price it. If you happen to can, carry bear spray and a mountaineering pole.
- Location: Logan Move Customer Middle
- Elevation acquire: 1325 ft (403 ft)
- Complete spherical journey miles: 5.4 miles (8.9 km)
11. Avalanche lake
This hike begins on the Path of Cedars trailhead. Whereas it’s an uphill climb you can be rewarded with one of the crucial breathtaking views. The terrain on this path just isn’t difficult making avalanche lake one of the crucial well-liked hikes for all ages.
There are many bushes alongside the path that maintain it cool with some greater than 500 years previous. You’ll cross a bridge that crosses Avalanche Gorge and be handled to views of Bearfoot Mountain jutting out from behind Avalanche Lake.
Take a while to arrange a picnic and take within the picturesque of the lake and the waterfalls as you benefit from the different panorama of the avalanche creek and forest. Whereas the water on the lake is usually ice-cold and never ideally suited for swimming, you dip your toes in to calm down and funky down.
- Location: Lake McDonald
- Elevation acquire: 730 ft
- avalanche lake distance: 4.5 miles (roundtrip)
12. Highline path
Highline trails are in all probability one of many spectacular hikes at glacier nationwide park. Nonetheless, it isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. If you happen to’re scared o heights you could wish to cross on this path as on the primary quarter mile you come throughout a steep ledge. There’s a hand cable to help you on this stretch, nonetheless, it may be fairly nerve-wracking particularly when it will get windy.
Don’t let this discourage you as this path rewards you with spectacular views of glacier nationwide park, the forested valley, waterfall cascades, alpine meadows, and wildflowers. You would possibly even spot some wild animals.
- Location: Logan cross
- Elevation acquire: 825 ft
- Complete spherical journey miles: 7.2
13. Grinnell glacier overlook
If you happen to’re searching for a problem, strive the Grinnell glacier overlook, which might be one of the crucial strenuous mountaineering trails at glacier nationwide park. Beginning the hike on the logan cross customer middle is much less strenuous for most individuals. Set out early earlier than the solar will get too sizzling as the primary three miles are open with no shade. Sunscreen and hats are essential on this stretch. Carry plenty of water and a pair of excellent mountaineering sneakers because the path can take some time- about 7 hours or extra relying in your pace. A trekking pole will make your hike simpler.
The path is well-liked with seasoned hikers and will be fairly busy, there are additionally components with slender edges and steep drop-offs that be fairly nerve-wracking. You would possibly spot some mountain goats and even grizzly bears down within the alpine meadows within the Chalet space.
- Elevation acquire: 2830 ft
- Complete spherical journey miles: 15.5
14. Higher mcDonald creek path
The Higher McDonald creek path is among the many simpler hikes at glacier nationwide park. It’s a simple route within the woods that may be accomplished in beneath 2 hours. Excellent in case you’re searching for a peaceable meditative hike.
The terrain is usually flat and really easy making it well-liked amongst hen watchers and for horseback driving. The hike begins with scenic views of waterfalls, creeks, and the forest. There’s plenty of shade out there which retains the path very cool. If you happen to’re fortunate, you would possibly spot a moose or deer on the path.
- Location: Lake McDonald
- Elevation acquire: 210 ft
- Complete spherical journey miles: 5.3
15. Path of the Cedars
Path of the cedars has no hills or steps to climb and is considered one of two wheelchair-accessible trails at glacier nationwide park. It’s a simple path with stunning views of cascading waterfalls and snow-covered peaks. Stroll amongst shadows of large cedar, black cottonwood, hemlock, and yew bushes. The paths are large and might accommodate many individuals without delay. Getting a parking spot will be difficult as this mountaineering path may be very well-liked amongst guests.
- Location: Lake McDonald
- Elevation acquire: 60 ft
- Complete spherical journey miles: 1.0
16. Swiftcurrent lake nature path
The hike begins on the many glacier lodge boat dock or on the Grinnell Glacier trailhead simply close to the picnic space. The hike is pretty straightforward and will be accomplished in an hour as a big portion of the route is paved. It’s an incredible route for the entire household to take pleasure in a pleasant and stress-free hike with stunning views throughout for images. Take a second to take pleasure in stunning views of the lake and the encompassing mountain peaks. Carry with you bear spray as there’s a whole lot of bear exercise within the space.
- Location: Many Glacier
- Elevation acquire: 2400 ft
- Complete spherical journey miles: 2.7
And there you may have it, my favorite 9 Glacier Nationwide Park hikes. Keep in mind, you don’t have to complete any of those hikes as there’s all the time a possibility to show round.
Give your self sufficient time when mountaineering to make it again earlier than the solar goes down and don’t hike past your limits. Glacier Nationwide Park has hikes for everybody, so be good and hike inside your capabilities. Begin small and have enjoyable!
Do you know Glacier Nationwide Park in the US is related to Canada’s Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park? The two parks are often called the Worldwide Peace Park
This put up was initially written by Julie Mclain of Outdoorszer. It has been up to date by The Planet D Staff.
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