Positioned in Montana, Glacier Nationwide Park presents many nice climbing experiences. The park is filled 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 seek out one you’ll love. Listed below are my picks for the 16 finest Glacier Nationwide Park hikes. This put up was initially written by Julie from Outdoorzer who shared her shared her must-see trails while you go to Glacier Nationwide Park and The Planet D crew has added extra selection that will help you plan your journey.
Mountain climbing Glacier Nationwide Park
Earlier than you begin your hike, plan for a protected climbing expertise. Cease on the park’s guests middle to get all the knowledge you want, suggestions from the guides, and any particular warnings. Go to the Nationwide Park web site for closures and extra info.
When climbing Glacier Nationwide Park: Pay attention to bears and cougars (mountain lions) and use correct security precautions. Mountain climbing in teams or pairs lowers the chance, make noise, and don’t depart any meals out to draw animals.
Plus, don’t overlook to let somebody know the place you’re going. Make sure to have sufficient water, meals, and provides ought to something occur. We at all times carry a fundamental first support package when climbing. However most significantly, deliver a way of journey and have enjoyable while you strive one among 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 while you come out on the different facet of the tunnel, you are feeling such as you’ve walked into one other world.
When passing by way of this 240-foot tunnel, you hike by way of huge meadows full of wildlife in addition to a dense forest. Remember that this tunnel was constructed for horses in the course of the Nineteen Thirties and it’s full of varied slopes and edge ridges.
After you go Ptarmigan Falls, the path will get so much steeper, so be ready for some robust climbing throughout this part. It then continues for about 1.6 miles to Ptarmigan Lake, the place you’ll be able to loosen up and admire a number of the most stunning surroundings within the space. Be ready for a protracted day.
- Location: Ptarmigan Tunnel
- Complete Distance: 10.7 miles spherical journey
- Elevation Achieve: 2300 toes
2. Swiftcurrent Move
This can be a tough Glacier Nationwide Park hike however it’s price it for the nice surroundings. This hike passes by three lakes and a spectacular waterfall. All through your hike, it’s possible you’ll spy on a number of the rarest and most colourful birds all through the six lakes.
Additionally, you will see the beautiful Granite Park. In truth, throughout this hike, you will get a number of the most unbelievable photographs of the blue lake and the encircling mountains. In the event you like, cease at Fishercap Lake, the place you may see moose within the mornings or early within the night.
- Size:
- Location: Many Glacier
- Spherical Journey 14.2 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 2400 Toes
3. Iceberg Lake
This is without doubt one of the hottest climbing experiences in Montana’s Glacier Nationwide Park. It additionally provides you the alternative to see icebergs floating in an alpine lake. While you hike right here you go by way of many open areas alongside the way in which that provide you with excellent vistas of the peaceable mountains round you.
This hike takes about 4-hours to finish and begins on the identical path because the Ptarmigan path. It then veers off to the left on the junction. Pay attention to grizzly bears on this hike.
- Location: Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead
- Size:Spherical Journey: 9.7 miles
- Common Achieve: 1275 Toes
4. Cracker Lake
Cracker Lake is taken into account to be probably the most stunning lakes on the earth. The wonderful colour of the lake is a crystal clear aqua blue and makes all of the surroundings round you much more fantastic.
- Location: Trailhead begins at Many Glacier Lodge
- Size: Spherical Journey: 12.6 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 1400 Toes
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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. Have in mind although that because of the snow, this gained’t seemingly be satisfactory till late July and even August.
Right here you’ll be able to climb up the excessive hills, then drop again down, practically 3,000 toes. You additionally need to hike a really slim path so be ready. Count on a protracted and full day
- Location: North Shore Trailhead
- Size: Spherical Journey: 15.4 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 2500 toes
6. Grinnell Glacier Path
This hike takes you to probably the most iconic glaciers within the park. You go numerous lakes, wonderful meadows, and gorgeous cliffs alongside the way in which. 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’ll be able to see some wonderful vistas over Grinnell Falls, Angel Wing, and Grinnell Lake. The climbing path is properly maintained and it’s possible you’ll encounter wildlife sightings alongside the way in which. No pets allowed
- Location: Grinnell Glacier Trailhead
- Size: Out and Again: 7.6-miles
- Elevation Achieve: 1840 Toes
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 way of extra meadows to the Sunrift Gorge. Comply with the path by way of the timber 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 gorgeous surroundings throughout you earlier than you descend over 3,000 toes for the following 5.4 miles the place you’ll find yourself on the Sunrift Gorge.
- Size:
- Spherical Journey: 8.9 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 2090 Toes
8. Two Drugs Space
Positioned on the north a part of town of East Glacier, this unbelievable space presents extra jaw dropping surroundings and a few nice climbing. The paths are extra peaceable than those at the place to begin (positioned close to the Many Glacier lodge). It’s an excellent are to hike in Glacier Nationwide Park in case you are a newbie.
You may as well take a wood boat tour on this space and you could find some unbelievable 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 go by way of a big open meadow and open terrain with colourful wild flowers. If you want, you’ll be able to spend the night time tenting right here.
- Location: Two Drugs Entrance
- Two Drugs day hikes embrace, Appistoki Falls, Aster Falls, Aster Park Overlook
9. Dawson Move
Mountain climbing the 15-mile Dawson Move takes you as much as wonderful views of Oldman Lake. This path crosses the Dawson and Pitamakan passes taking you by way of peaceable scenes and waterfalls alongside the way in which. If you wish to shave a while off your hike you’ll be able to take the shuttle boat throughout Two Drugs Lake.
- Location: North Shore Trailhead
- Size: 6.5 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 2450 toes
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 numerous solar and wind as you stroll by way of alpine meadows. Relying on the season, you may even need to work throughout snowfields.
Hold an eye fixed out for marmots, and big-horn sheep. Mountain goats are frequent on this path and recognizing one makes it fairly the journey. Grizzly bears have been seen within the space as properly. On the overlook, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the close by mountains, lake, and wildflowers, nevertheless, it may be very busy on the overlook. A very breathtaking expertise that makes your Hidden Lake hike properly price it. In the event you can, carry bear spray and a climbing pole.
- Location: Logan Move Customer Heart
- Elevation acquire: 1325 toes (403 toes)
- 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 may be rewarded with probably the most breathtaking views. The terrain on this path is just not difficult making avalanche lake probably the most common hikes for all ages.
There are many timber alongside the path that hold it cool with some greater than 500 years outdated. You’ll go 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 diversified panorama of the avalanche creek and forest. Whereas the water on the lake is generally ice-cold and never ideally suited for swimming, you dip your toes in to loosen up and funky down.
- Location: Glacier Street north of Lake McDonald
- Elevation acquire: 757 toes
- Avalanche Lake Distance: 5.9 miles
12. Path of the Cedars
Path of the Cedars has no hills or steps to climb and is one among 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 timber. The paths are large and might accommodate many individuals without delay. Getting a parking spot will be difficult as this climbing path may be very common amongst guests.
- Location: Lake McDonald
- Elevation acquire: 60 toes
- Complete spherical journey miles: 1.0
13. Highline Path
Highline Path might be one of many spectacular hikes at Glacier Nationwide Park. Nevertheless, it’s not for the faint of coronary heart. In the event you’re scared o heights it’s possible you’ll wish to go 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, nevertheless, 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 may even spot some wild animals.
You don’t have to do your entire a technique journey, many individuals flip round midway at Haystack Butte or Granite Park Chalet.
- Location: Logan Move Customer Heart
- Elevation acquire: 1950 toes
- Complete One-Method Journey Miles: 11.8
14. Grinnell Glacier Overlook
In the event you’re searching for a problem, strive the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, which might be probably the most strenuous climbing trails at Glacier Nationwide Park. Beginning the hike on the Logan Move Customer Heart the place the Highline Path begins. Positioned southeast of the Granite Park Chalet it takes you to the Continental Divide.
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 numerous water and a pair of excellent climbing footwear 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 common with seasoned hikers and will be fairly busy, there are additionally components with slim edges and steep drop-offs that be fairly nerve-wracking. You may spot some mountain goats and even grizzly bears down within the alpine meadows within the Chalet space.
- Location: Highline Path
- Elevation acquire: 2830 toes
- Complete journey miles: 15.5
15. 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 below 2 hours. Excellent if you happen to’re searching for a peaceable meditative hike.
The terrain is generally flat and really clean making it common amongst chicken watchers and for horseback using. The hike begins with scenic views of waterfalls, creeks, and the forest. There’s numerous shade accessible which retains the path very cool. In the event you’re fortunate, you may spot a moose or deer on the path.
- Location: Lake McDonald
- Elevation acquire: 210 toes
- Complete out and again miles: 5.3 Miles
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 a fantastic route for the entire household to take pleasure in a pleasant and stress-free hike with stunning views throughout for photographs. Take a second to take pleasure in stunning views of the lake and the encircling mountain peaks. Carry with you bear spray as there’s numerous bear exercise within the space.
- Location: Many Glacier
- Elevation acquire: 25 toes
- Complete spherical journey miles: 2.7
Likes in Glacier Nationwide Park Map
Suggestions for Mountain climbing Glacier Nationwide Park
When climbing within the backcountry, it’s best to hike in teams. There’s numerous wildlife in Glacier Nationwide Park together with Grizzly bears. When climbing with a gaggle, make noise, hold speaking and let the wildlife know you might be there so that you simply don’t startle them.
Get a Steripen or LifeStraw to fill your water bottle with purified water. Be sure to have a bottle holder in your backpack and hold it full. I like to hold two bottles of water that I can refill through the use of my Steripen.
Pack layers. You may be going by way of elevation positive aspects and the climate can change from sizzling to chill, so put on light-weight breathable clothes that may be simply layered with a rain jacket and a mid-layer of merino wool.
Be certain your climbing boots are properly damaged in and use them earlier than you go climbing into Glacier Nationwide Park.
All the time let somebody know the place you’re going earlier than climbing and examine with the web site and ranger station to see what the circumstances are.
And there you’ve it, my favorite 16 Glacier Nationwide Park hikes. Bear in mind, you don’t have to complete any of those hikes as there’s at all times a possibility to show round.
Give your self sufficient time when climbing 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 USA is related to Canada’s Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park? The two parks are generally known as the Worldwide Peace Park, they’re a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, and a Biosphere Reserved rolled multi functional. It’s the one one among its form on the earth.
This put up was initially written by Julie Mclain of Outdoorszer. It has been up to date by The Planet D Crew.
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