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Hiking in Glacier

Over half of the people who come to visit Glacier National Park come for the hiking. There are over 700 miles of trails which provides a vast amount of opportunities for short and long hikes as well as easy and strenuous hikes.

Trail Safety

Hiking in Glacier National Park is very beautiful, but it can also be very dangerous. Make sure to hike during normal work hours. If you go too early or too late, you will more than likely run into a bear. When hiking, you need to make sure to always stay in a big group and make a lot of noise. This warns bears that you are coming. If a bear hears loud noises, chances are they will try to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them. Usually the main reason bears get aggressive with people is because they feel threatened and are trying to protect their cubs. It is also highly recommended to keep bear spray with you at all times incase you do have a run in with one. I personally like to use Frontiersman Bear Spray because it is maximum strength and comes with a holster for your belt or chest. It is also a good idea to stop by the park visitor center before hiking so you may learn of any warnings or recommendations they suggest. Unless you are a very experienced hiker, always stay on the trail.

Best Trails

According to Visitmt the top 10 hikes in Glacier are as follows:

  1. Highline Trail
  2. Grinnell Glacier
  3. Pitamakan- Dawson Loop
  4. Iceberg Lake
  5. Hidden Lake Overlook
  6. Ptarmigan Tunnel
  7. Siyeh Pass
  8. Fishercap Lake- Redrock Falls
  9. St. Mary and Virginia Falls
  10. Avalanche Lake

Trail Status

The National Park Service has detailed reports on the status’ of the trails on their Trail Status Page. The page is updated each morning or anytime new information is obtained. So be sure to check the status of the trail you are planning on going on before you get there and find out it is closed. In the early parts of the summer, the lower trails are usually snow free. By the time mid to late July comes around the upper trails are usually snow free as well, but this can change. The Trail of the Cedars and Running Eagle Falls trails are wheelchair accessible.

Guided Tours

There are many options to go on guided tours either with park rangers or on a boat with a captain. If you would like to go on a tour with a ranger you can go both during the summer and winter. Visit the Guided Hiking Trips page to schedule your trip now.

Overnight Trips

If you would like to plan an overnight trip in Glacier National Park, you will need to stop by the Agpar Backcountry Office, St. Mary Visitor Center, or other ranger station to get a permit.

Hiking Gear

  1. Navigation
  2. Sun Protection
  3. Insulation
  4. Illumination
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition
    • Extra day’s supply of food
  9. Hydration
  10. Emergency shelter

Beyond the Essentials

Clothing: Warm Weather

Clothing: Cool Weather

Footwear; Assorted Personal Items