Glacier National Park in Montana is a nature lover’s paradise with over 700 miles of hiking trails that offer jaw-dropping views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and rugged peaks should be on every hiker’s bucket list. From leisurely strolls to challenging alpine trails, there’s something for everyone in this incredible park. Check out our guide to some of the best hiking trails in Glacier National Park. All hiking distances in our list are round-trip.
Easy Hikes in Glacier:
Baring Falls Hike
Distance: 0.7-mile
This short hike is perfect for families and first-time hikers. It leads to a beautiful waterfall that cascades down a steep rock face, providing a serene and scenic view. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great choice for those looking for an introduction to the park’s hiking trails.
Hidden Lake Overlook
Distance: 2.8-miles
The boardwalk trail weaves through dense forests and offers views of wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife. As the trail ascends, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Hidden Lake, surrounded by towering mountain peaks.
Trail of the Cedars
Distance: 1-mile
This nature trail in West Glacier winds through a dense forest of cedar trees (some over 80-feet tall), passing by a beautiful stream and several small waterfalls. It’s a perfect option for a peaceful and accessible hike along a paved trail and raised boardwalk.
Twin Falls
Distance: 1-mile
This easy and scenic option leads to two beautiful waterfalls. The trail follows a gentle incline, passing through a dense forest and crossing several small streams. The twin falls at the trail’s end are a sight to behold, cascading down a steep rock face and providing a serene setting.
Moderate Hikes in Glacier:
Siyeh Pass Trail
Distance: 4.6-miles
The trail leads through a dense forest, passing by several small lakes and streams, and the prettiest alpine meadow in the park. As the trail ascends, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Red Rock Lake
Distance: 4.2-miles
This trail leads to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks. The trail follows a gentle incline, passing through a dense forest and crossing several small streams. The lake at the end of the trail is a sight to behold, offering crystal-clear water and a tranquil setting with a clear view of the Continental Divide.
Grinnell Glacier
Distance: 7-miles
Located at the heart of Glacier National Park, the trail offers stunning views of glaciers, mountain peaks, emerald-green lakes, lush forests, and grazing wildlife. It’s a challenging route, but it’s worth the effort for the As the trail ascends and descends, hikers can experience the micro-climates within the park.
Avalanche Lake
Distance: 5.9-miles
One of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park, the trail offers stunning mountainscape views and a crystal-clear lake. The trailhead begins at the Trail of the Cedars and follows a gentle incline, passing through a dense forest and crossing several small streams. The lake at the trail’s end is a sight to behold, and it’s the perfect place to swim, have a picnic, or skip rocks across the water’s glassy surface.
Strenuous Hikes in Glacier:
Iceberg Lake
Distance: 9.3-miles
This hike takes you to a beautiful lake crowned by towering mountain peaks. The trail is steep and rocky in some sections making it more challenging. Along the way, you’ll pass through fields of wildflowers and have a chance to see some of the park’s wildlife, including bears and mountain goats. The hike to Iceberg lake offers spectacular vistas of peaks and glaciers, and the lake is the perfect place to swim or soak in the views.
Cracker Lake
Distance: 12.8-miles
Nestled in the heart of the park, the hike to Cracker Lake offers glimpses of all Glacier has to offer. The trail is mostly flat but steep and rocky in some sections. Along the way, you’ll pass through fields of wildflowers and have a chance to see some of the park’s wildlife, including bears, moose, and mountain goats. Situated at the base of towering mountains, Cracker Lake’s cerulean waters invite hikers to take a refreshing dip.
Gunsight Lake
Distance: 12.9-miles
Beginning at the Jackson Glacier Overlook, the route to Gunsight Lake is popular among backpackers and day hikers alike. It offers changing views from deep woods to cascades, mountains, and the Blackfoot and Jackson glaciers. The hike takes you through prime moose habitats and fields of wildflowers, depending on when you visit.
Cut Bank Drainage
Distance: 12.4-miles
Begin at the amazing alpine meadows of Mount Morgan and experience breathtaking scenery along high mountain passes. The trail leads into a bowl of challenging switchbacks and avalanche chutes that lead to a meadow and forested area.
No matter which hike you choose, Glacier National Park will leave a lasting impression with its spectacular mountainscape, cascading waterfalls, and sparkling lakes. Under Canvas Glacier is your hub for the hiking adventure of a lifetime, where you can retreat to a cozy safari-inspired tent after an unforgettable day in the park.