Tucked in by more than 700 miles of trails and boasting over 50 remarkable day hikes, the Glacier National Park is a place for outdoor enthusiasts. Yet, when you have only so much time at your disposal selecting the right hike seems to be a quandary.
Our guide condenses this down for you by naming the best 20 hikes in Glacier National Park for 2024. From awesome glaciers to stunning wildlife you’ll encounter, all top trails that must not be missed.
Together, we will discover the top trails in West Glacier, Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, St. Mary’s Many Glacier and Two Medicine areas giving a broad perspective of what this National Park has to offer.
Glacier National Park Overview
Before jumping into the details, here are some key points to streamline your travel planning:
- Best Time to Visit: As all facilities are open with a more pleasant weather, it is ideal that you visit the park in summer. Early to mid-September will offer you the best chance of escaping the crowds.
- Notable Accommodations: Many Glacier Hotel (inside the park). If sleeping at a lodge outside the park, try one in Babb or St. Mary (St. Mary Village).
- Getting to Glacier: The nearest airport is located in Kalispell, Montana (FCA), which services many different airlines. Flyers should shop Expedia for the best prices.
- Transport: The only real option here is to rent a car, which will give you the most freedom in exploring around the park Take advantage of the excellent deals on rental vehicles through Expedia, or try an RV or campervan from Outdoorsy for a deep dive experience.
- Best Self Guided Tour: To help make your visit more memorable, consider using GyPSy Guides. Here for example, their Glacier Going to the Sun Road Guide provides thorough descriptions of the park’s history and geology.
- Pro Tip: America Beautiful National Park Pass The $80 pass gets you into more than 400 national park sites, including Glacier for a year.
2024 Glacier National Park Entry Requirements
Between May 24 and September 8, 2024, all visitors to Glacier National Park will need a reservation between the hours of six in the morning (6 AM) and three o’clock in the afternoon (3 PM). Think Going to the Sun Road, North Fork and Many Glacier.
Each region is a separate reservation and it only lasts one day. And if you plan to explore the park on more than one day, your reservation is only a daily pass and will need repeat booking for each trip in.
Optimal Hiking Season in Glacier National Park
The optimal window for hiking in Glacier National Park is from July to mid September.
This period allows for full access to the park — all areas of the park, including Going to the Sun Road. The snow has melted off the trails, making it a lot easier to hike.
Well here you can expect the crowds, because this is glacier in it’s prime. Start all hikes early: be on trailheads by 8am in order to miss the crowds.
To avoid large crowds, however, come in early September after Labor Day. The weather is still nice, but there are much fewer summer crowds.
Top Hiking Trails in West Glacier & Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park
West Glacier is the nearest section of the park to Kalispell, making it a convenient starting point for many visitors arriving by air. These hikes are perfect for a day exploring the western side of Glacier National Park.
1. Avalanche Lake Trail
Avalanche Lake Trail This trail is one of the finest in the park and starts at a location easily accessed from West Glacier. Admittedly more so than much of Glacier’s rough and tumble hiking, this trail weaves its way through dense woodland under a canopy full of vibrant greenery that resembles some found in the Pacific Northwest.
The initial part of the hike is shared with Trail of the Cedars as it takes you through an old-growth cedar and hemlock forest.
Once at Avalanche Gorge, you will take the trail that leads to along Avalanche Lake Trail and climbs over low ridges next to turquoise waters surrounded by ancient cliffs of water eroded rock formations.
The lake edge offers magnificent views of avalanche chutes and waterfalls that tumble into the lake, nourishing its population of driftwood. For more tranquility, walk all the way to the end of this lake and have that quiet picnic away from everyone else.
2. Trail of the Cedars
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: None
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Hike: 30 minutes
- Trailhead: Avalanche Picnic Area
One of the gift to all abilities trails in Glacier National Park, Trail of the Cedars From the Avalanche Creek Picnic Area, an accessible elevated boardwalk leads strollers and wheelchairs through a historic forest to start of the hike.
Serene, the community social trail that features towering cedar and hemlock trees found only in this part of the park. There are interspersed informational signs to explain the geological and historical recollections of an old-growth manner along with your walk, furthering communication this unique ecosystem.
3. Sperry Chalet Trail
- Distance: 12.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,432 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time to Hike: 8-10 hours
- Trailhead: Sperry Trailhead
One of Glacier National Park’s most sought after experiences is spending the night at the Sperry Chalet. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this historic lodge is located more than 6 miles inside Glacier’s wilderness along Going to the Sun Road.
If you are lucky enough to snag one of the few overnight spots, expect a hearty dinner and some roadie sleep and an actual bed in your own private lodge room! The Sperry Chalet suffered fire damage in 2017 then reopened to the public following renovations beginning in July of 2021.
If you’re game for more, the path continues past the chalet to Sperry Glacier — a stunning payoff that makes it worth venturing into this backcountry region of the park.
4. Johns Lake Loop
- Distance: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 160 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Hike: 1 hour
- Trailhead: Johns Lake Trailhead
The Johns Lake Loop will provide visitors with an enjoyable walk around a loop trail that is relatively flat and easy, perfect for hikers of any age or ability looking to stretch their legs without having to climb many hills. The 6-mile track with views of Lake McDonald Creek, you will be able to spot two pretty waterfalls: McDonald Falls and Sacred Dancing Cascade in the meantime.
The walk starts at the Johns Lake Trailhead, but you can take shortcuts from either waterfall vista for a shorter hike. This trail passes through a serene old-growth forest of giant cedar and hemlock trees, then leads to Johns Lake. The surrounding of the lake is mainly covered with Marsh grasses and water lilies making it enormously peaceful. Keep a lookout for Moose: Seen around the lake
Continue on to Sacred Dancing Cascade and McDonald Falls, where the loop meets up again at the trailhead.
5. Highline Trail
- Distance: 11.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 800 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time to Hike: 6 to 8 hours
- Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center
The Highline Trail is one of the most famous hikes within Glacier National Park and starts at the high point along Going to the Sun Road where you will enjoy easy access to amazing views. Panorama Ridge has the best of everything that Garibaldi Park is famous for: unimpeded views, abundant wildlife and a pathway through alpine meadows to scenic but rough ridgetops.
For most hikers, it is point to point from Logan Pass Visitor Center to The Loop, relying on free Glacier shuttles for a ride back. Those wanting a shorter hike can make reasonable arrangements, trekking across from Logan Pass to Haystack Pass and heading back the way you came.
This path starts on an adrenaline filled route clumped to a cliff wall, the hillclimb security cords pierced into solid rock for hikers. Where the trail opens up and you go into a very big meadow with flowers all over, this is maybe one of the most beautiful views over Lake McDonald Valley.
Enjoy watching the marmots and mountain goats that share this hike with you.
Halfway along the Highline Trail, a spur trail to The Garden Wall called Grinnell Glacier Overlook. This bypass ascends to the Continental Divide (then avoids Crest House and Shelter Island), adding about 2 extra miles roundtrip.
You’ll look out towards Grinnell Glacier, McDonald Valley and Many Glacier Valley as well at over five different lakes below you.
Continue on the trail, and you will soon arrive at a remote backcountry lodge called Granite Park Chalet. The trail continues downhill through trees burnt in old wildfires until arriving down at The Loop.
Logan Pass to The Garden Wall – This 7.6KM stretch is widely regarded as the best part of the hike!! The track is quite lengthy, the ascent over a large total distance but this should be easy going for experienced walkers.
Remember, Logan Pass is one of the busiest trailheads in Glacier National Park – try to get there prior to 8am if you can so that way you do not have any trouble finding parking at visitor center.
6. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
- Distance: 2.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 460 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time to Hike: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center
Just beyond Logan Pass Visitor Center, the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is a popular trek with many Glacier visitors. This picturesque highway passes through some rugged terrain and opportunities to see wildlife like mountain goats or bighorn sheep are abundant throughout the drive.
A paved trail begins to the rear of the visitor center and leads through a series of boardwalks in addition with gravel trails that meander across Hanging Gardens. This section offers impressive views of Clements Mountain to the Southeast, a high rock peak that towers above you along the route.
Wildflowers are abundant in the meadows, which also provide a high probability of seeing mountain goats. Approximately 1.5 miles in you reach the overlook where you become instantly gratified by sighting Hidden Lake itself. It is the perfect place to watch either sunrise or sunset and also escape from crowds during midday.
Adventurers who wish a bit more of an effort can hike all the way down to lake level that will tack on another 2.5 miles out and back in total. Please be aware though that this part of the trail is at risk for being closed later in the summer due to bear activity.
Parking at Logan Pass Visitor Center is limited; getting there by 8 AM or after 4 PM may be your best bet.
7. St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail
- Distance: 3.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 285 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time to Hike: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Trailhead: St. Mary Falls Trailhead
Calling all waterfalls lovers – if the churning waters of mountain vistas capture your imagination less than cascading falls, then you must set foot on St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail at some point in time! A moderate hike that will take you past some of Glacier National Park’s most famous falls: St. Mary and Virginia Falls
The trip starts at the St. Mary Falls Trailhead off Going-to-the-Sun Road, a regular stop for the park’s shuttle service. If you start at Sunrift Gorge or the very popular parking area midway on Going-to-Sun Road, Sun Point (the latter hosts lots of late morning visitors),
St Mary Falls (in approx 2.6 miles): Descend quickly through a forest with remains of past fires to reach St Mary Falls This bountiful, sapphire-colored water is coming from above as waterfall in two levels of cascade. On a few hot summer days, you might push yourself to jump into the falls or the creek.
A little over a mile past St. Mary Falls, the train takes you to Virginia Falls. Standing next to a single-drop waterfall that falls over 50 feet, this fall sends glacial waters spraying through the area in droves. Virginia Falls is usually refered to as the more impressive of the two but it receives much fewer visitors.
8. Siyeh Pass Trail
- Distance: 9.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,240 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time to Hike: 6 to 8 hours
- Trailhead: Piegan Pass Trailhead
A challenging and rewarding hike that takes you through by some of the most beautiful (and wild) landscapes in Logan Pass. Speaking of one-way trail heads and alpine meadows, this singletrack offers nearly nonstop views of the high mountains.
Getting there: Starting at the Piegan Pass Trailhead, ending near Sunrift Gorge along Going-to-the Sun Road. After hiking up one of the best maintained trails in the park, you’ll arrive at Mount Siyeh’s saddle and view expansive views into both Logan Pass to your south and St. Mary area to the north.
In route, you will travel through Sexton and Many Glacier Pass until arriving at Logan Bonnet where the Highline Trail trails off to a more busy trail. If you want to avoid climbing any, starting at Piegan Pass works best. To reduce the hassle of dealing with logistics, we parked at one end and used the free park shuttle plus a bit of hitching.
For a longer hike, you can make this an out-and-back route and retrace your footsteps instead of taking the shuttle to return.
9. Piegan Pass Trail
- Distance: 9.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,750 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time to Hike: 6 to 8 hours
- Trailhead: Piegan Pass Trailhead
Piegan Pass Trail For those seeking a less crowded trail head to the Piegan Pass Trail. Challenging trek with sweeping panoramic vistas of the Logan Pass area and views over three glaciers: Jackson Glacier, Blackfoot Glacier & Piegan Creek.
There is no need for a shuttle, as the Piegan Pass Trail shares its trailhead with the Siyeh Pass Trail. When you have traveled 2.6 miles down this same path, there will be a junction; Then take a left to go up Piegan Pass. The trail leads to the saddle between Piegan Mountain and Mount Pollock with some fantastic views.
The hike takes you through Preston Park, which features seasonal alpine wildflowers adding a splash of color to the landscape.
10. Baring Falls Trail
- Distance: 0.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 250 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Hike: 30 minutes
- Trailhead: Sunrift Gorge Pullout
This is a great option for an easy and short hike in the St. Mary area, as well Frequently ignored in favour of the neighbouring St. Mary and Virginia Falls, Baring Falls is a peaceful spot to relax by your camping tent with an impressive glacial waterfall as a claim to fame.
One of the most easily accessible trails at the park (only a quarter-mile walk from parking to an overlook near Sunrift Gorge) This, in turn, links to Baring Falls from Sun Point for a slightly longer but still fairly easy walk. Located near busier areas, this trail is surprisingly serene and offers a pleasant but easy change of scenery.
11. Gunsight Lake Trail
- Distance: 13.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,750 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time to Hike: 6 to 8 hours
- Trailhead: Gunsight Pass Trailhead / Jackson Glacier Overlook
The Gunsight Lake Trail is a great option for lodging guests looking to hit the trails and avoid crowds (but only if you’re into that sort of thing). The trail sets out from the Jackson Glacier Overlook just around Siyeh Bend off of Going to the Sun Road and into a remote, alpine wonderland.
The trail started with a descent from the overlook and then was open slightly to approach St. Mary River and Reynolds Creek in a beautiful valley. At the end, you come to Gunsight Lake… a blue hole set under the peaks of towering mountains. If you have a backcountry camping permit, get ready to camp on the lake itself for some of the most remote wilderness ever.
This also an area that has a lot of Wildlife, you are in grizzly and black bear country here, with lots of moose as well so keep your eyes peeled.
12. Grinnell Glacier Trail
- Distance: 10.6 miles (7.2 miles with boat tour)
- Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time to Hike: 6 to 8 hours
- Trailhead: Many Glacier Hotel near the Many Glacier Ranger Station
The Grinnell Glacier Trail is widely regarded as one of the premier hikes in Glacier National Park. This difficult trail takes you by way of four impressive glacial lakes and boasts incredible views over several glaciers, plus the truly fascinating Grinnell Glacier.
This trail can be hiked in two ways;
- Do the full 10.6 miles from the trailhead, including along Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine while you’re at it.
- You can shorten the journey by taking a boat tour from Many Glacier Hotel, which will get you across Lake Josephine and have you offloaded at the far end of it for an overall 7.2 miles roundtrip hike
The boat ride does not save on elevation gain or cut out much hiking mileage, but it is an interesting addition that the guides will talk about their perspective of landscape and glaciers. They are quite unique and offer a different flavour to your beer drinking experience.
Past Lake Josephine, the trail enters an open alpine environment as it begins to climb. Megaphone loud, the panoramas open to you now showing color filled meadows of wildflowers and just beyond emerald hued Lower Grinnell Lake.
The most stunning view comes at Upper Grinnell Lake. This breathtaking glacial-fed lake has a brilliant icy turquoise color and is frequently adorned with icebergs.
Nestled amidst towering glaciers like Grinnell Glacier and Salamander Glacier — a backdrop of the jagged Garden Wall peaks, one notable portion accessible via the Highline Trail. Almost too good to be true, this hike is a showstopper with frequent opportunities for spotting grizzly bears and mountain goats as well as bighorn sheep and more moose.
13. Iceberg Lake Trail
- Distance: 9.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time to Hike: 4 to 6 hours
- Trailhead: Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead
Another great Many Glacier area hike is the Iceberg Lake Trail. This is a relatively easy hike that starts behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and ends at an iceberg filled glacial lake (seriously). It stays cold enough that the icebergs can last all year long.
The trail for the first few miles is shared with Ptarmigan Tunnel, an area famous as grizzly habitat and a tasty spot if near huckleberries. At Ptarmigan Falls, the trail diverges to the left towards Iceberg Lake.
At the lake brilliant blue water is bordered by snowy peaks and adds a fantastic view at the end of this hike. A great place to stop for a picnic lunch, followed by your return hike along the same path back to the trailhead.
14. Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail
- Distance: 10.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time to Hike: 6 to 8 hours
- Trailhead: Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead
Given our imaging needs, we opted to enter America the night before and on Day 1 of this adventure hike one of Glacier National Park’s more unique treks -The Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail. This difficult path edges towards a nearly century old, historic 250-foot tunnel through the side of mountain.
Built in 1930 by the Civilian Conservation Corps for horseback sightseeing trips, it links Many Glacier Valley with the isolated Belly River Valley via a tunnel bored through towering Ptarmigan Wall.
The tunnel is usually open from late July through September but because of heavy snowfall this year, it has not yet opened. If you visit earlier in the summer, then this hike may be worth saving for later as much of the appeal is lost if you’re unable to actually go through the tunnel.
The Iceberg Lake Trail shares its first 2.7 miles with the villages Creek Highlands trail. When the trail splits at Ptarmigan Falls, stay right on the path to Ptarmigan Lake. The road has a small textile ascent of 500 feet in under a mile, so it’s best seen when moving down the other side.
Once you have crossed over the Ptarmigan Tunnel, You will be reintroduced to a new section of Glacier National Park.
Iceberg Lake or Ptarmigan Tunnel Loop Optional
Combine the Ptarmigan Tunnel — Iceberg Lake hikes and you have a full day, longer hike. The combo hike totals 14.8 miles, climbing roughly 2,800 feet in all. Get to Ptarmigan Falls and Iceberg Lake but not before doing the grueling hike up to that Tunnel by taking off good portion of day.
15. Cracker Lake Trail
- Distance: 12.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time to Hike: 5 to 7 hours
- Trailhead: South end of Many Glacier Hotel parking lot
With all their bright blue alpine lakes, Many Glacier is a well-known spot for it’s scenic beauty and if you have already tackled Grinnell Glacier or Iceberg Lake then Cracker Lake should be your next stop on your trail list.
The hike, a steady climb that starts on the Many Glacier Hotel lot and passes Sherburne Lake before eventually ending with Ptarmingan Falls, in no way meant to be difficult. The trail winds through forested patches before opening up to the incredible Cracker Lake. This alpine treasure is encircled by flower-filled meadows and towering mountain peaks.
Like most hikes in the area, bear sightings are prevalent so make sure to pack some bear spray and be on your guard all through this hike.
16. Swiftcurrent Pass Trail
- Distance: 13.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time to Hike: 8 to 10 hours
- Trailhead: Swiftcurrent Trailhead by Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking area
The Swiftcurrent Pass Trail is an excellent choice for advanced hikers looking to experience a challenging backcountry hike. This is a sharp climb through Iowa Lake, and over the Swiftcurrent Valley rim (Anthony Mountain), with magnificent views from above the Continental Divide. A popular side trip, Swiftcurrent Fire Lookout offers fantastic views along the park’s highest maintained trail.
We started hiking from Swiftcurrent Trailhead behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. The first port of the trail is quite flat and you will be walking through Fishercap Lake, Redrock Lake, Redrocks Falls and Bullhead lake; which are all great spots to see a moose.
Heading up into the Swiftcurrent Valley you are rewarded with panoramic vistas of isolated summits such as Heavens Peak, Granite Park Mountain (again), and myriad lakes.
Note that snow may persist at higher elevations into July or even August, so count on some areas of the trail to be snowy.
17. Redrock Falls Trail
- Distance: 3.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Hike: 1 to 2 hours
- Trailhead: Swiftcurrent Trailhead by Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking area
Many Glacier is one of the best places in the entire park to spot a moose, and although this particular hike isn’t overly strenuous or difficult it is very pretty.
The trailhead starts at the Swiftcurrent Trailhead, which is surpassed where you will find the lodging and establishments of the same name as well. This mostly level trail winds around Fishercap Lake and Redrock Lake. Make sure you take the side roads to get close and personal with mooses feeding in the water.
The path ends at Redrock Falls, a lovely waterfall tumbling down the base of Swiftcurrent Mountain. Relatively easy hike with panoramic vista views and numerous wildlife viewing possibilities.
With the boat tour, this is an easy 2.2-mile trail that is perfect for families or those looking for a low-impact trail. Glacier Park Boat Company also offers a guided hike and boat tour option.
18. Grinnell Lake Trail
- Distance: 6.8 miles (2.2 miles with boat tour)
- Elevation Gain: 60 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Hike: 2 to 3 hours
- Trailhead: Many Glacier Hotel near the Many Glacier Ranger Station
A good more moderate hike to the Grinnell Glacier trails is the hike to Grinnell Lake. With similar yet less, elevation gain panoramas of meadows and mountains this is a great alternative to the more challenging hikes.
Lower Grinnell Lake, nestled between dramatic peaks as an alternative to climbing up to Upper Grinnell Lake.
You can hike the whole 6.8 miles from Many Glacier Hotel, skirting Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine or you may take one of two boat tours cutting out 4.6 miles each down to Grinnell Point In any case, you get a scenic route with more rolling hills and less exertion than the Grinnell Glacier hike.
19. Pitamakan Pass & Dawson Pass Loop
- Distance: 17.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time to Hike: 10 to 12 hours
- Trailhead: North Shore Trailhead
It is intended for very experienced hikers and should only be attempted if you are in fantastic shape. Because the fire look out is remote and secluded, it boasts some of the best sights in Glacier National Park.
The trail can be traveled in either direction, but it’s most commonly accessed from the North Shore Trailhead on Two Medicine Lake. Then its a bit of an ascent to Dawson Pass, so if you want the easier climb go counterclockwise starting with Pitamakan pass.
The loop traverses a mix of alpine lakes and meadows, avalanche chutes and towering peaks. Pitamakan Pass has a panoramic view that includes five high country lakes, and the 2.9 miles between Dawson/Pitamakan Passes is one of Glacier’s prettiest stretches.
Want to come in for an overnight experience, backcountry permits are available that enable you turn it into a multi-day excursion with stays at Oldman Lake or No Name Lake campsite. Three miles of that trail can also be bypassed by taking the Two Medicine boat tour.
High in the mountains snow may be encountered, even during the summer and crampons could be required. In August or September For the best conditions tackle this trail.
21. Running Eagle Falls Trail
Why you should go: A distinctive waterfall with a perfect spot for a family picnic, just a short walk from the road.
- Distance: 0.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 26 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Running Eagle FallsSet in an idyllic little meadow near the entrance to Two Medicine Lake, just outside East Glacier Park Village (which is located on U.S. Route 2), Running Eagle Falls provide a perfectly pleasant way to stretch your legs after driving into the park. It’s also the perfect place to stop for a snack and let your little one get some energy out.
The trail is groomed, flat and very easy for all ages.
The running eagle falls is a beautiful display. It appears to come directly from the cliff, giving an impressive visual impact. At the bottom, a shallow pool at base (along with smooth gravel-studded creek) makes play ground for kids An ideal location to relax in and enjoy a picnic with plenty of room.
22. McDonald Creek
Why you should go: A serene escape from the crowds, offering a quiet, easily accessible trail with plenty of charm.
- Distance: 5.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 213 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
McDonald Creek is perfect for folks looking to get away from the crowds in one of Glacier’s busier areas. It is an easy hike and since in the summer time it doesn’t get as much traffic than other trails on Hurricane Hill.
The clear glacial waters of the creek rush and splash over large boulders by rapids, cascade down small waterfalls. Though not as dramatic of a hike compared to others, McDonald Creek provides tranquil backcountry atmosphere and so offers the perfect antidote for stepping out from some of busier sections in the park.
At the end of the hike, there are bigger falls for that with fewer views than previous trails giving a peaceful serenity in general. Watch out for wildlife such as moose and bears, which are easier to find here than in busier sections of the park.
23. The Garden Wall
Why you should go: Reach new heights atop the Continental Divide, where expansive views make the challenging climb worthwhile.
- Distance: 14.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,507 feet
- Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking to The Garden Wall is a worthy adventure for those looking for an inspiring day on the trail. One of the most emblematic rock formations in all Tetons, with an elevation well over 13k feet seen here towering on The Continental Divide and providing a panoramic view that will even take experienced explorers’ breath way!
The trail is tough, no bones about it. It has steep uphill sections as well as rocky scrambling portions. The hike is difficult but the views both along the way and from above make it one of a kind. The Garden Wall summit will deliver panoramic views in all directions, as if you have finally made it to the top of the world.
The Garden Wall is itself a national park iconic, with grinnell glacier below and adding scope to the scene.
Final Thoughts on Glacier National Park’s Top Hikes
Without a doubt, the best way to experience Glacier National Park is on foot. Exchanges offer trails to satisfy all skill levels and types of adventurers. With this guide to the best hikes in Glacier National Park, you can explore all that makes up our lower 48th national park from relaxing strolls across riverside paths through emerald forests and venturing above treeline on one of only four drivable mountain passes before finding yourself at a recalibrating lookout.
