Glacier National Park offers a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures. While there isn’t a centralized park headquarters for starting hikes, various trailheads throughout the park serve as starting points for popular trails. This guide covers key hikes, their distances, difficulty levels, and notable features, helping visitors plan their Glacier National Park hiking experience.
What Are the Most Popular Hikes in Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park boasts numerous hiking trails, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking views. Here are some of the most popular hikes:
- Highline Trail (The Loop)
- Hidden Lake + Hidden Lake Overlook
- Trail of the Cedars
- Avalanche Lake
- Running Eagle Falls
- Cracker Lake
- Granite Park Chalet (via Highline)
- Grinnell Glacier Overlook
Let’s explore each of these hikes in detail.
What Are the Trail Details for the Highline Trail?
The Highline Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Glacier National Park.
- Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center
- Distance: 13.3 miles one way (plus 1.6 miles for the Grinnell Glacier Overlook)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Estimated Completion Time: 7-10 hours
- Features: Outstanding views, alpine meadows, wildflowers
- Notable Sections: Haystack Butte and the Grinnell Glacier Overlook
This trail offers some of the most spectacular views in the park, traversing along the Continental Divide with panoramic vistas of glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks.
How Accessible is the Hidden Lake Trail?
The Hidden Lake trail is a popular choice for its stunning views and relatively easy accessibility.
- Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center
- Distance: 3 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Estimated Completion Time: 2-3 hours
- Features: Boardwalk trail, stunning views of Hidden Lake and the surrounding basin
This trail begins with a boardwalk, making it partially accessible for those with mobility issues. As you progress, the trail becomes more challenging but rewards hikers with breathtaking views of Hidden Lake.
What Makes the Trail of the Cedars Unique?
The Trail of the Cedars is an excellent option for those seeking an easy, accessible hike.
- Trailhead: Lake McDonald
- Distance: 1 mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
- Features: Forest hike, waterfalls
This trail is wheelchair accessible and features a boardwalk through an old-growth cedar forest. It’s a great option for families or those looking for a short, scenic walk.
How Challenging is the Avalanche Lake Trail?
The Avalanche Lake trail offers a moderate hike with a beautiful payoff.
- Trailhead: Avalanche Picnic Area
- Distance: 6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Estimated Completion Time: 3-4 hours
- Features: Avalanche Gorge, scenic lake views
This trail takes hikers through Avalanche Gorge and ends at the picturesque Avalanche Lake, surrounded by steep cliffs and waterfalls.
What Can Hikers Expect on the Running Eagle Falls Trail?
Running Eagle Falls is a short, easy hike suitable for most visitors.
- Trailhead: Two Medicine
- Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Completion Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Features: Waterfalls
This brief hike leads to a unique waterfall where water seems to emerge from the middle of a cliff face.
How Strenuous is the Cracker Lake Trail?
The Cracker Lake trail is one of the more challenging hikes in the park.
- Trailhead: Many Glacier
- Distance: 12.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Estimated Completion Time: 6-8 hours
- Features: Alpine lake, outstanding views
This trail rewards hikers with stunning views of Cracker Lake, known for its vibrant turquoise color due to glacial silt.
What Are the Highlights of the Granite Park Chalet Hike?
The hike to Granite Park Chalet via the Highline Trail is a challenging but rewarding adventure.
- Trailhead: Logan Pass
- Distance: 15.2 miles one way
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Estimated Completion Time: 8-10 hours
- Features: Outstanding views, alpine meadows, wildflowers
This hike combines the scenic beauty of the Highline Trail with the unique experience of reaching the historic Granite Park Chalet.
How Does the Grinnell Glacier Overlook Enhance the Highline Trail?
The Grinnell Glacier Overlook is a challenging addition to the Highline Trail.
- Trailhead: Logan Pass (junction with Highline Trail)
- Distance: 15.5 miles one way (including Highline Trail)
- Additional 0.8 miles each way for the overlook
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Estimated Completion Time: 9-12 hours
- Features: Outstanding views, alpine meadows, wildflowers
This steep spur trail off the Highline offers unparalleled views of Grinnell Glacier and the surrounding landscape.
What Are the Accessibility Features for These Hikes?
Accessibility varies greatly among the trails in Glacier National Park:
- Parking: Available at various trailheads but can be limited during peak season.
- Trail Conditions: Range from well-defined and easy to follow (Trail of the Cedars) to challenging with steep drop-offs (Highline Trail).
- Transportation: The Glacier Shuttle runs along Going-to-the-Sun Road, useful for one-way hikes like the Highline Trail.
What Specific Challenges Should Hikers Be Aware Of?
Hikers should be prepared for several challenges:
- Seasonal Considerations: Trails can be snow-covered and icy in early season. Some trails may be closed due to snow and maintenance.
- Wildlife Encounters: The park is home to grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Hikers should carry bear spray and know how to react to wildlife encounters.
- Weather Changes: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Hikers should be prepared with appropriate gear and clothing.
What Gear is Recommended for Hiking in Glacier National Park?
Essential gear for hiking in Glacier National Park includes:
- Adequate water and snacks
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Layered clothing for changing weather
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Trekking poles (especially for trails with significant elevation changes)
- Bear spray
- First aid kit
- Map and compass (or GPS device)
By being well-prepared and choosing trails that match your fitness level and experience, you can safely enjoy the stunning beauty of Glacier National Park’s hiking trails.