For those who love hiking, Glacier National Park — the “Crown of the Continent” — is a must-visit destination. The park encompasses 1 million acres and boasts nearly 200 trails, offering more than 700 miles of terrain to explore. From rugged mountain ranges to dense forest, ancient glaciers to crystal-clear lakes, every hike promises time well spent outdoors. Follow the paths of bighorn sheep and mountain goats, trek to one of the park’s 25 active glaciers or amble through a serene alpine meadow — stepping out on a hike in Glacier is a once-in-a-a-lifetime experience powered by your own two feet.
Before setting out on your hike, check the status of your chosen trail — closures may be in effect due to weather conditions or wildlife activity. Follow hiking safety guidelines as well as bear safety practices.
Walk through the heart of the park from Logan Pass to “the Loop,” a sharp bend in the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Traverse the Garden Wall ridge along the Continental Divide and enjoy nonstop views of mountains, streams and creeks, and valleys, spotting wildflowers and wildlife along the way. An optional spur leads to an overlook view of the Grinnell Glacier.
2. Grinnell Glacier
Follow this trail past serene lakes, striking cliffs and lush alpine meadows, and ultimately to the foot of one of the park’s most majestic glaciers. As the elevation rises, so do your chances of spotting mountain goats, one of Glacier’s iconic wildlife species.
3. Pitamakan/Dawson Loop
This strenuous trek showcases some of the most pristine landscapes in the southern half of the park. The route leads you through valleys, over mountain passes, past scenic lakes and across wildflower-filled meadows, following trails originally forged by bighorn sheep and mountain goats. If you're looking to shorten the journey, consider a boat tour across Two Medicine Lake.
4. Iceberg Lake
Pass through forest and open meadows to reach this stunning, cobalt-blue gem, nestled within a steep-walled rock basin. You might spot bighorn sheep, mountain goats, grizzly bears or moose along the way, and, depending on when you visit and how warm it’s been, you may see namesake icebergs floating in the cold, clear water of the lake.
5. Hidden Lake Overlook
This journey begins at the renowned Logan Pass and offers sweeping panoramic views throughout the trip. You’ll pass through alpine meadows teeming with wildflowers and navigate a glacial moraine that leads to an overlook of the pristine (and aptly named) Hidden Lake, with Bearhat Mountain in full view.
6. Ptarmigan Tunnel
Hike through meadows teeming with wildlife and abundant huckleberry bushes and pass a series of waterfalls, a lake and slopes with boulders as big as you are before reaching the Ptarmigan Tunnel. The 250-foot man-made tunnel, carved through the Ptarmigan Wall by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, opens to a sweeping view of the Belly River drainage.
7. Siyeh Pass
This scenic yet challenging hike reaches an elevation of 8,100 feet above sea level, making Siyeh Pass one of the highest trails in the park. Make your way over varied terrain — dense forest followed by vibrant wildflower meadow — before entering a rugged alpine landscape with a view of the Sexton Glacier. Trek over the pass and descend to the Sunrift Gorge, with views framed by majestic peaks and endless sky.
8. Fishercap Lake and Redrock Falls
A short scenic journey through groves of aspen and pine followed open meadows, this hike meanders through the Swiftcurrent Creek drainage along a chain of lakes and water features. Fishercap Lake is a serene spot frequented by moose, and farther down the trail you’ll find Red Rock Falls, a roaring cascade that surges over rust-colored cliffs.
9. Trail of the Cedars
Enjoy a leisurely, shaded stroll beneath the towering giants of the Trail of the Cedars. At just under a mile long, this accessible trail through an old-growth forest of hemlock and cedar offers an up-close look at living history preserved within the canopy.
10. Avalanche Lake
The start of this trail coincides with the Trail of the Cedars, leading through a vast cedar and hemlock forest along Avalanche Creek, which winds through a narrow gorge. As you gain elevation on the hike, glimpses of the rugged cliffs ahead peek through the trees. Finally, the trail opens to a picturesque lake, framed by steep cliffs and towering waterfalls.
