Glacier National Park is home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the U.S. With its stunning mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife, it’s a hiker’s paradise. Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned adventurer, this guide will help you find the best hikes in Glacier National Park based on your experience level. Let’s explore the top trails in the park!
Why You Need AllTrails+ for the Best Hikes in Glacier National Park
Navigating Glacier’s remote and expansive wilderness can be challenging, especially with limited cell service in most areas. This is where AllTrails+ comes in handy.
Top Features of AllTrails+:
- Offline Maps: Download detailed maps to access without internet—a must for Glacier’s remote trails.
- Trail Previews: Get elevation profiles, trail reviews, and photos to plan your hike.
- Real-Time Updates: Stay informed about closures, conditions, and weather.
- Waypoints and Navigation: Customize your route with waypoints and track your progress.
Whether you’re tackling the gentle Trail of the Cedars or the demanding Grinnell Glacier hike, AllTrails+ ensures you’re well-prepared and confident on the trail.
Easy Hikes: Perfect for Beginners or Relaxing Adventures
- Distance: 1-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Highlights: A serene boardwalk through an ancient cedar and hemlock forest, paired with views of Avalanche Creek and its cascading waters.
- Why It’s Great: Wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, this trail offers an easy introduction to Glacier’s unique ecosystem.
The Trail of the Cedars is an easy, wheelchair- and stroller-accessible trail, making it one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park for beginners or those seeking a relaxing walk. This boardwalk trail takes you through a serene cedar and hemlock forest, offering views of Avalanche Creek and its cascading waters. It’s an ideal introduction to Glacier’s rich ecosystem.
Pro Tip: Combine this hike with Avalanche Lake for a longer, more rewarding adventure.
- Distance: 2.7 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 550 feet
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Highlights: Sweeping vistas of Hidden Lake, surrounded by towering peaks, plus frequent sightings of mountain goats and marmots.
- Tips for Success: Arrive early to secure parking at Logan Pass, as it fills up quickly during the summer.
Starting at Logan Pass, the Hidden Lake Overlook trail is perfect for those looking for a moderate introduction to Glacier’s beauty. The trail offers sweeping views of Hidden Lake, surrounded by towering peaks, and you’ll often see mountain goats and marmots along the way.
Tips for Success: Arrive early to secure parking at Logan Pass, as it fills up quickly during summer.
- Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 580 feet
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Highlights: A 150-foot cascading waterfall framed by dramatic cliffs.
- Why It’s Great: This short hike offers a decent workout with a rewarding view, making it a great option for families and those with limited time.
The Apikuni Falls trail is a short but rewarding hike with a 150-foot cascading waterfall framed by dramatic cliffs. This trail is ideal for families and anyone with limited time who still wants a scenic experience.
Pro Tip: Bring bug spray, as the trail can be quite buggy during the summer months.
Moderate Hikes: A Step Up in Challenge
1. Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars
- Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 760 feet
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Highlights: A pristine alpine lake encircled by waterfalls and towering cliffs.
- Why It’s Great: The journey combines a shaded forest path with one of Glacier’s most picturesque lake views.
- Tips: Start early to enjoy the trail with fewer crowds and better lighting for photos.
The Avalanche Lake trail takes you to one of the park’s most scenic lakes, surrounded by waterfalls and towering cliffs. The trail combines a shaded forest path with a rewarding lake view, making it one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park for moderate hikers.
Tip: Start early to enjoy fewer crowds and better lighting for photos.
2. St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls
- Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 450 feet
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Highlights: Two of Glacier’s most iconic waterfalls, connected by a lush, forested trail.
This beautiful hike connects two of Glacier’s most iconic waterfalls. It’s a short, yet stunning trail that winds through a lush forest, making it one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park for moderate hikers.
Seasonal Note: These falls are particularly impressive in late spring and early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak.
- Distance: 7 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 480 feet
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Highlights: A turquoise glacial lake surrounded by wildflowers and rugged peaks.
- Why It’s Great: Accessible for most fitness levels, this trail offers high rewards with minimal elevation gain.
The Grinnell Lake trail takes you to a turquoise glacial lake surrounded by rugged peaks and wildflowers. It’s a moderate hike with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible to most fitness levels. The stunning scenery at the lake makes it one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park for those looking for high rewards with minimal effort.
Challenging Hikes: For the Experienced and Adventurous
- Distance: 10.6 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours
- Highlights: Up-close views of Grinnell Glacier, a glacial-fed lake, and abundant wildlife, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
The Grinnell Glacier Trail offers up-close views of the Grinnell Glacier, surrounded by a glacial-fed lake and abundant wildlife, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep. This trail is challenging but rewards hikers with one of the best glacier experiences in the park.
Tips: Bring bear spray, plenty of water, and layers, as afternoon thunderstorms are common in the area. Start early to avoid crowds and to be prepared for changing weather conditions.
2. Highline Trail to Haystack Pass
- Distance: 7 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 800 feet
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Highlights: Breathtaking views along the Garden Wall, with frequent wildlife sightings and wildflowers in summer.
- Why It’s Great: The trail hugs the cliffs, providing unparalleled views of Glacier’s dramatic terrain.
The Highline Trail offers some of the most breathtaking views in the park. It hugs the cliffs, providing a thrilling experience with panoramic views of Glacier’s rugged terrain. Wildlife sightings are frequent, and the summer months bring vibrant wildflowers to the trail.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the optional side trip to Haystack Butte for even better panoramas.
- Distance: 9.7 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 1,450 feet
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours
- Highlights: A glacial lake surrounded by cliffs, often with floating icebergs even in late summer.
The Iceberg Lake trail takes you to a stunning glacial lake surrounded by cliffs, often dotted with floating icebergs even in late summer. This trail is challenging but offers one of the most rewarding views in Glacier National Park.
Tips: Wear waterproof shoes, as melting snow and creeks often cross the trail.
Essential Tips for the Best Hikes in Glacier National Park
- Bring Bear Spray: Glacier is home to both grizzly and black bears. Know how to use bear spray and keep it accessible.
- Dress in Layers: Weather changes quickly in Glacier. Pack a rain jacket and layers to adapt to shifting conditions.
- Start Early: Many of Glacier’s popular trails fill up by mid-morning. Arriving early ensures a parking spot and a quieter experience.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry at least 2 liters of water per person, more for longer hikes.
- Check Trail Conditions: Snow and closures can persist into late summer on some trails. Visit the National Park Service website or use AllTrails+ for updates.
Final Thoughts
With its stunning landscapes, majestic waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views, Glacier National Park offers some of the best hikes in the country. Whether you’re looking for an easy trail to enjoy a peaceful walk or a challenging adventure to push your limits, Glacier has something for everyone. Lace up your boots, grab your gear, and get ready to explore this iconic park on some of the best trails in the U.S.
Planning your next adventure? Check out our other best hikes in national parks guides, and don’t forget to follow us on social media for more tips, guides, and inspiration for your next national park adventure!
