Trying to figure out which Glacier National Park trails are actually worth your time?
With 700+ miles of trails winding through mountains, meadows, lakes, and glaciers, itās easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you only have a few days in the park.
In this guide, Iāll share the best hikes in Glacier National Park ā what I loved, what Iād recommend skipping, and what you shouldnāt miss.
This guide is for first-time visitors or return hikers looking to narrow down their options and build a smart, rewarding trail itinerary.
Want a quick favorite? The Highline Trail lives up to the hype. If youāre up for the distance, the views are absolutely unreal.
These arenāt just popular picks. Theyāre the Glacier National Park best hikes for scenery, variety, and experience, tailored to different skill levels and timeframes.
Letās take a look at the trails that make Glacier one of the most breathtaking places to hike in the U.S.
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Table of Contents
The Best Hikes in Glacier National Park
With the help of fellow travel experts, Iāve compiled a hand-curated list of the best hikes Glacier National Park has to offer.
These include the best easy hikes in Glacier National Park, as well as the best moderate hikes in Glacier National Park, and even a couple of more difficult hikes thrown in for those up for the challenge.
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Best Hikes in Glacier National Park
10. Avalanche Lake Trail, Glacier National Park
Trail Length: 5.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: The trailhead shares a parking lot with the Trail of the Cedars
The hike to Avalanche Lake is one of the best trails in Glacier National Park and one of the most popular things to do in Glacier National Park. With an elevation gain of over 750 feet, itās a moderate trail with views worth every single step!Ā
Hiking the Avalanche Trail (Glacier National Park) starts at the Trail of the Cedars. A nice, flat boardwalk takes you through tall cedar trees and to an unbelievable mossy stream.
Past this scene is the trailhead to continue onto Avalanche Lake. The trail to the lake from this point is mostly uphill. Watch for tree roots and an uneven path most of the way to the lake.Ā
Avalanche Lake is a gorgeous lake with a beautiful backdrop. Across the lake are snow capped mountains and beautiful waterfalls cascading from the peaks. A tranquil setting and a perfect spot to rest for a while. Grab a seat on one of the many fallen logs to soak in the views completely.
Insider Tips:
ā¼ļø Because it is one of the top hikes Glacier National Park, the parking lot for the Avalanche hike fills up very quickly. Aim to get to the trailhead early ā by 7:00am during peak summer hours in order to find a parking spot. Alternatively, you can try to come in the early afternoon, after the early morning hikers have returned to their vehicles and left.Ā
Highlights:
ā³ļø Moderate hike with views worth the effort
ā³ļø Various mountain and stream views from the trail
ā³ļø Picturesque lake with gorgeous mountain views
Recommended by Nikki from She Saves She Travels
9. Hidden Lake Overlook, Glacier National Park
Trail Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitors Center Hanging Garden Trailhead
One of the most popular destinations in the park, the first half of the Glacier National Park Hidden Lake trail is a moderately easy 1.5 miles to the lake overlook (arguably the best view in Glacier National Park). Itās a combination of paved path, boardwalk, and dirt walkway, often with snow lingering into summer months.Ā
Clements Mountain and BearhatĀ Mountain make a striking backdrop, and close encounters with wildlife are common. Look for marmots, ram goats, and white mountain goats. Just be sure to give them plenty of space, even if they seem friendly. Grizzly bears have also been spotted around the lake.
The second, more strenuous, half of the trail takes you down to the lake via switchbacks. See hike description below for the remainder of the trail down to Hidden Lake.
Insider Tips:
ā¼ļø This trail is completely exposed to the elements at a high elevation, soĀ pack accordinglyĀ for sun and wind.
ā¼ļø To avoid crowds, try to visit Hidden Lake first thing in the morning.
Highlights:
ā³ļø Frequently wildlife spotting
ā³ļø With spectacular views all along the way ā and especially from the overlook ā this is the best short hike in Glacier National Park
Recommended by Michelle C from IntentionalTravelers.com
8. Hidden Lake Trail, Glacier National Park
Trail Length: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitors Center Hanging Garden Trailhead
While Hidden Lake Overlook is easily one of the most popular best short hikes in Glacier National Park (and possibly inĀ all of Montana), itās actually not the best part of this hike. Going all the way down to the glacially-carved lake provides spectacular close-up views and better chances of seeing wildlife, not to mention an opportunity to get away from the crowds at the overlook.Ā
Hidden Lake is just another 1.35 miles beyond the overlook ā the overlook is exactly halfway between the start of the trailhead and the lake.
While this portion of the trail isnāt particularly difficult, it is rather steep. Hikers descend 770 feet and there are some switchbacks to navigate closer to the bottom.
The trail ends at the northwest end of the lake, and there are a couple of pit toilets here. Feel free to walk around the lake and find a secluded spot for lunch.Ā
Insider Tips:
ā¼ļø Although the Hidden Lake hike is one of the best day hikes in Glacier National Park, the overlook-to-lake portion of this trail frequently closes for bear activity. Be extremely cautious and pay careful attention as you hike.
ā¼ļø Arrive extremely early or late in the day to avoid the bulk of the crowds.Ā
Highlights:Ā
ā³ļø Never-ending views of Hidden Lake and Bearhat Mountain
ā³ļø Trout fishing in Hidden Lake is excellent. Bring fly fishing gear and try to catch dinner!
Recommended by Taryn from Chasing Trail
7. Medicine Grizzly Lake, Glacier National Park
Trail Length: 12.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Medium
Trailhead: Pitamakan Pass Trailhead, parking lot at end of Cut Bank Road. The road starts outside the park about 11 miles south of St. Marys on Hwy 89.
Trails can often be crowed when you hike Glacier National Park. If you prefer a little more isolation, get away from the crowds by hiking to remote Medicine Grizzly Lake. Because the elevation gain is only 625 feet, this is a great way to get into Glacierās backcountry without climbing pains.
From the trail, the distant mountains are gorgeous. In the Southeastern range you can see Mad Wolf Mountain and Bad Marriage Mountain. Youāll follow Cut Bank Creek, moving between forested trails and meadows paths.
The open meadows are full of bear grass and huckleberries. In summer they will be filled with wildflowers. The willows along the creek are prime for moose and deer. The grasses are sometimes shoulder high so you should be extra bear aware.
Just before you arrive at your destination you will be treated to a large beautiful meadow where wildlife are often seen. Medicine Grizzly Lake sits in a bowl surrounded by mountain peaks including Triple Divide Peak and Razoredge Mountain. Youāll find waterfalls cascading down the walls.
For a great lunch spot, follow the edge of the lake to the sand bar where you can stretch out and take in the view.
Insider Tips:
ā¼ļø Carry bear spray, grizzlies are common
ā¼ļø Start early by camping in the primitive Cut Bank Campground.
Highlights:
ā³ļø Wildlife is abundant along creek
ā³ļø The large meadow just before Grizzly Lake is filled with wildflowers in summer
ā³ļø The best photo is from Sand Bar at the head of the lake
Recommended by Brad Stork from Walking The Parks
6. The Loop Trail, Glacier National Park
(also known as Grinnell Overlook via Granite Park Trail)
Trail Length: 11.4 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Challenging
Trailhead: The Loop, a hairpin turn along the Going-to-the-Sun Road
If youāre looking for some of the best hikes to do along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, The Loop Trail should definitely be at the top of your list.
This trail follows switchbacks from the Loop parking lot, all the way to the Granite Park Chalet, some 2,600 feet above your initial starting point. While the uphill climb feels relentless at times, the views are spectacular every step of the way.
Once you make the climb up to the Chalet, a historic lodge built in 1915, youāll have panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.
From here, be sure to make the additional climb to Grinnell Glacier Overlook. The ascent is brutal- gaining about 1,000 feet in under a mile- but the views at the top are sensational.
Insider Tips:
ā¼ļø Make sure to get here early. This one of the most popular Glacier National Park day hikes and the parking spots at the Loop parking lot are extremely limited, so being one of the first ones here will help guarantee you a spot. Ā
Highlights: Ā
ā³ļø 360-degree vistas of rolling fields of wildflowers and snow capped peaks from the Granite Park Chalet (and added bonus- the Chalet usually sells drinks and snacks in the summer!)
ā³ļø Looking north at the Grinnell Glacier overlook- youāll be able to see a series of jewel-colored alpine lakes and on a clear day, all the way to Canada!
Recommended by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
5. Virginia Falls, Glacier National Park
Trail Length: 2.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: The trailhead is a small parking lot just off the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Virginia Falls hike in Glacier National Park is a scenic hike with excellent views of several waterfalls.
Starting from the parking lot, the trail immediately descends into the forest. About halfway to Virginia Falls youāll see St. Mary Falls.Ā
This bright turquoise waterfall is a rapidly flowing fall thatās worth a brief stop. A bridge goes right over the falls, and thereās plenty of spots to stop and grab a photo.
The hike to this point is one of the most popular easy hikes in Glacier National Park, so it draws a lot of visitors and the trail may get crowded. Get an early start to avoid overcrowding.
St. Mary Falls is a beautiful Glacier National Park waterfall, but the hike gets even better.
After leaving St. Mary Falls, the trail gets slightly steeper on the way to Virginia Falls. Youāll pass the lower falls, but be sure to keep going until you see a bridge on the left of the trail and a sign directing you to the right for the overlook to Virginia Falls.Ā
Youāll hear the roar of the falls and see a large cloud of mist from the falls. You can hike all the way up to the base of the falls, but be warned ā the water is very cold!
A perfect spot for a snack or picnic in Glacier National Park, Virginia Falls is a scenic setting and one of the best waterfalls in Glacier National Park.
Insider Tips:
ā¼ļø Kick off your hiking boots or bring water shoes (find some water shoes here if you need to get some) enjoy the refreshing alpine water on a hot day. Back at the bridge, cross over and thereās a small pool thatās accessible to dip your feet in the water.
Highlights:
ā³ļø Frequently wildlife spotting
ā³ļø Spectacular views all along the way
Recommended by Nikki from She Saves She Travels
4. Bowman Lake, Glacier National Park
Trail Length: 26 miles (if you do the full trail out and back) ā but you can hike part of the trail for a shorter (and easier) hike
Difficulty: Difficult
Trailhead: Bowman Lake Campground.
If youāre looking to do one of the best hikes in west Glacier National Park, then this is the hike to do. Allow a full day for an adventurous, quiet hike along pristine Bowman Lake, located in the northwestern section of Glacier National Park.
Head seven miles northeast of sweet Polebridge on a bumpy, unpaved road to discover Glacierās Bowman Lake. Here, youāre not far from the Canadian border and youāll be exploring an area many folks donāt take the time to see. You can easily spend an entire week on Glacierās west side.
Park your car near the Bowman Lake Campground and follow signage to the lake. Tantalizing views of the lake pull you along the short path through the pine trees. Skipping stones, picnicking and paddling along Bowman Lakes is a spectacular treat.
Right at Bowman Lake you can hop on the hiking trail that follows the left side shore headed northwest through lush forest.Ā Donāt forget your bear spray (get some bear spray here if you need some).
Bowman Lake Trail (Glacier National Park) is an out and back trail with hardly any elevation change until well after you pass the lake. So you can hike for as long or as little as you like, depending on your groupās likes and abilities.
Hike more than 6.5 miles along the shore until you hit a fantastic backcountry campground along a rocky beach at the far end of Bowman Lake. Hiking further is when the trail becomes difficult as the challenging elevation begins towards Brown Pass. One way, you can hike this trail 13 miles before turning around.
Insider Tips:
ā¼ļø To reach Bowman Lake from the Apgar Visitor Center near Glacierās west entrance, drive north along Camas Road for nearly 12 miles to North Fork Road. Drive along the North Fork Flathead River to Polebridge, and then take Bowman Lake Road. The 32-mile trip to Bowman Lake will take 1 hour and 20 minutes, so make a day out of it, or better yet, stay at the Bowman Lake Campground (they are first come first served) and enjoy the lake more after day trippers are gone.
ā¼ļø You can easily hike part of this trail (it starts right beside the long lake), but plan accordingly by carrying enough water, snacks, and layers.
Highlights:
ā³ļø Beautiful lake
Recommended by Tanya Raedeke from Rad Family Travel
3. Grinnell Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park
Trail Length: 10.6 miles out and back (without ferry ride) or 7.6 miles out and back (with ferry ride)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Grinnell Glacier Trailhead: Many Glacier TrailheadĀ
The hike to Grinnell Glacier is one of the top hikes in Glacier National Park. Itās an out and back trail that winds past three alpine lakes and gains 1,600 feet of elevation ending high in the mountains at Grinnell Glacier.
The majority of the hike is along steep cliff edges and is filled with incredible alpine views of the Rocky Mountains, glacier-fed lakes, multiple snow caps and glaciers, and wildflower prairies.
To cut some time and mileage off the hike, hikers can opt to take the ferry across both Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine or hike around both lakes ā both options are absolutely beautiful!
Insider Tips:
ā¼ļø Bring plenty of layers! Although it may be hot at the trailhead, the temperature and weather at Grinnell Glacier can be drastically colder and even have snow. Sometimes there can be a 20-30 degree difference at the top! Make sure youāre prepared for all different types of weather.Ā
Highlights:
ā³ļø Panoramic overlooks of the mountains, valleys, and three alpine lakes
ā³ļø Views of multiple glaciers along the hike
ā³ļø Wildlife sightings of bighorn sheep, mountain goats, grizzly bears, and other animals!
Recommended by Stephanie from Travanie Travels
2. Otokomi Lake, Glacier National Park
Trail Length: 11 miles out and back (5.5 miles each way)
Difficulty: Moderately difficult
Trailhead: Rising Sun Trailhead in East Glacier
The hike to Lake Otokomi is located directly off of the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the eastern half of Glacier National Park.
Even though itās easily accessible in one of the most popular areas of the park, it is not one of the parkās most popular hikes which makes it a perfect option for those wishing to get a little off the beaten path.
The hike to Otokomi Lake is moderately difficult and winds through a variety of different landscapes including post-fire re-growth, dense forest, and past plenty of waterfalls and streams.
The reward at the end of the hike is Lake Otokomi ā a beautiful turquoise blue glacier-fed lake that is filled with beautiful red rocks and wild trout.Ā
Insider Tips:
ā¼ļø Make a full day trip out of this hike by bringing a few extra fun items with you like fishing gear, picnic supplies, hammocks, or a frisbee to hang out/entertain yourself with when you arrive at Lake Otokomi.
Highlights:
ā³ļø Hiking through diverse Rocky Mountain landscapes
ā³ļø Watching wild trout swim in the crystal clear water of Lake Otokomi
ā³ļø Experiencing low hiker traffic and potentially having the whole place to yourself
Recommended by Stephanie from Travanie Travels
You may be thinking: āThese hikes look fun, and Iād love to do them, but Iām not sure how to put them all together.ā I hear this all the time.
Getting an idea of what to do is just a start. The tricky part is coordinating them all into an itinerary that actually makes sense ā so youāre doing these hikes at the right time of day, joining them together with other activities in a logical order, and know how to get to the trailheads and where to go when youāre there.
To help take away the overwhelm of planning a trip to Glacier National Park, Iāve created several super detailed itineraries.
There are 1, 2, 3, and 4-5 ā day options: all with detailed hour-by-hour schedules, including alternatives for different activity and fitness levels, plus trail maps and descriptions, driving instructions, important information, essential tips, and everything else you need to make the most of your time in Glacier National Park.
Obviously, the more days you spend in Glacier, the more of these hikes you can do. If you follow the 5-day itinerary and you like to hike, you can do 9 of them (though there are also options to just do some of them if you want to sample some of the hikes but not be TOO active.) Stay an extra day for the Otokomi Lake Trail if you want to conquer them all!
And if you have less time, the itineraries will help you make the most of the time you have available.
1. Highline Trail, Glacier National Park
Trail Length: 11.8 miles one-way
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Highline Trail parking lot, Logan Pass
The Highline Trail is the most famous and popular Glacier National Park trail, and for good reason.
For over 11 miles, this trail snakes along the parkās exposed āGarden Wall.ā And while 11 miles makes for a full day of hiking, the trail itself is not terribly strenuous. From the parking lot, itās downhill most of the time to the trailās end at the Loop parking lot, with only a few uphill sections along the way.
Thereās no better way to see Glacierās wide array of wildlife, alpine flowers, and snow-covered peaks than the Highline. Glacier National Park is on full display!
Insider Tips:
ā¼ļø Bring LOTS of water. The entire trail is exposed and thereās no freshwater along the way. The Granite Park chalet does have water for sale, but itās 7 miles from the trailhead at Logan Pass.
ā¼ļø Dress in layers ā the morning may start cool, but it can get very hot by midday.
Highlights:
ā³ļø During the first mile, the trail hugs a cliff wall high above the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Thereās a railing in the wall for you to hold on to. If youāre afraid of heights, it might be intimidating, but itās also one of the coolest sections of the trail.
ā³ļø Around the 7-mile mark, thereās a short offshoot that goes to the Salamander Glacier and Grinnell Glacier. ItāsĀ VERY STRENUOUSĀ but worth it.
ā³ļø The trail has the best views in Glacier National Park the entire 11 miles.Ā
Recommended by Maggie McKneely from Pink Caddy Travelogue
Hiking Tips for Glacier National Park
Before we look at the ten best Glacier National Park hikes, letās go over a few tips for hiking Glacier National Park.
ā ļø As with most national parks these days, Glacier National Park gets crowded. Hit the trails early to beat the crowds.
ā ļø Some of these hikes are off the Going to The Sun Road. There is a reservation system for the road this summer.
ā”ļø Read my Guide to the Going to The Sun Ticketed Entry System here for the full lowdown.
ā ļø Take plenty ofĀ water and snacks. If you need a water bottle, I love the Hydroflasks
ā”ļø get one here on Amazon
ā ļø Make sure you have everything you need.
ā”ļø Check myĀ Day Hike Packing ListĀ to make sure you donāt end up on a hike without the essentials. This includes a sun hat andĀ sunscreen. If youāre hiking with a baby, you can carry them in aĀ baby hiking carrier.
ā ļø Donāt rely on cell service; it is very patchy in the park.Ā Download or have a printedĀ Glacier National Park hiking map.
ā”ļø National Geographic has a set ofĀ topographic trail mapsĀ you can buy here.Ā
ā ļø WearĀ sturdy hiking boots or shoes.Ā The terrain is often uneven and solid hiking shoes/ boots make a huge difference.
ā”ļø If you need to get some, be sure to read myĀ Guide to the Best Hiking Shoes/ Boots.Ā
ā ļø TakeĀ binoculars.Ā I always take binoculars when Iām hiking.Ā You never know when youāll see birds, animals or geographic features in the distance that are interesting to see in more detail.
ā”ļø I think theyāre so important that I wrote aĀ Guide to Finding the Best Binoculars For the Money.Ā Be sure to check it out.Ā
ā ļø This is grizzly/ brown bear country. Always take bear spray or a bear whistle with you when hiking in Glacier National Park.
ā”ļø Get some bear spray here if you need some.
Essential Hiking Gear
Before you set out on these Glacier National Park hikes, you will want to make sure you have the right gear.
ā”ļø Day Hike Essentials (Packing List)
ā”ļø Hiking Gear for Beginners (Packing List)
ā”ļø Best Hiking Shoes / Boots (Reviews and Recommendations)
ā”ļø Best Hiking Sandals (Reviews and Recommendations)
ā”ļø Best Winter Hiking Boots for Men (Reviews and Recommendations)
ā”ļø Best Winter Hiking Boots for Women (Reviews and Recommendations)
ā”ļø Best Baby Hiking Backpack Carrier (Reviews and Recommendations)
ā”ļø Best Backpack Carrier to Take Your Dog Hiking (Reviews and Recommendations)
HappyāÆhiking!
Subscribe to daily national parks planning tips, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the freeāÆPDFāÆof the
Best Hikes in Glacier National Park
Additional Planning Resources for Glacier National Park
ā Planning A Trip to Glacier National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
ā Guide to Glacier National Park Ticketed Entry
ā 15 Tips For Visiting Glacier National Park
ā How to Get to Glacier National Park
ā When is The Best Time To Visit Glacier National Park?
ā Visiting Glacier National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year
ā The Airports Near Glacier National Park
ā The Closest Airport To Glacier National Park
ā 10 Fun Facts About Glacier National Park
Do you have any other favorite hikes in Glacier National Park?āÆ Iād love to hear about them.āÆ Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.āÆ
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š” Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
ā¼ļø Are you looking for helpful tips for visiting US national parks? Read articles that share useful tips on a range of national-park related issues
š» Are you starting to plan a trip to Glacier National Park? Read my Glacier National Park Guide
š Do you want a ready-made super detailed plan for your trip to Glacier? Get a detailed 1 ā 5-day Glacier National Park Itinerary
š² Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
š Do you want to read a book about US national parks? Check out my Recommended Reading Lists
About the AuthorĀ
James Ian is aĀ national park, campingĀ andĀ hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of theĀ national parksĀ in the United States. WithĀ over 35 years experienceĀ in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as aĀ travel plannerĀ whoās helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James hasĀ published detailed itinerariesĀ for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well asĀ in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to manyĀ publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
Iām a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.