The Top 10 Hikes in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a hiker's paradise. With over 700 miles of trails, the park offers an array of hiking experiences, from leisurely strolls through lush meadows to challenging ascents up rugged peaks. Here are ten of the best hiking trails in Glacier National Park, each offering its unique blend of breathtaking scenery and memorable adventures.

Tip: A free shuttle is available along Going-to-the-Sun Road on a first-come, first-served basis from July 1st through Labor Day. This is a great way to hop on and hop off without having to worry about finding parking. To see a list of shuttle stops, and for more details about the shuttle service, click here.

Learn more about Visiting Glacier National Park. Check out this post.

Trail of the Cedars

Distance: 1.0 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trailhead: Going-to-the-Sun Road, near Avalanche Creek

The Trail of the Cedars is an easy, wheelchair-accessible loop trail that offers a serene journey through a lush, old-growth forest. This short trail is perfect for families and those looking for a leisurely stroll amidst nature's grandeur. The trail features a boardwalk section that winds through towering western red cedars and hemlocks, some of which are over 500 years old. The highlight of the Trail of the Cedars is the picturesque Avalanche Gorge, where Avalanche Creek cascades through a narrow, rocky canyon. This tranquil trail provides an immersive experience in the beauty of Glacier National Park's temperate rainforest.

Avalanche Lake Trail

Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 730 feet
Trailhead: Trail of the Cedars

Perfect for families and novice hikers, the Avalanche Lake Trail offers a serene yet captivating hiking experience. Starting from the Trail of the Cedars mentioned above, this hike meanders through old-growth forest and along Avalanche Creek. The trail's gentle incline makes it accessible to hikers of all ages and abilities. After a pleasant walk, you'll arrive at Avalanche Lake, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a picturesque and peaceful setting for a picnic or a rest.

Hidden Lake Overlook Trail

Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: 460 feet
Trailhead: Logan Pass

For a shorter yet equally rewarding hike, the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is a fantastic choice. Starting at Logan Pass, this trail provides hikers with a relatively easy climb to an overlook with stunning views of Hidden Lake and Bearhat Mountain. The trail traverses alpine meadows teeming with wildflowers and offers frequent opportunities to spot mountain goats and other wildlife. The overlook provides a spectacular vantage point to take in the pristine beauty of Hidden Lake and the surrounding peaks.

Highline Trail

Distance: 11.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 1,950 feet
Trailhead: Logan Pass

The Highline Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Glacier National Park. Starting at Logan Pass, this trail offers stunning panoramic views of the park's majestic peaks, verdant valleys, and abundant wildlife. The trail follows the Garden Wall, a sheer cliff that provides an exhilarating backdrop for your hike. As you traverse the trail, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the park's diverse landscapes, from alpine meadows to glacial-carved valleys. The route can be extended to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook for those seeking an extra challenge and a glimpse of a rapidly disappearing ice mass.

Grinnell Glacier Trail

Distance: 7.6 miles round trip (from the trailhead)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Trailhead: Many Glacier Hotel

Grinnell Glacier Trail is a must-do for anyone visiting Glacier National Park. This hike offers a close encounter with one of the park's most famous glaciers. The trail begins at the Many Glacier Hotel and winds through stunning scenery, including sparkling lakes, vibrant wildflower meadows, and dense forests. As you ascend, you'll catch sight of Grinnell Lake's turquoise waters and the impressive Grinnell Falls. The trail culminates at the glacier, where you can witness the stark beauty of this ancient ice formation up close.

Iceberg Lake Trail

Distance: 9.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Trailhead: Many Glacier Hotel

The Iceberg Lake Trail is a gem in the Many Glacier area. This hike offers a magical journey through lush forests, open meadows, and rocky slopes. The trail is famous for its wildflower displays in the summer and the occasional sightings of wildlife such as bighorn sheep and bears. The highlight of this hike is reaching Iceberg Lake, where chunks of ice float in the milky blue waters even in the summer. The dramatic cirque of cliffs surrounding the lake adds to the ethereal beauty of this hike.

Cracker Lake Trail

Distance: 12.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
Trailhead: Many Glacier Hotel

Cracker Lake Trail offers a journey through some of the park's most stunning scenery. Starting at Many Glacier Hotel, the trail winds through dense forests and open meadows, with occasional sightings of wildlife such as bears and moose. The destination, Cracker Lake, is a breathtaking sight with its turquoise waters set against the backdrop of towering cliffs and rugged peaks. The lake's unique color is due to the glacial flour suspended in the water, making it one of the most picturesque spots in the park.

Bowman Lake Trail

Distance: 14.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 650 feet
Trailhead: Bowman Lake Campground

The Bowman Lake Trail is a great choice for those seeking solitude and a peaceful hiking experience. Starting at the Bowman Lake Campground, the trail follows the shoreline of Bowman Lake, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The relatively gentle terrain makes this hike accessible to most hikers. Bowman Lake is one of the quieter areas of Glacier National Park, providing a serene environment to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility.

Gunsight Lake Trail

Distance: 12.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,350 feet
Trailhead: Jackson Glacier Overlook

Gunsight Lake Trail offers a beautiful hike through diverse landscapes, including dense forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys. Starting at Jackson Glacier Overlook, the trail descends into the valley, crossing streams and offering views of Jackson Glacier. As you approach Gunsight Lake, the scenery becomes even more dramatic with towering peaks and cascading waterfalls. The lake itself is a serene destination, perfect for a picnic or a restful break before the return hike.

Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail

Distance: 10.7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
Trailhead: Many Glacier Hotel

For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail offers a rewarding and unique experience. This hike begins in the Many Glacier area and takes you through diverse terrain, including forests, meadows, and rocky slopes. The highlight of the trail is the Ptarmigan Tunnel, a man-made tunnel carved through the mountain. On the other side, you'll be greeted with stunning views of the remote Belly River region. This hike is known for its dramatic scenery and the sense of solitude it provides.

Conclusion

Glacier National Park's trails offer an incredible variety of hiking experiences, each showcasing the park's unparalleled natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging climb, there's a trail for you in this magnificent park. Remember to prepare adequately for your hikes, respect the natural environment, and stay safe. Happy hiking!