16 Greatest Hikes in Glacier National Park
Last Updated on Aug 31, 2023
Glacier National Park in Montana is one of the most stunning natural beauties in the world. With dozens of lakes, mountains, glaciers, and valleys, there is so much to see and explore at Glacier National Park. And there is no better way to explore this beauty than by hiking through it.
Glacier National Park is divided into three main areas: Many Glaciers, Two Medicine, and the Going to the Sun Road. Here are the best hikes in each of these areas for your next trip to the “Crown of the Continent”.
Many Glacier
1. Grinnell Glacier Trail
Distance: 10.6 miles or 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate or Hard
Trailhead: Continental Divide Trail, Many Lakes Picnic Area
Grinnell Glacier Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Many Glacier area, but it’s not as crowded as other trails. This trail starts by winding around the turquoise-blue Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. Then it heads through wild-flower filled green meadows, around majestic mountains, to a view of the grand Grinnell Glacier.
For those wanting a shorter hike, take a boat across the lakes and pick up on the trail from there. This shaves off about 3 miles total.
The trail is popular for horseback riding to Grinnell Lake, but dogs are not allowed. Guided horseback rides can be arranged by Swam Mountain Outfitters.
Best to leave the young ones in daycare or with relatives as the trail is quite challenging.
2. Ptarmigan Tunnel
Distance: 10.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2300 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Trailhead: Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trailhead
Ptarmigan Tunnel is the only tunnel in Glacier National Park, making it a unique place to hike to. The trail loosely follows around Ptarmigan Lake, one of the park’s famous sapphire-blue lakes. As you continue walking, Mount Grinnell and Swiftcurrent Mountain will be visible across the valley.
As you continue your final ascent to the tunnel, you may spot a few mountain goats or bighorn sheep. Once at the tunnel, walk through it to see the view of Belly River Valley with Lake Elizabeth and Old Sun Glacier.
Although the tunnel was built for riders and their horses to pass through in the 1920s and 1930s, it is not recommended. Dogs are also not allowed on the trail. Leave kids at home.
3. Iceberg Lake Trail
Distance: 9.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,275 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trailhead
Starting at the same trailhead as Ptarmigan Tunnel is the hike to Iceberg Lake. This hike is a bit easier than Ptarmigan Tunnel for the average hiker. The trail moves at a gradual incline through open terrain. This provides spectacular views of meadows, mountains, and wildlife like deer or the occasional grizzly bear.
Iceberg Lake spends all year underneath the shadow of Mount Wilbur. This means that the lake has chunks of ice in it all year round, hence the name ‘iceberg’. As Iceberg Lake is a prime grizzly bear location, the trail is sometimes closed if a bear is seen so make sure to check that before hiking.
Active teenagers might be able to complete this trail, but leave the younger children at home. Dogs are not allowed.
4. Apikuni Falls
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Apikuni Falls Trailhead
Apikuni (Apekunny) Falls is one of the shortest hikes in the Many Glacier area. However, this hike has a 700-foot elevation gain in a very short amount of time, so it’s not an extremely easy hike. The trail can also be quite rocky, so caution is advised while walking.
The beginning of summer is the best time to take this hike as that’s when the 300-foot tall Apikuni Falls is at its strongest. The hike is still beautiful at other times of the year, with colorful wildflowers and stunning views.
Dogs are not allowed on the trail, neither are horses. Although it’s a short hike, the elevation makes it tough for younger kids, so best leave them at home.
5. Cracker Lake
Distance: 12 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,650 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Many Glacier Lodge parking lot
Cracker Lake is arguably the prettiest alpine lake in the Many Glacier area of the park. Despite the long length of this hike, it’s not an extremely difficult hike. It is also possible to get a permit to hike overnight to the lake.
There are many sights to see along the lake. One fun part of this hike is the log bridges you’ll have to walk on to cross a small stream. Cracker Lake itself is surrounded by rusty red cliffs and plenty of greenery.
Dogs are not allowed on this trail, but it is popular for horse riding. Children riding horses need to be above 10 years and at least 48 inches tall. The NPS usually redirects you to Swam Mountain Outfitters to book horse rides.
Where to Stay within driving distance of the Many Glacier Entrance
- St. Mary Village – A mountain resort with rustic-looking rooms and cabins right at the edge of Glacier National Park.
- Duck Lake Lodge or Babb Duck Lodge – With fishing and hiking opportunities nearby, this budget-friendly lodge offers standard rooms with shared bathrooms or family rooms with shared bathrooms.
- Glacier Grizzly Resort- RV & Tipi – Tents, caravans, and river view cabins in Browning, Montana are the perfect place to rest after a busy day of hiking in Glacier.
Two Medicine
6. Scenic Point
Distance: 6.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,242 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Scenic Point Parking Area
Two Medicine is a less popular area of Glacier National Park, meaning it’s easier to get great views like the ones at Scenic Point without all the crowds. The first 0.5 miles of the Scenic Point is very easy. You’ll come across Appistoki Falls where you should definitely stop to admire the falls.
Switchbacks and steeper trails will eventually lead you to the moment you’ve waited for – the scenic point. From here, you’ll see Two Medicine Lake, Lower & Upper Two Medicine Lakes, mountains, and forests.
Dogs are not allowed. Although it’s a small incline, it’s best to leave the younger children at home. Start early to avoid the crowds.
7. Aster Falls
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: South Shore Trailhead
This flat and easy trail is the perfect hike to take as a family with hikers of all levels. Morning and evening are excellent times to do this hike for the chance to see some cool animal life. Some of the ponds along the way have active beavers dens. The open meadows also provide great views to any moose you may spot.
Aster Falls itself isn’t a very large waterfall, but it’s beautiful nonetheless and worth the hike. Just a short but steep walk from the falls is a nice overlook spot of Aster Falls and the surrounding valley.
Dogs or horses are not allowed.
8. Cobalt Lake
Distance: 11.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,450 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Trailhead: South Shore Trailhead
Cobalt Lake starts at the same trailhead of Aster Falls, but continues on further to the scenic alpine lake. Once you are past the Aster Falls trails, you’ll reach this really cool suspension bridge that crosses over Paradise Lake. It may look scary, but it’s safe!
After a while the trail passes by Rockwell Falls, which is beautiful and worth a stop. During the summer, the trail is covered in huckleberry bushes, a Montana delicacy. Cobalt lake is set against a backdrop of Painted Teepee Peak and Mount Helens – it’s picture-perfect!
No dogs or horses allowed. Active teenagers might love the hike, but leave the younger ones at home.
9. Buffalo Lakes
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Highway 2
Buffalo Lakes is another great hike for families with young children. The hike is not too long and has very little elevation gain overall. At first, the hike follows along an old country road before opening into meadows and Aspen groves.
The grassy Buffalo Lakes really stand out against the grand mountains of Glacier National Park in the background. If you time it right, you may see some wildlife along the trail. The trail ends at Buffalo Lakes, but it is possible to continue on the cattle roads to climb up Lubec Ridge for panoramic views of the park.
No horses or dogs are allowed on this trail.
Where to Stay near Two Medicine
- Glacier Peaks Hotel – Spacious rooms and suites just a short walk from the Museum of the Plains Indian, Taco John’s, and Nation’s Burger Station.
- Summit Mountain Lodge and Steakhouse – Rooms and bungalows with perfect lake views and an onsite steakhouse. If you’re lucky, you might also run into moose on the property.
- Glacier Park Lodge – Constructed over a hundred years ago by the Great Northern Railway, this lodge is beautifully rustic. You’ll want to take pictures sitting by the grand fireplace.
Going to the Sun Road/ Logan Pass
10. Highline Trail
Distance: 7.2 miles, 15.2 miles or 11.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 624 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Highline Trailhead, Logan Pass Parking Lot
Next up is, without doubt, the most iconic hike in Glacier National Park. Drumroll please….. It’s the Highline Trail!
The hike starts at the start of Logan Pass and climbs high above the tree line, giving the world’s best view of the park. The trail follows closely along the Garden Wall, a steep alpine wall covered with thousands of wildflowers.
There are three options for completing the trail. The classic option is Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet (15.2 miles round trip). For shorter options, take Logan Pass to Haystack Pass (7.2 miles) or the entire Loop Trailhead (11.8 miles).
No dogs or horses are allowed. These trails require a good amount of energy, but you’ll get the chance to spot bighorn sheep, bears, and mountain goats along the out-and-back to Granite Park Chalet from the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Younger kids will not be able to complete this trail.
11. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
Distance: 2.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 567 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Hidden Lake Overlook Trailhead
Located near Logan Pass, the highest point of the Going to the Sun Road, is the hike to Hidden Lake Overlook. This short hike is a family-friendly alternative to longer hikes like Highline Trail.
The entire hike passes through alpine gardens known as the ‘Hanging Gardens’. In order to preserve this natural beauty, a boardwalk was constructed that hikers must stay on as they walk. As you hike you’ll see waterfalls, mountain goats, and stunning mountains like Mount Pollock and Mount Piegan.
Kids love this trail. Dos and horses are not allowed.
12. Baring Falls
Distance: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 160 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Sunrift Gorge
Baring Falls hike is perhaps the easiest hike on this list, perfect for a leisurely cooldown after a long day of exploring. A short 0.3-mile hike will take you directly to the beautiful 25-foot-tall Baring Falls. Under the roar of the waterfall, you may spot an American Dipper or two bobbing for food in the nearby streams.
A river streams down from the base of the falls and its cold water entices hikers to take a break and dip their feet in. Baring Falls is truly a magical nature haven.
Dogs and horses are not allowed. Perfect with kids, but if you’re carrying a toddler in a hiking pack, avoid the hotter summer months.
13. Trail of the Cedars
Distance: 1.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 60 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Avalanche Creek
Another nice and easy hike, the Trail of Cedars is one of the only wheelchair-accessible hikes in Glacier National Park. This elevated boardwalk trail winds through a shaded grove of ancient red cedar trees and over the flowing Avalanche Creek.
From Avalanche Creek, you will see breathtaking views of the Avalanche Gorge. The cool blue water and dark green mossy rocks are reminiscent of a fairy tale land. The boardwalk is lined with several benches and rest areas to sit in and enjoy the peacefulness of the forest.
Dogs and horses are not allowed. This wheelchair-accessible trail is also perfect for parents pushing strollers.
14. St Mary’s and Virginia Falls
Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 623 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: St Mary’s Falls Turnout
Those who are big lovers of waterfalls absolutely must take a hike along the St Mary’s and Virginia Falls Trail. Along this short trail is a total of 5 absolutely amazing waterfalls and gorges. The trail to the falls is gently sloping, so the easy hike leaves more energy for admiring your surroundings.
You will first come across St Mary’s Falls, an aqua-blue waterfall surrounded by rugged red rocks and green shrubbery. The slightly higher Virginia Falls is next, with the same red rock and green-blue waters. A charming wooden bridge crosses just over the base of the falls and provides an excellent view.
Dogs and horses are not allowed. A few spots may be tricky for kids, but should be okay with you guiding them.
15. Avalanche Lake
Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 821 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Avalanche Creek
At the end of the Trail of Cedars is an opportunity to join up with another trail and head towards Avalanche Lake. Avalanche Lake and the surrounding area get its name from the many avalanches that have happened in the area.
One of the amazing things to see along the trail is the forests that have been completely destroyed by the power of avalanches. But don’t worry, the park won’t open the trail if there’s a chance of an avalanche!
The Avalanche Creek runs along the trail and creates a number of rushing rivers and crystal-clear waterfalls. Eventually, the hike will open up to the beautiful Avalanche Lake. There is a large sandy beach perfect for having a picnic or wading in the water.
Dogs and horses are not allowed. Kids love this trail because of the logs to jump over and boulders to cross over on the way to the beach.
16. Siyeh Pass
Distance: 9.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,135 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Trailhead: Siyeh Bend Trail
Siyeh Pass is one of the highest-elevation trails in Glacier National Park, so the hike is a bit of a doozy, but the reward of an astounding view at the end is so worth it!
The hike begins through a very dense forest that blocks many views but provides plentiful shade. Eventually, the trail opens up to an alpine meadow with Matahpi Peak looming behind.
You’ll soon cross over Siyeh Creek before beginning the steep ascent to the top of the pass. The strenuous trek will be very exhausting but the panoramic views of Goat Mountain and Boulder Creek at the top are spectacular!
This trek is definitely not one for kids, or individuals who don’t have experience hiking. Dogs or horses are not allowed.
Where to Stay near Going to the Sun Road/ Logan Pass
The road to Logan Pass and Going to the Sun Road passes through Browning, Montana. So you can either stay at the places mentioned earlier such as the Glacier Grizzly Resort- RV & Tipi or St. Mary Village.
Alternatively, you can stay at the Lodgepole Gallery which features unique tipis or cabins at this seasonal lodge located in the center of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
Glacier National Park is a haven for wildlife of all kinds from rabbits to bighorn sheep. But the park is also a major roaming ground for Grizzly Bears. Whenever you are hiking through the park, it is essential to prepare yourself to protect against any bears you may come across. Carry bear spray and a bear horn with you. Stay alert, hike in groups, and make loud noises to scare off the grizzly bears.
