Situated in Montana, Glacier Nationwide Park affords many nice climbing 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 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 whenever you go to Glacier Nationwide Park and The Planet D group has added extra selection that will help you plan your journey.
Mountaineering Glacier Nationwide Park
Earlier than you begin your hike, plan for a secure climbing 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 info.
Plus, don’t overlook to let somebody know the place you’re going. Remember to have sufficient water, meals, and provides ought to something occur. We all the time carry a fundamental first support package when climbing. However most significantly, deliver a way of journey and have enjoyable whenever you attempt one among these wonderful hikes.
1. Ptarmigan Tunnel
The Ptarmigan Tunnel is a full day Glacier Nationwide Park hike. That is an unimaginable path, as a result of whenever you come out on the different facet of the tunnel, you’re feeling such as you’ve walked into one other world.
When passing by this 240-foot tunnel, you hike by huge meadows crammed with wildlife in addition to a dense forest. Understand that this tunnel was constructed for horses throughout the Thirties and it’s full of varied slopes and edge ridges.
After you cross the 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 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 Go
It is a troublesome Glacier Nationwide Park hike nevertheless 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 among the rarest and vibrant birds all through the six lakes. Additionally, you will see the beautiful Granite Park. The truth is, throughout this hike, you will get among the most unimaginable photos of the blue lake and the encompassing mountains. For those who 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 Toes
Warning. When climbing Glacier Nationwide Park: Concentrate on bears and cougars (mountain lions) and use correct security precautions. Mountaineering in teams or pairs lowers danger, making noise and don’t go away any meals out to attraction animals.
3. Iceberg Lake
This is likely one of the hottest climbing experiences in Montana’s Glacier Nationwide Park. It additionally offers you the alternative to see icebergs floating in an alpine lake. Once you hike right here you cross by many open areas alongside the way in which that provide you with excellent vistas of the peaceable mountains round you.
- Size:
- Spherical Journey: 9.7 miles
- Common Acquire: 1275 Toes
4. Cracker Lake
Cracker Lake is taken into account to be one of the stunning lakes on the planet. The wonderful colour of the lake is a crystal clear aqua blue and makes all of the surroundings round you much more fantastic.
- Size:
- Spherical Journey: 12.6 miles
- Elevation Acquire: 1400 Toes
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5. Pitamakan Go 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 Go. Take into account although that because of the snow, this received’t probably 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 should hike a really slim 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 iconic glaciers of the park. You cross 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 harder 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 climbing path is nicely maintained and it’s possible you’ll encounter wildlife sightings alongside the way in which.
- Size:
- Spherical Journey: 7.6-miles
- Elevation Acquire: 1840 Toes
7. Siyeh Go
This path hike begins in a forest and takes you to numerous peaks. Hike the rocky slopes after which go down by extra meadows to the Sunrift Gorge. Observe the path by the timber for about 2.5 miles after which head as much as Preston Park.
Remember to take a little bit of time to admire the gorgeous 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 Toes
8. Two Medication Space
Situated on the north a part of the town of East Glacier, this unimaginable space affords 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 Glacier Nationwide Park hike if you’re a newbie.
You can even take a wood boat tour on this space and you will discover some implausible 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 evening tenting right here.
9. Dawson Go
Mountaineering the 15-mile Dawson Go 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 way in which. If you wish to shave a while off your hike you may take the shuttle boat throughout Two Medication 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, count on a lot of solar and wind as you stroll by alpine meadows. Relying on the season, you would possibly even should work throughout snowfields.
Preserve 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 nicely. 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 difficult hike nicely price it. For those who can, carry bear spray and a climbing pole.
- Location: Logan Go 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 breathtaking views. The terrain on this path shouldn’t be difficult making avalanche lake one of the widespread hikes for all ages.
There are many timber alongside the path that hold 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 assorted panorama of the avalanche creek and forest. Whereas the water on the lake is usually ice-cold and never ultimate 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 Path might be one of many spectacular hikes at Glacier Nationwide Park. Nevertheless, it isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. For those who’re scared o heights it’s possible you’ll need 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, 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 would possibly even spot some wild animals.
You don’t must do your entire a method journey, many individuals flip round midway at Haystack Butte or Granite Park Chalet.
- Location: Logan Go
- Elevation acquire: 1950 ft
- Complete One-Manner Journey Miles: 11.8
13. Grinnell glacier overlook
For those who’re in search of a problem, attempt the Grinnell glacier overlook, which might be one of the strenuous climbing trails at glacier nationwide park. Beginning the hike on the Logan Go customer middle is much less strenuous for most individuals. This path is a detour off of the Highline Path. Situated 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 a must have on this stretch. Deliver a lot of water and a pair of fine climbing sneakers because the path can take some time- about 7 hours or extra relying in your velocity. A trekking pole will make your hike simpler.
The path is widespread 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 would possibly spot some mountain goats and even grizzly bears down within the alpine meadows within the Chalet space.
- Location: Spur off the Highline Path
- Elevation acquire: 2830 ft
- Complete spherical journey miles: 11.3
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 underneath 2 hours. Good if you happen to’re in search of a peaceable meditative hike.
The terrain is usually flat and really easy making it widespread amongst fowl watchers and for horseback using. The hike begins with scenic views of waterfalls, creeks, and the forest. There may be a lot of shade accessible which retains the path very cool. For those who’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 Miles
15. 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 big cedar, black cottonwood, hemlock, and yew timber. The paths are broad and may accommodate many individuals without delay. Getting a parking spot will be difficult as this climbing path could be very widespread 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 important route for the entire household to get pleasure from a pleasant and stress-free hike with stunning views throughout for images. Take a second to get pleasure from stunning views of the lake and the encompassing mountain peaks. Carry with you bear spray as there may be numerous bear exercise within the space.
- Location: Many Glacier
- Elevation acquire: 2400 ft
- Complete spherical journey miles: 2.7
And there you will have it, my favorite 9 Glacier Nationwide Park hikes. Keep in mind, you don’t have to complete any of those hikes as there may be all the time 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 sensible 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 referred to as 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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