10 Best Hikes in Glacier National Park 2024
Having lived and worked in this remarkable wilderness, I’ve curated a list of the 10 best hikes in Glacier National Park 2023 to share with you so you can spend less time planning your trip and more time hitting the trails!
Glacier National Park otherwise referred to as the Crown of the Continent, is a hikers and backpackers paradise. Nestled in Northern Montana, on the Canadian Border, this outdoor wonderland promises an unparalleled wilderness experience. Prepare to be captivated by its rugged beauty, where grizzly bears roam freely and the glacier carved mountains tower high. With a trail network spanning over 700 miles, the possibilities for exploration are boundless. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a nature enthusiast looking for a leisurely stroll, Glacier National Park offers a diverse range of trails that suit all abilities. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable trip, in the most spectacular part of the United States. Lace up your boots and let’s explore the trails that await you in Glacier National Park.
1. Trail of the Cedars
Distance: 0.9 miles (roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 49 ft
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Best Hike for: Old Growth Forest
This easy trail found near the Avalanche Lake trailhead, is nothing short of spectacular. Walk through the largest old growth cedar forest you’ll ever see and follow along a boardwalk as you can’t help but stare up at these ancient giants. This trail is great for everybody and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
2. Avalanche Lake Trail
Distance: 5.9 miles (roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 757 ft
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Best Hike for: Families
Avalanche Lake Trail in Glacier, offers an unforgettable hiking experience that ticks all the boxes. The trail begins at the Avalanche Campground, along the Going to the Sun Road. Spanning less than six miles roundtrip, this trail leads you through breathtaking old growth forests, across a deep blue gorge, and finally to the serene Avalanche Lake, nestled below towering mountains. Which makes this hike easily rank amongst the 10 best day hikes in Glacier National Park.
The stillness of the lake reflects the rugged mountains around it. With this trail’s manageable distance and remarkable scenery, Avalanche Lake trail is an absolute must for hikers seeking an immersive experience in Glacier National Park.
3. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
Distance: 2.7 miles (roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 552 ft
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Best Hike for: Sunset
This easy and short trail begins at the Logan Pass Visitor Center, conveniently located along the Going to the Sun Road. Begin your journey on a boardwalk that meanders through a sweeping meadow and as the boardwalk concludes, you’ll transition to a dirt trail that guides you to the breathtaking overlook. The panoramic vistas from this vantage point are nothing short of stunning, making it an ideal spot to watch the sunset.
4. Swiftcurrent Nature Trail to Red Rock Falls
Distance: 4 miles approx. (roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 242 ft
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Best Hike for: Wildlife
The Swiftcurrent Nature Trail truly lives up to its name. When hiking this trail, I spotted three moose and a bear rummaging around in a meadow, which is why this trail ranks as the best day hike in Glacier National Park for wildlife.
This trail starts near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn at the Swiftcurrent Pass trailhead. This four mile round trip trail, leads hikers to the picturesque Red Rock Falls. The trail meanders through dense forests, revealing glimpses of stunning mountains along the way. Once you reach the falls, you’ll be rewarded with the sight and sound of cascading water surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
When you get to Red Rock Falls, you can choose to continue on the trail to observe wildlife and get closer to Swiftcurrent Pass. Just make sure you turn back with enough time to reach the trailhead.
5. Grinnell Lake Trail
Distance: 6.8 miles (roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 60 ft
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Best Hike for: Families
The hike to Grinnell Lake starts at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead, which is located in the Many Glacier area of the park. If you’d like to shorten your hike to 0.9 miles round trip, you can purchase boat tickets across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine.
For those seeking an alternative to the Grinnell Glacier hike, this trail offers equally stunning views with less elevation gain. You’ll pass by Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine before beginning your ascent to the lake. Throughout the hike you can expect stunning views of glacier-carved mountains, cascading waterfalls, and the turquoise water of Grinnell Lake. Make sure to keep an eye out for bears, as this part of the park is known for sightings.
6. Preston Park
Distance: 7.1 miles(roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 1,415 ft
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Best Hike for: Wildflowers
Begin this hike at Siyeh Bend along the Going to the Sun Road. You’ll start along the beautifully blue Siyeh Creek and then the trail will take you into a beautiful, cool spruce forest. You’ll pass meadows with beargrass and wildflowers but only if you go in the summer months. The trail will then lead you into the stunning Preston Park, a glacially-carved valley known for its beautiful array of flora. You can choose to continue on past Preston Park, and climb Siyeh Pass. The higher you hike, the better the views get. In the summer months, this trail ranks as one of the best day hikes in Glacier National Park for wildflowers!
7. Highline Trail via Logan Pass
Distance: 11.6 miles (roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Elevation Loss: 3,000 feet
Route Type: Point to Point
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Hike for: Sweeping Views
This popular day hike provides panoramic views of Glacier National Park’s rugged peaks and deep valleys carved by ancient glaciers. Begin this hike at the Logan Pass Visitor Center on the Going to the Sun Road and end at Logan Loop. You can take the park’s free shuttle service during the summer months so you don’t have to worry about parking. Just make sure to check the park’s shuttles hours of operation before you embark.
The highline trail, beginning at Logan Pass, is a mostly downhill hike. This nearly 12 mile narrow trail is exposed, creating open, sweeping views. Marvel at the stunning scenery of the Garden Wall and the sheer drop-offs along the trail. You’ll hike past the historic Granite Park Chalet where you can soak up the views while you take a much needed break. This trail easily ranks in the category for best moderate day hike in Glacier National Park.
8. Cracker Lake
Distance: 12.8 miles (roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 1,712 ft
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Hard
Best Hike for: Glacial-fed Lake
The hike to Cracker Lake starts at the Many Glacier Hotel parking lot. It’s advisable to arrive on the earlier side, as parking can be limited. The first few miles of this trail are shared with horses. While this isn’t ideal, once you make it past this section the hike is very enjoyable.
As you ascend, you’ll hike through lush forests and open meadows, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as bears, moose, and mountain goats. The trail culminates at the glacial-fed Cracker Lake, where the vibrant turquoise waters contrast with the towering Mount Siyeh. You can choose to end your hike at the foot of the Lake or continue onto the head of the lake where you’ll have access to the water and receive a closer look at Siyeh Glacier. There’s no other lake in Glacier National Park that is as uniquely blue as Cracker Lake, making this the best day hike to a glacial-fed lake.
9. Grinnell Glacier
Distance: 10.6 miles (roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 2,047 ft
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Hard
Best Hike for: viewing a Glacier
Prepare for an extraordinary journey along one of Glacier National Park’s most spectacular trails, renowned for the giant glacier that awaits you at the trail’s end. If you’re wanting to get up close and personal with a glacier, this trail is one of the best day hikes in Glacier National park for viewing a glacier.
The trail commences at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead in Many Glacier, leading you past Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine, before embarking on an exposed ascent towards Grinnell Glacier. For a shorter route, consider purchasing tickets to ride the boat across the two lakes, Swiftcurrent and Josephine.
As you traverse this trail, be prepared to encounter a diverse array of wildlife including brown bears and grizzly bears. As you ascend the trail, a bird’s-eye view of the glacier fed Grinnell Lake will unfold before your eyes. Upon reaching Grinnell Glacier, you’ll find ample space for lunch where you’ll be surrounded by icebergs, breathtaking vistas, and the presence of a glacier.
10. Pitamakan-Dawson Loop
Distance: 18.8 miles (roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 3,779 ft
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Very Hard
Best Hike for: Scenery and a Loop Trail
Start this long, very challenging day hike from the North Shore Trailhead in Two Medicine and begin your hike on Pitamakan pass. You can shorten this trail by taking the boat across Two Medicine Lake, just make sure to purchase your tickets prior to beginning your hike. Hike this trail counter clockwise for the most enjoyment. Hiking the trail counter clockwise makes it so the boat ride will be on the tail end of your hike.
This is one of the few, true loop trails in Glacier National Park where you’ll start the hike the same place that it ends. This trail will take you over two mountain passes, including the Pitamakan Pass and Dawson Pass. Along the way, you’ll encounter crystal clear lakes, dense wooded forests, and exposed alpine terrain. Enjoy the sweeping views from the top of the mountain passes and watch out for bighorn sheep that frequent the alpine areas. Take a break at Oldman or No Name Lake while keeping an eye out for the moose that often frequent those areas.
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