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:
- Highline Trail
- Grinnell Glacier
- Pitamakan- Dawson Loop
- Iceberg Lake
- Hidden Lake Overlook
- Ptarmigan Tunnel
- Siyeh Pass
- Fishercap Lake- Redrock Falls
- St. Mary and Virginia Falls
- 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
- Navigation
- Sun Protection
- Insulation
- Illumination
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First-aid supplies
- Fire
- Matches/lighter
- Waterproof container
- Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)
- Repair kit and tools
- Nutrition
- Extra day’s supply of food
- Hydration
- Emergency shelter
Beyond the Essentials
- Backpack
- Daypack or summit pack
- Pack cover
- Tent-pole repair sleeve
- Footprint (if desired for tent)
- Sleeping bag
- Stuff sack or compression pack
- Pillow or stuffable pillow
- Whistle (plus signaling mirror)
- Multifunction watch with altimeter
- Trekking poles
- Ice axe
- Meals
- Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
- Energy beverages or drink mixes
- Stove
- Fuel
- Cookset (with pot grabber)
- Dishes or bowls
- Utensils
- Cups (measuring cups)
- Bear canister (or hang bags for food)
- Nylon cord (50ft for hanging food)
- Backup water treatment
- Collapsible sink or container
- Packable lantern
Clothing: Warm Weather
- Wicking t-shirt (synthetic or wool)
- Wicking underwear
- Quick-drying pants or shorts
- Long-sleeve shirt (for sun, bugs)
- Sun-shielding hat
- Bandana or Buff
Clothing: Cool Weather
- Wicking long-sleeve T-shirt
- Wicking long underwear (good sleepwear)
- Hat, cap, skullcap, balaclava or headband
- Gloves or mittens
- Rainwear (jacket, pants)
- Fleece jacket or vest, and pants
Footwear; Assorted Personal Items
- Hiking boots or hiking shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
- Gaiters
- Sandals (for fording, in camp)
- Camera or helmet camera (GoPro Hero 5)
- Extra memory cards
- Binoculars
- Permits
- Route description or guidebook
- Field guide(s); star identifier
- Outdoor journal and pen or pencil
- Credit card; small amount of cash
- Earplugs and eye cover
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Menstrual and urinary products
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Bear spray
- Toothbrush and/or toiletry kit
- Biodegradable soap (and shower bag)
- Quick-dry towel
- Cell phone/ satellite communicator/ 2-way radios
- Personal locator beacon
- Post-hike snacks, water, towel, clothing change
- Trip itinerary left with a friend and under carseat