Hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts will be starstruck by Glacier National Park. But the real question is, if you only have a few days, what’s are the best hikes in Glacier National Park?
Every time we visit, we are amazed by how unique Glacier National Park is. Glacier National Park truly is the closest you can get to the Alps in America. With ancient glaciers, huge, towering mountains, waterfalls, meadows, lakes, forests, and wildlife, Glacier National Park really does have everything you could want from an outdoor vacation.
We’ve done many of Glacier National Park’s amazing hikes in varying difficulty. It really pays to take the strenuous routes. The views just don’t get much better.
If you’re not as experienced in hiking, Glacier is one of the best places for you because there are a lot of rewarding short hikes. In fact, 2 of these hikes are among the 7 bucket-list things you can’t miss in Glacier!
If you’ve visiting Glacier this summer, make it a road trip! Driving through Grand Teton and Yellowstone N.P. on the way makes for an unforgettable road trip and has 10 things you have to see once in your life!
Yes, from May 28th to September 6th a ticketed entry reservation is required along Going to the Sun Road form Apgar to St Mary’s.
If you have lodging, camping, a boat ride, a bus ride, a horseback ride, or guided hike reserved inside of Glacier National Park, you will NOT need to obtain a ticketed entry reservation.
You can reserve a ticket at Recreation.gov or on the app 60 days in advance. Your ticket will last 7 consecutive days from the reservation date.
It depends on what you want to hike. Some of the best hikes in Glacier National Park lie along Going to the Sun road (which requires a ticket), but other park areas like Many Glacier don’t require a ticket.
You don’t need a reservation to hike Grinnell Glacier. There are also a lot of great hikes near West Glacier and Essex that don’t require a ticket to get to. See this blog for the details.
In our opinion, the best hike in Glacier NP is the Highline Trail. While Grinnell Glacier is a close runner up, it requires driving all the way to Many Glacier, which is a very long drive that you might not have time for.
Avalanche Lake. Get here early to find parking! And if you don’t have a ticket, go in after 5:30 pm and you’ll still have plenty of time to do this hike since the sun sets so late in Montana 🙂
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Hiking in Glacier in 2021
Spending time in the wide open spaces of National Parks is one of the best ways to travel in 2021! With that in mind, there are still some closures in place at national parks.
We do our best to update our blogs with current information on visiting the national parks. Click here to see our complete Guide to Visiting the National Parks in 2021.
Glacier N.P. Ticketed Entry
You may have heard the news that Glacier National Park will require a ticket which must be obtained in advance. Even if you have a park pass, all vehicles entering still need a ticketed entry.
Think of this ticket like a reservation. A ticketed entry will be required for the entire Going to the Sun Road from Apgar to St Mary’s.
Important: If you have a “Service Reservation” including a lodging, camping, a boat ride, a bus ride, a horseback ride, or guided hike reserved, you will not need to obtain a ticketed entry reservation.
If you find yourself near Glacier and can’t get a ticket, there are a lot of great hikes nearby that DO NOT require a ticket to access.
Reserving A Glacier Entry Ticket
Tickets are available on a rolling 60 day basis. 3/4 of the park’s tickets are available in this lottery and 1/4 will be released 2 days in advance. For example, on May 16th you can get your ticket for July 15th.
- Download the Recreation.gov app
- Create an account or login in advance
- 60 days in advance of the day you plan on arriving, be logged in at 7:50 am MST.
- Search Glacier National Park Ticketed Entry
- Click on “enter dates” right at 8:00 AM MST
- If a date doesn’t show up, hit refresh on the enter dates button
- Hopefully, an “A” (available) shows up and you can go forward and reserve your ticket which counts for 7 consecutive days from that date
East Entrances
There’s some really good new for visiting Glacier in 2021! Unlike last year, Glacier National Park will be opening the east entrances for summer 2021.
Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Polebridge will not require a ticket reservation!
Visiting in September
All these crowds and reservations make September the best time to visit Glacier. Click here to read more about things to do in Glacier in September and what you need to know.
Tips for Hiking in Glacier National Park
1 | Get to the trailheads early
The best hikes in Glacier National Park get crowded fast. Most popular parking lots fill up by 9 a.m.
Because of this we highly recommend all visitors to utilize the amazing free shuttle systems that can take you to almost any trailhead in the park from both the Saint Mary’s side and the Apgar side.
2021 update: Due to current COVID restrictions, shuttles are not running which is even more of a reason to get up early for the best hikes in Glacier.
Take a quick look at this map below to get your bearings for where each trail is located.
2 | Carry bear spray on all moderate to strenuous hikes
So many people forget bear spray on their hiking trip to Glacier. Bear spray is expensive to buy once you’re in the park. Save money and buy some ahead of time at REI or Amazon.
3 | Wear layers
If you’re not used to hiking in the mountains, you won’t realize how much the weather can change in a day. If you’re starting your hikes early in the morning (like you should be), it will be very cold in the morning but by noon you’ll be baking and will need lightweight clothes but also some sun protection.
Related: 7 Amazing Things to do in Glacier N.P.
4 | Pack a lot of water
Like I said in my last point, it gets hot really fast in the summer. When you start your hike in the morning you may think you won’t need that much water but when you’re hiking a steep trail in the heat by midday, you are going to want a sufficient supply of water.
We carry water bottles with water filters inside them from HydroBlu. With these, we can fill more water at tiny streams, lakes, or waterfalls and never have to worry about running out.
5 | Have a comfortable day hiking pack
Before you head out on your epic hike in Glacier National Park, check out our absolute favorite day hiking backpack, REI’s Flash 22. This backpack has seen over 3,000 miles and it’s our go-to pack for all our hiking adventures.
Related: Tips For Camping In Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park Hiking Pack List:
- REI Co-op 22L Pack: In 7 years of serious hiking this is the best day hiking backpack we’ve ever used. The REI Co-op 18L is also great but it doesn’t have water bottle holders on the outside or the zippered pocket on the top.
- La Sportiva Bushidos: Our all time favorite hiking shoes for both men and women. Read why we love them here!
- Hydroflask water bottle [w/ Defy the Norm Stickers]
- Stance Socks: Our favorite absorbent and warm socks for hiking.
- [Womens] Hylete Fleece-Lined Leggings: Stylish, sturdy, and warm. They are great for hiking, climbing, and yoga.
- [Mens] Kuhl Renegade Pants: Sturdy and midweight for rugged mobility and warmth.
- [Women’s} Kuhl Splash Roll Up: I’ve hiked all over the planet with these awesome pants. They’re durable, comfy, and also great to rock climb in. We also love Kuhl’s Trekkr sytle pants.
- Hoodie: Check out durable Defy the Norm hoodies and spread good vibes while staying warm and in style out on your hike!
- Defy the Norm long sleeve sun layer: A lightweight long sleeve is essential in the summer to protect and you can do so in style with our Defy the Norm series.
- Patagonia Nano Puff: We carry these jackets with us on all our hikes and travels because they pack down really small and are warm and comfy. If you tend to get cold easily, I recommend getting the Patagonia Down Sweater.
- Sun Bum sunscreen: Lightweight and protective. Great for when you have to re-apply often because it’s not goopy or oily.
- Our favorite women’s hiking shorts.
- [Mens] Black Diamond Notion Shorts: The boys’ favorite sturdy and lightweight hiking shorts.
- Lightweight Defy the Norm tee or tank: Early in the morning before the sun gets harsh, you’ll want to have apparel that keeps you cool. Check out our radical line of outdoor apparel to Defy the Norm with us.
- Hat & Sunglasses
Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or an epic trek, here are some of the best hikes in Glacier National Park:
Best Easy Hikes in Glacier National Park
Trail of the Cedars/Avalanche Lake
Distance roundtrip: 4.5 miles
Best for: Families with little kids, beginner hikers, a picnic on the lake, or a night hike.
Trailhead and tips: Park at Trail of the Cedars Trailhead or take the shuttle to this bus stop
This is the easiest hike in the whole park. The trail to Avalanche Lake starts out on Trail of the Cedars, a pretty boardwalk with huge trees. Done by itself, Trail of the Cedars is a 1 mile loop.
Continue beyond Trail of the Cedars past some pretty creeks and falls to see the beautiful Avalanche Lake. This moraine colored lake is surrounded by dozens of waterfalls and a glacier.
Related: Best Hiking Shoes: La Sportiva Bushidos
Hidden Lake Overlook
Distance roundtrip: 3 miles
Best for: Families, beginner hikers, a quick hike upon arriving in Glacier, seeing mountain goats, hiking in snow, a warmup for a big day hike
Trailhead and tips: Park at Logan Pass or take the shuttle to Logan Pass (Note: Parking fills up by 8 am on Logan Pass in the summer. Unless you’re hiking early, take a shuttle.)
This hike is probably the most incredible 3 mile hike in the world!
If you want an easy hike with a lot of reward, this is the trail for you. This short 3 mile trail has amazing views of Logan Pass throughout the entire hike.
This trail often sees traffic from mountain goats and occasionally bears if you’re lucky. While this hike is short, it’s a bit more difficult than Trail of the Cedars since the trail is often covered in snow, even in the summer.
Though the snow makes it a bit more difficult, it also makes it really fun for kids (and adults) and distracts them from the difficulty of the hike.
The views of Hidden Lake are amazing. The vivid blue lake sits in a glacial valley below a towering mountain range. However, I wouldn’t recommend this as a good picnic spot due to the crowds, vicious squirrels, and the lack of comfortable rocks or trees to sit on.
Related: Best Healthy Hiking Snacks (Paleo + Vegan)
Best Moderate Hikes in Glacier National Park
St Mary and Virginia Falls
Distance roundtrip: 5.5 miles from Sunrift Gorge (or 3.6 from St Mary Trailhead but you’ll miss 1 waterfall)
Best for: An easy day hike with little elevation gain, seeing blue waterfalls in gorges, mountain views, and hiking along the park’s most iconic lake St Mary’s Lake.
Trailhead and tips: Park at Sunrift Gorge or take the shuttle to this bus stop. You can also start this trail at St Mary’s trailhead for a shorter hike.
While we didn’t have time to hike this trail ourselves, multiple park rangers who have spent years in Glacier NP told us that St Mary and Virginia Falls was one their absolute favorite hikes in the entire park. The hike passes through beautiful alpine meadows, goes alongside the iconic St Mary’s Lake, and of course, takes you to 3 amazing waterfalls in beautiful gorges.
Related: Yellowstone 1-Day Itinerary
Best Strenuous Hikes in Glacier National Park
Grinnell Glacier
Distance roundtrip: 10.5 miles
Best for: Hikers who love glaciers! Views of 3 perfectly turquoise lakes, a high chance of seeing a bear and other wildlife, and see one of North America’s most amazing glaciers, Grinnell Glacier
Trailhead and tips: Park at Grinnell Glacier trailhead in the Many Glacier region of the National Park. This hike cannot be accessed by shuttle.
2021 Update: As of now, the east entrances plan to open for the summer and BONUS this hike doesn’t require a ticketed entry!
Grinnell Glacier one of the most spectacular glaciers left in existence! But this hike also brings you along 3 of the brightest turquoise lakes you’ll ever see, through alpine meadows, and likely near some incredible wildlife.
This trail can be shortened by taking paid ferries across the first 2 lakes, but where’s the fun in that?
Related blog: How to Train for a Strenuous Hike
The beginning of this hike trails though thick, flower-rich meadows and over creeks. The higher you get, the more amazing the views of the valley are.
High on the ridge, you may come across many bighorn sheep. There’s even a chance of seeing a moose or bear.
At some points the trail is unnerving for those afraid of heights. Until mid-July, snow covers segments of narrow trail and in late summer, you will have to walk underneath a waterfall.
The long, hard walk will be extremely rewarding upon arriving at upper Grinnell Lake. Grinnell Glacier towers above on a steep rock face. Beautiful blue pools of melted glacier accentuate the frozen lake and a second smaller glacier lies frozen to the right of Grinnell.
Needless to say, this hike is an absolute must do for experienced hikers. Not only is the destination one-of-a-kind, but the journey above the 3 beautiful lakes make the steep ascent less painful.
Tip for Hiking Grinnell Glacier
I highly recommend getting to the National Park the day before you want to hike Grinnell Glacier and grabbing a first-come first-serve site at Many Glacier campground.
Your best chance of getting a site is between 7 am and 10 am. This way, you can have a restful day at the park’s best campground (with the most common wildlife sightings) before waking up early and getting on the Grinnel Glacier trail by 7 am. If you’re not a camper you can also stay at Many Glacier Hotel but you will need reservations.
Gear up for Glacier! Our Kuhl pants have been everywhere with us and are truly one of our favorite hiking pants!
My personal favorite, the women’s Splash Roll Up’s are one of my top picks. They’re stylish, comfortable, and durable and have been on adventures with us for 26 countries, which goes to show truly how long-lasting they are! The women’s Trekkr pants are another top choice, due to their slimmer fit and cinched capri-fit.
Kuhl has a style for every hiker with skinny, straight, and relaxed fits for both men and women. “Fueled by independence,” Kuhl combines a mountain mindset with effectively designed, stylish apparel for active people. Shop now at Kuhl.com.
Highline Trail + Grinnell Glacier Overlook
Distance roundtrip: 12.8 miles (including the short but steep detour to Grinnell Glacier Overlook)
Best for: Hikers who want to see the best views on the park. Those seeking that WOW factor, constant mountain views, and seeing Grinnell Glacier from above
Trailhead and tips: Park at Logan Pass or take the shuttle to this bus stop. If you take your car you will want to try to get there no later 8 a.m.. If you want to take the shuttle, get an early start by taking the express shuttles which run every 15 minutes from 7:00 – 8:00 am from Apgar visitor center. The Highline Trail is one-way and finishes at The Loop bus stop. Here you can take the shuttle up to Logan Pass where you parked or down towards Apgar.
This is a total bucket list hike that every avid hiker should do in their lifetime!
The trail starts directly across the street from the Logan Pass visitor center. Right from the very beginning of this trail, the views are amazing.
Hiking it this direction is considered the “downhill” direction, but don’t be fooled, there’s plenty of uphill too.
The trail moves in and out of valleys along the mountainside and you’ll be granted amazing views of Heavenly Mountain across the way framed by the glacial valley surrounding you.
As you start walking closer to the edge, the trail becomes even more beautiful.
After a little more than 6 miles (3 hours for us), you’ll reach the trail junction to Grinnell Glacier Overlook. After 3 hours of hiking, you might think “it’s probably not worth it,” but trust me, it’s 100% WORTH IT! This slight detour makes the hike go from Amazing to Epic.
It’s only .6 miles to the Overlook, however it’s so steep that it will take longer than expected. Account for 2 hours to get to the Overlook, take in the views, and hike back down to the junction.
Once you reach the junction. It’s only a little less than 2 miles to the Chalet, which is really your last good rest spot before making the painful descent down to The Loop Trailhead.
This really is a pretty easy hike for a 13 miler except for these last 2 hours. The final descent drops more than 2,000 feet in only 4 miles.
While the views are still relatively amazing, they’re not quite as epic as they’re on the rest of the trail so this section is brutal for sure. At The Loop, the shuttle makes for easy transportation back to your car or to your accommodation.
Don’t forget to check out our Tips For Camping In Glacier National Park!
Got questions about hiking in Glacier? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll get back to you right away! And don’t forget to join our tribe + live stoked with us!
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Go Wander Wild
Tuesday 18th of May 2021
Your recommended best hikes in Glacier National Park is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!
The Best Hikes to Epic Glaciers Around the World • Nomads With A Purpose
Thursday 30th of August 2018
[…] Cool things nearby: A trip to Glacier National Park would be incomplete without driving or taking the shuttle along Trail Ridge Road. If you’re looking for other stunning hikes in the park, check out our list of Best Day Hikes in Glacier National Park […]