Also, majority of hikes are not accessible outside of this time frame due to snowfall. The hike to Hidden Lake is one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park and is a must-do for anyone visiting. Glacier Park Multi-Day Hikes We've hiked every trail in Glacier National Park, most of them more than once, and many of them dozens of times. Along the way, keep a lookout for mountain goats. Difficulty. Take on the trails leading to the remote corners of the park and towering peaks above. Highline Trail. Also, whether youre doing a long or short hike, its best to have bear spray with you. Avalanche Lake Maximum group size: 13. also remember that GTTSR may not be open if you go in June, even later in the month. Lets dive right in to my Top 3 Short Hikes in Glacier National Park! Why you should go: Leave straight from your hotel on a flat trail that hugs the shoreline of three St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail. I am currently traveling alone, and would like to do some hiking. This trek rises almost 5,000 feet (1524 m) in elevation, making it one of the more difficult day hikes in Glacier National Park. Short & Easy Hikes in Glacier Park: Our Ten Favorite Weve hiked every trail in Glacier National Park, and we feel that Glacier Park provides some of the best day hikes and overnight backpacking adventures in the world. The Highline is really a one-way trip and includes a car shuttle at the end. All mileages listed are ONE-WAY. Nearest major airport to Glacier National Park: The closest major airport to Glacier National Park is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA / KGPI). This airport is in Kalispell, Montana and is 49 miles from the center of Glacier National Park. If you're looking for domestic flights to FCA, check the airlines that fly to FCA. Guys, shes turquoise and beautiful and everything youd expect out of a park like Glacier! That said, if you're looking for a short hike that offers magnificent views, and is easy enough to be completed by almost any visitor, one rises to the top of my list. 1. This hike is done point-to-point, from Logan Pass to the Loop. Best Time of Year to Hike in Glacier National Park Because of its northern location, visiting Glacier National Park in the summer is critical if you have plans to hike Glacier National Park. While I wasnt thrilled when my parents made me put down my book to go hiking, that has changed when I got older and I have a new appreciation for many of the best things to do in Glacier National Park. Running Eagle Falls Trail Grinnell Lake. This 2.3-mile hike leads from a parking lot by the entrance to Many Glacier. Distance roundtrip: 4.5 miles. This circuit hike is 3 miles long, starting from a parking lot on the Lassen Volcanic Highway. What are the best short hikes in Glacier National Park? After receiving questions about the best way to experience Glacier National Park, Bramante published a driving guide for the Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2013. The views at the top are some of the best Ive ever seen with mountain peaks filling the skyline as Glacier National Park offers a cornucopia of hikes, from casual strolls to serious expeditions, so choosing the best of any category of trails in this park is admittedly both a challengeand just a bit subjective. Glacier National Park hikes range from short boardwalk strolls to intensely difficult climbs but they all feature incredible nature. 8.1 mi (13 km) Elevation gain: 200 ft (61 m) Trailhead: 1913 Ranger Station parking area. This short, easy hike was quick, pretty, and a perfect way to ease into the park. One of the most commonly suggested hikes in this area is to see Grinnell Glacier. Best Easy and Short Hikes in Glacier National Park St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls. With over 700 miles of trails, 25 active glaciers, and hundreds of species of animals, the Rocky Mountains are sure to have you in awe. You can hike around the Lake McDonald area during the Winter This hike takes you to one of the most iconic glaciers of the park. You pass various lakes, amazing meadows and stunning cliffs along the way. (The closest actual town is Babb on Highway 89). Before your visit, check out our post on everything you need to know about Glacier National Park. Read More. Check out the sunrise and sunset times so you can be there during the magic hour while avoiding the crowds in Glacier National Park. I always tell folks if they want to get within short walking distance to glaciers, you should go to Banff area. Avalanche Lake is the perfect first day hike! Elevation gain: 1,750 ft (533 m) Trailhead: Piegan Pass Trailhead. These are the best places for budget-friendly hiking trails in Glacier National Park: Grinnell Glacier; Iceberg Lake Trail; Highline Trail; Swiftcurrent Falls; Avalanche Lake; See more budget-friendly hiking trails in Glacier National Park on Tripadvisor Virginia Falls trail. For day hiking options, please consider: Glacier national park, often referred to as the 'Crown of the Continent', offers bountiful viewsmountains carved by glaciers, scores of waterfalls, and lakes of all sizes.To help you kickoff, here are some of the best short hikes in Glacier national park. The first 11 miles are paved, but Distance: 10.7 miles. The Many Glacier Valley in Glacier National Park is a true hiking paradise. Day Hikes. Are there easy hikes in Glacier National Park? Cracker Lake 6.4 mi (10.3 km) Elevation gain: 1,400 ft (427 m) Trailhead: South end of Many Glacier Hotel parking lot. Sure, a longer trip will let you see, do, and hike a lot more but lets be real, we dont all have unlimited vacation time, and a short getaway to Glacier National Park is one of the best ways to spend your weekend! Lake McDonald Lodge. Distance: 10.7 miles. Your Perfect Glacier National Park Itinerary Dawson-Pitamakam Loop. With 1,349km of terrain waiting to be explored and easy access from the Trans-Canada Highway, Glacier National Park is well-positioned to serve as the destination for your next hiking adventure. Literally on the way to Virginia Falls is Saint Mary Falls. This hike is an absolute must-do and is the best trail in West Glacier National Park! The Many Glacier area is the most popular section of the park. By opting to hike on this trail, you will get a glimpse of a gorgeous alpine lake. Trailhead: The Avalanche Lake hike starts on the Trail of the Cedars, from the trailhead of the same name, on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Looking for the best short, easy hikes in Glacier National Park? Iceberg Lake is one of the most popular Glacier National Park hikes, and its easy to understand why! Photo: Brendan Lynch. By opting to hike on this trail, you will get a glimpse of a gorgeous alpine lake. Many Glacier. These Glacier National Park hikes will take your breath away in the best way possible. Question for the author / audience. Because of the weather in northern Montana, theres a short window of time thats the absolute best time to go if you want to see most of the park. 9. The hike to Grinnell Glacier is one of Glacier National Parks most beautiful hikes. Hike To Hidden Lake Overlook: Hidden Lake Trail is one of the most popular trails in Glacier National Park and for good reason, too! Grinnell Glacier (7.6-11.3 miles roundtrip) Highline Trail (7.2-11.4 miles roundtrip) Scenic Point (7.8 miles roundtrip) Glacier National Park Hikes for the Average Hiker. Comprised of 1,583 square miles or 1,013,120 acres, Glacier National Park in Montana boasts over 700 miles of hiking trails! On this hike, we spotted moose, mountain goats, and bear. Photo: Noah Couser. The park does not disappoint with views, and offers hiking trails of all levels. At the top of many bucket lists is one park in particular: Glacier. Siyeh Pass. While some of the park can be seen on scenic drives, like Going-to-the-Sun Road, the best way to see Glacier National Park is on a hike! My friend, Tom had asked me if I wanted to go backpacking with him and his son, Charlie. From there, its a short hour-long hike to the fall. Apikuni Falls. 10 Best Day Hikes in Yosemite National Park 1. Half Dome 2. Vernal & Nevada Falls Loop 3. Upper Yosemite Falls Trail 4. Sentinel Dome 5. Clouds Rest 6. Four Mile Trail 7. Lower Yosemite Falls Loop 8. Taft Point 9. Cathedral Lakes 10. Mirror Lake Loop Distance: 0.6 miles Elevation Gain: 26 feet Difficulty: Easy Located right outside of East Glacier Park Village, this little hike to Running Eagle Falls serves as a great reason to stretch your legs after a long car ride into the park. Sapphire & Elm Travel co-owner, Stephanie went to Glacier National Park in June, 2016. One of the best must-see things to do in Glacier National Park is the hike to Hidden Lake. A Few Tips for Glacier National Park Before You Go; Best Glacier National Park Hikes for a Challenge. This post highlights the best hikes in Glacier National Park, plus the best time to visit, how to get around the park, and what to pack. You'll also find some great local park options, like Herron Park or Pig Farm Trail System. 3. Probably more so than any region in Montanas Glacier National Park, Logan Pass provides access to a wide range of day hikes, ranging from short and mild, to long and strenuous; from dirt trails along lake shores, to rock scrambling in an attempt summit Continental Divide mountains. Out of all of the strenuous hikes found in Glacier National Park, Apikuni Falls trail is one of the few that is easy for all kinds of travelers. entrance! The park has hundreds of miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. So here is a list of bonus hikes in Glacier National Park that you should take a look at as well. Many Glacier. The trailhead is conveniently located steps away from the Logan Pass Visitors Center and this short trail really does pack a big reward. Trail of the Cedars (1 mile loop on a boardwalk or paved path) Trail of the Cedars. [b] 8.4 mi (13.5 km) Elevation gain: 2,650 ft (805 m) Trailhead: South end of Many Glacier Hotel parking lot. They are also the easiest and include two of the accessible hikes in the park. Iceberg Lake is one of the most popular Glacier National Park hikes, and its easy to understand why! In my opinion, this is the best place to stay in Glacier National Park. Whatever kind of hike you need, Glacier National Park never disappoints. This National Park experiences extremely high visitor usage during the non-winter months and is actually the tenth most visited National Park in the country. This journey begins on Highline Trail, which could be a contender for the park's greatest views on its Swiftcurrent Pass. 3. No matter your skill level, you will be able to find the perfect hike for you in Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park is home to many species of animals, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, glacial blue creeks, and scenic roads that wrap around the mountainsides for some of the best views in the country. Elevation Gain: 540 ft. & 1325 ft. Hidden Lake is one of the most iconic images of Glacier National Park and because of this, its also one of the most popular trails. The best lodging in Glacier National Park is the lodges themselves, which offer historic decorations and easy access to all the main sights in the park. Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana and spills into Canada, creating the worlds first international Peace Park. The best hiking trails in Glacier National Park are categorized by section for ease. 11. 9. Hike to Swiftcurrent Lookout. Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center. Since his experience with Glacier National Park, Bramante has helped visitors navigate other national parks. In this ultimate Glacier National Park hiking guide, we tell you all our favorite hikes in each region of Glacier National Park, plus give you Glacier National Park itinerary suggestions and super helpful info on how to get around, using the shuttle, best time to hike Thie hike follows a creek through a dense forest with little change in elevation. The North Fork is a 40-mile drive from the west entrance to the park. 13 Best Hikes in Glacier National Park - The National Glacier National Park Hikes. No matter what type of trail you are looking for, and no matter what level of difficulty, Glacier Park has the perfect trail(s) for you. Fishercap Lake trail. Hidden Lake Overlook Glacier National Park. This past summer we had the opportunity to spend two whole weeks exploring in and around Glacier National Park located in Montana. One of the best views of the park, IMO. Visit us at EnjoyYourParks.com. Mary / Rising Sun Area. We designed the perfect 2-day Glacier National Park itinerary for folks with limited time to explore the park. Looking for an amazing adventure? The best hikes in Glacier National Park: Highline Trail trail. Red Eagle Lake. Sperry Glacier Trail (16.4 miles/26.3 km) Mountain goats abound along Sperry Glacier Trail, the most challenging hike in the Lake McDonald region of the park. Apikuni Falls. Apgar Lookout. My favorite hike was taking this trail to Swiftcurrent Pass. The offer was made in 2017, but I had to decline. Day hikes, family hikes, short hikes, easy hikes, waterfall hikes and their overall best hikes! Swiftcurrent is Glacier National Parks version of a town. Nicknamed the Crown of the Continent, its a place unlike any other. Check out my other page on for the best hikes of Glacier National Park! Grinnell Glacier Trail Difficulty 10.0mi 2,051ft 5-6h Grinnell Glacier is a spectacular hike in Glacier National 02. Trail of the Cedars/Avalanche Lake. Apikuni Falls 1 mi (1.6 km) Elevation gain: 700 ft (213 m) Trailhead: Apikuni parking area, 1.1 miles east of Many Glacier Hotel. Best Time: July; This hike presents a bit of a changeup from the majority of the hikes in glacier park, which feature higher elevations, and sweeping views of the parks mountainous terrain. In 2014, he published his Day Hikes of Glacier National Park Guide. 12 Best Hikes in Banff National Park theplanetd.com With close to 1000 miles of well-maintained trails, turquoise waters, alpine meadows, and lush forests, Banff National Park is one of the most Glacier National Park hard (71) Length: 18.8 mi Est. Out of all of the strenuous hikes found in Glacier National Park, Apikuni Falls trail is one of the few that is easy for all kinds of travelers. Best Hikes Glacier National Park: Easy to Moderate. Highline Trail to the Loop (Logan Pass) The Highline Trail follows the Continental Divide and is thought to be one of the greatest hikes in the US. But first, I want to address the best time to go to Glacier National Park. Starting at Logan Pass, you will walk a combination of boardwalk and gravel trails to get to the overlook of Hidden Lake. Best time to visit Glacier National Park Gorgeous teal water at Saint Mary Falls. Plus, bear and moose are frequently spotted along Iceberg Lake trail. Here are 6 Ways to Play in the Park Without One. Best Easy day hikes Hidden Lake Overlook and Lake. One of the best and easiest waterfall hikes in Glacier National Park is to Saint Mary Falls. The Highline Trail is among the most popular trails in Glacier National Park, and thats saying something, considering there are more than 730 miles of trails in Glacier. We say that because its incredibly convenient to access, and we believe it has the best reward for such a short trail! The Best Short Hikes in Glacier National Park The Many Glacier Area. Parking is easiest in the Lake McDonald Lodge area, taking the shuttle to Avalanche, or there is some parking available at the trailhead. If you like waterfalls, this is definitely one of the best short, easy hikes in Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park is an incredibly scenic national park in Montana, just south of the US-Canada border. [] Carl. Elevation Gain: 540 ft. & 1325 ft. Hidden Lake is one of the most iconic images of Glacier National Park and because of this, its also one of the most popular trails. National Parks are the go-to summer vacation destination for 2021. 2. There is no shortage of spectacular lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and viewpoints within the boundaries of the park. Gearing up for a challenge? Whether you are hiking with kids in Glacier National Park or you just want to experience some beautiful nature without working too hard, there are definitely options. The access point of the Avalanche Lake Trail is about halfway pass the trailhead of Trail of the Cedars. Here are our 10 favorites, with pro tips, on both sides of the park. You can see Jackson Glacier and Blackfoot Glacier from GTTSR but they are 8-10 km away. A lot of the Many Glacier area trails have over 1000 ft elevation gain. One of the best hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Kings Creek Falls is a beautiful 30-foot waterfall in a spectacular canyon. If you enter the park through the west entrance, the first of the 3 hikes youll come to is Avalanche Lake, (see below photo). Enjoy Hikes Outside of Glacier National Park. Its a place thats truly indescribable. 15 BEST HIKES IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK HIKES IN LAKE MCDONALD AREA. Saint Mary Lake at Glacier National Park, hiking the Baring Falls trail. Glacier National Park, often referred to as the Crown of the Continent because of its location and towering Rocky Mountain peaks, offers hikers more than 740 miles of maintained trails. I am planning an impromptu trip to Glacier for the end of this month (May 2019) and will be there from the 28th 31st. The 10 Best Hikes in Montana's Glacier National Park: The Greatest Hikes on Earth Series by Team At 10Adventures and Richard Campbell Grinnell Glacier trail. Glacier National Park offers a cornucopia of hikes, from casual strolls to serious expeditions, so choosing the best of any category of trails in this park is admittedly both a challengeand just a bit subjective. Along the way, youll pass by cedar groves and waterfalls. This 2.3-mile hike leads from a parking lot by the entrance to Many Glacier. Avalanche Lake is about 4 miles RT and has around 400 ft. elevation change, so this is one of the easier trails in the park. Climb Mount Gould . All mileages listed are ONE-WAY. Youll leave from a trailhead on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and follow the trail down a widely burned forest area. If you're looking for the best trails in Glacier National Park, we've got you covered. This winding stretch of road showcases all the best views in Glacier National Park. From challenging mountain hikes to easy strolls in downtown parks, there is a hike for any ability. Hiking in Glacier National Park. Day Hikes. The Highline Trail is one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park. 2. Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center. Day hikes, family hikes, short hikes, easy hikes, waterfall hikes and their overall best hikes! Logan Pass Hiking. Apikuni Falls 1 mi (1.6 km) Elevation gain: 700 ft (213 m) Trailhead: Apikuni parking area, 1.1 miles east of Many Glacier Hotel. Top 10 hikes in Glacier National Park 1. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is the months of July and August. With over 700 miles of trails, one could really spend a whole summer here without running out of new routes to try. Easy lakeshore trails, hikes to wildlife-rich meadows and epic treks across alpine passes, these are the best hikes in Glacier National Park. This is one of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park. 288 Lake McDonald Lodge Loop, West Glacier, MT +1 (855) 733-4522. Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint [a] 5.3 mi (8.5 km) Distance: 2.8 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 1 to 2 hours. Even if you are only planning on an hour or two of hiking, make sure to bring your water bottle with you! Whether you are looking for a short hike or extended backpacking trip, Glacier National Park will have you covered. Fairly flat trails in that area include Grinnell Lake, and Swiftcurrent trail until it starts up toward the pass. A short hike on a level trail, the east side of the glacier is a popular hangout spot for moose. hikes in Glacier National Park, BC. If you only have one day I highly suggest looking into the Many Glacier valley. After receiving questions about the best way to experience Glacier National Park, Bramante published a driving guide for the Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2013. A Glacier classic, the Highline Trail contours across the face of the famous Garden Wall to Granite 2. We know theres been a lot of feelings around the newly implemented ticketed entry system for Glacier National Park. 10.2mi 2,215ft 4-6h. 6 Epic Hikes in Glacier National Park The Garden Wall. Grinnell Glacier is a great hike. For almost 12 miles, this trail takes hikers high above Going-to-the-Sun Road, with stunning views of the park and a chance to see glaciers, wildflowers, and wildlife. There are at least 35 named glaciers in the park, and Grinnell is one of the most accessible. The Iceberg Lake Trail is a popular hike in Glacier National Park due to the incredibly scenic lake youll see at the end of the trail. Elevation Gain: 2,300ft. Why you should go: Hunt for a couple of lovely waterfalls set amid a rich landscape McDonald Creek. Elevation Gain: 2,300ft. Take a gander at several of the remaining alpine glaciers in Glacier National Park on the well-trammeled trail to the Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint, reachable by a 5.6-mile one-way hike from the trailhead along Many Glacier Roador via a 3.6-mile trek if you take the concession boat across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine (for a fee). Because the Park has a short hiking season and is a very popular destination, we will not find solitude on the trails or the river - we will, however, find fun, challenge, laughter and beauty during our week in Glacier National Park. Best Glacier National Park Hike #2: Iceberg Lake. The Flathead Valley is a mecca for hiking trails. The only accessible area by vehicle in Glacier during the winter would be from the West Entrance up to Lake McDonald. Below is a list of every multi-day hike available in Glacier National Park, including our five favorites. Best Easy day hikes Hidden Lake Overlook and Lake. Trail of the Cedars. Stunning Glacier National Park Hikes 8 Trails You Cant Miss. 1. Read on for a hidden gem, family friendly activities and the best hike of them all. So it is doable. Trailhead Travelers Recommended Hikes in Glacier National Park 1. Location: West Glacier, MT Distance + elevation gain: 6.5 miles, 3800 Trailhead: 48.491304, -113.862539 Ousel Peak is an amazing mountain hike right next to the Glacier N.P. He had just come back from the remote Glacier National Park located in the west corner of Montana, and he wished to return in 2018 for a backpacking adventure. This lengthy hike can be squeezed into a one-day itinerary if youre fit and up for it. There are many hikes in Glacier Park, but this is a list of what I would call moderate hikes. Hidden Lake trail. This Glacier National Park trail is located on the Going on The Sun Road about 10.6 Avalanche Lake Trail. The hike is handicap accessible, making it a great hike If you have limited time, we recommend exploring some of the following short hikes (all under 1 mile in length): Trail of the Cedars, Sun Point Nature Trail/Baring Falls and Running Eagle Falls Trail. An amazing family friendly stroll in Glacier brings you to Avalanche Lake. The best hiking trails in Glacier National Park are categorized by section for ease. Siyeh Pass Loop is located on the east side of Glacier National Park and is. The Avalanche Lake trail starts with the Trail of the Cedars which is a 1 mile boardwalk and paved trail. Here is list of the best child friendly hikes in glacier national park. There are 16 hard trails in West Glacier ranging from 6.6 to 42 miles and from 3,205 to 8,431 feet above sea level. The first part of the hike is on a boardwalk above wildflower-filled meadows on either side. Situated on the United States-Canada border, Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta is the Canadian counterpart to the American Glacier National Park. Near Lake McDonald on the west side of the park, the 2.3-mile trail leading to Avalanche Lake is one of the best short hikes in Glacier National Park.Beginning from a busy parking area, the hike to Avalanche Lake immediately runs parallel to Avalanche Creek with great views of the icy, blue water carving its way through a canyon. Stunning scenery and several Two Medicine Lake area. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail Difficulty 2.6mi 541ft 1-2h We can hardly think of another short hike in the world that 03. That said, if you're looking for a short hike that offers magnificent views, and is easy enough to be completed by almost any visitor, one rises to the top of my list. 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. From there, its a short hour-long hike to the fall. 01. Check out some of our favorite trails and start mapping out your trip now! Best for: Families with little kids, beginner hikers, a picnic on the lake, or a night hike. Best Glacier National Park Hike #2: Iceberg Lake. With plenty of viewpoints, short hikes, and spots to set up a picnic, there are hundreds of reasons to hop in the car and see the beauty of the park firsthand. 6 Best Family-Friendly Hikes in Glacier National Park. Glacier is absolutely breathtaking and you could easily spend days hiking and exploring. 10 h 5 m The Mileage: 2.7 miles (overlook only) & 5.4 miles (overlook and lake). Hiking Glacier National Park with Toddlers. 1. Some of their best hikes include the Swiftcurrent Pass, Grinnell Glacier and Cracker Lake. *Related: Glacier National Park: 6 things to do and see. Make sure you get out and visit this park soon; its glaciers are slowly disappearing. Edited: 8 years ago. More than 2 million visitors flock to this trekkers paradise each year during its short summer season. Theres no wonder why its on so many travelers bucket-lists! Grinnell Glacier is one of the most iconic glaciers in Glacier National Park. Cracker Lake 6.4 mi (10.3 km) Elevation gain: 1,400 ft (427 m) Trailhead: South end of Many Glacier Hotel parking lot. Glacier National Park has more than 200 waterfalls scattered throughout the park. So, with only a limited amount of vacation time, which falls should you visit on a day hike? Below are my top waterfall hikes that will hopefully lend some guidance. The first half of the hike is easier than the second half. Now, lets talk about how to get there 5. It isnt an easy hike since you climb the first half of the hike, but it has a well defined trail and stairs at some points. The total Since his experience with Glacier National Park, Bramante has helped visitors navigate other national parks. Its time to grab a snack and take the kids to see a waterfall! The North Fork of Glacier National Park is a hidden gem with great hiking, spectacular views, plenty of wildlife, and a quirky store called Polebridge Mercantile. May 13, 2019 | Reply. Trail of the Cedars Why you should go: A unique waterfall and great picnic area thats a short walk from the road. We have rounded up our list of the best hikes in Glacier National Park This hike has it allstunning alpine scenery, waterfalls, emerald green lakes, wildflowers, the chance to see wildlife, and of course, a glacier. Growing up right by Glacier National Park meant that I was exposed to a lot of nature. It covers the gamut. 2. The park does not disappoint with views, and offers hiking trails of all levels.