Barry PhilipsGlacier National Park in Montana is one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the United States. With towering mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, alpine meadows, dramatic valleys, waterfalls, wildlife and remnants of ancient glaciers, the park offers hiking experiences for almost every ability level.
With more than 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park has everything from short scenic walks to demanding alpine adventures. Whether you are visiting for a few hours or planning a multi-day hiking trip, choosing the right trail can make your experience much more rewarding.
Below are some of the best hiking trails in Glacier National Park, including popular hikes for beginners, challenging routes for experienced hikers, glacier viewpoints, waterfalls, alpine scenery and spectacular mountain landscapes.
Best Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park
1. Highline Trail
The Highline Trail is arguably one of the most iconic hikes in Glacier National Park and should be near the top of any experienced hiker’s itinerary.
The trail begins near Logan Pass and follows the Garden Wall along the Continental Divide, providing spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Much of the route is exposed, meaning hikers should be comfortable with steep drop-offs and changing mountain weather.
The full Highline route from Logan Pass toward The Loop is approximately 11.8 miles one way, with about 2,388 feet of elevation gain and significant elevation loss.
One of the attractions of the Highline Trail is the opportunity to encounter mountain goats, bighorn sheep and other wildlife. The trail also provides access to optional routes such as the Grinnell Glacier Overlook and Granite Park Chalet.
For visitors who do not want to complete the entire route, hiking a portion of the Highline and returning to Logan Pass can still provide an unforgettable experience.
Best for: Experienced hikers, mountain scenery, wildlife and photography.
Difficulty: Challenging
Highlight: Dramatic views along the Garden Wall.
2. Grinnell Glacier Trail
If seeing a glacier is one of your main reasons for visiting Glacier National Park, the Grinnell Glacier Trail is one of the best choices.
Located in the Many Glacier area, this challenging hike takes visitors through some of the park’s most impressive scenery. Along the route, hikers can see mountains, alpine meadows, waterfalls, lakes and glaciers.
The hike to the Grinnell Glacier viewpoint from the main trailhead is about 5 miles one way, with approximately 2,596 feet of elevation gain. Visitors can also shorten the route by using a concessioner boat option, reducing the hiking distance.
The destination provides views of Grinnell Glacier and Salamander Glacier surrounded by dramatic mountain walls.
Because the trail is relatively exposed and involves substantial elevation gain, hikers should be prepared for strenuous conditions. Snow can also remain on higher portions of the trail well into summer.
Best for: Glacier views, experienced hikers and alpine landscapes.
Difficulty: Challenging
Highlight: Grinnell Glacier and Salamander Glacier.
3. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
For visitors looking for a shorter hike with an enormous visual payoff, the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is one of the best options.
Starting behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center, the trail passes through alpine terrain featuring wildflowers, mountain views and opportunities to see wildlife.
The Hidden Lake Overlook is approximately 1.3 miles one way, with around 608 feet of elevation gain.
Many visitors choose to stop at the overlook rather than continue down toward Hidden Lake. Those who continue have the opportunity to get closer to the lake, although the additional section involves descending and later climbing back up.
The combination of relatively short distance and spectacular scenery makes Hidden Lake Overlook especially attractive for first-time visitors.
Best for: First-time visitors, families and scenic photography.
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Panoramic views of Hidden Lake and the surrounding mountains.
4. Avalanche Lake Trail
The Avalanche Lake Trail is another must-do hike in Glacier National Park.
Beginning near the Trail of the Cedars, the trail travels through an impressive forest before reaching Avalanche Lake. The lake is surrounded by steep mountain walls and waterfalls, creating one of the park’s most memorable landscapes.
The trail is approximately 2.3 miles one way, with about 741 feet of elevation gain.
Avalanche Lake is particularly popular because it combines a manageable hiking distance with dramatic scenery. Waterfalls cascade down the surrounding cliffs, while the lake provides a beautiful place to pause before returning to the trailhead.
Because it is one of the park’s popular hikes, solitude is not guaranteed. Nevertheless, the scenery makes it well worth considering.
Best for: Families, casual hikers, photographers and first-time visitors.
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Avalanche Lake and surrounding waterfalls.
5. Iceberg Lake Trail
The Iceberg Lake Trail is one of the signature hikes in the Many Glacier region.
The trail takes hikers through spectacular mountain scenery toward Iceberg Lake, which sits beneath towering cliffs. Depending on the season, ice may remain floating in the lake, creating an unforgettable alpine scene.
The route involves significant elevation gain and is best suited to hikers who are comfortable with a longer day hike. The Many Glacier area itself is renowned for dramatic mountain scenery and abundant opportunities to encounter wildlife.
Iceberg Lake is particularly appealing to photographers because of the contrast between the water, mountain walls and surrounding alpine environment.
Best for: Mountain scenery, photography and longer day hikes.
Difficulty: Challenging
Highlight: Ice-filled alpine lake surrounded by towering cliffs.
6. Swiftcurrent Pass Trail
For hikers seeking a demanding adventure, the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail is an excellent option.
The trail climbs from the Many Glacier area toward Swiftcurrent Pass, providing increasingly dramatic views as the elevation rises. According to the National Park Service, the route from the Swiftcurrent Trailhead to Swiftcurrent Pass is approximately 6.8 miles one way, with about 2,300 feet of elevation gain.
The trail passes through some of the spectacular landscapes that make Many Glacier famous, including lakes, forests, mountain slopes and alpine terrain.
Because of its length and elevation gain, hikers should allow sufficient time and carry adequate food and water. Weather can also change quickly in the mountains.
Best for: Experienced hikers and long mountain adventures.
Difficulty: Challenging
Highlight: Panoramic views from the high country around Swiftcurrent Pass.
7. St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls
If waterfalls are high on your Glacier National Park hiking list, the St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls route deserves attention.
This hike allows visitors to see multiple waterfalls without committing to one of the park’s longest alpine routes. Depending on where you begin, the distance varies.
The National Park Service lists routes to St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls from different starting points, with options ranging from approximately 1.6 to 2.4 miles depending on the trailhead or boat access used.
The trail combines forest scenery with rushing water and several attractive viewpoints.
It is particularly suitable for visitors who want to experience Glacier’s natural beauty without spending an entire day on a demanding mountain hike.
Best for: Waterfall lovers, families and moderate hikers.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlight: Multiple waterfalls in one hiking experience.
8. Grinnell Lake Trail
Not every spectacular Glacier National Park hike has to involve thousands of feet of elevation gain. The Grinnell Lake Trail offers a comparatively accessible way to experience the scenery of the Many Glacier area.
The National Park Service lists Grinnell Lake at approximately 3.4 miles, with only about 60 feet of elevation gain from the relevant trailhead options.
The trail provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and waterways, making it a good alternative for visitors who want impressive scenery without tackling the much more strenuous Grinnell Glacier hike.
The lake’s setting beneath Glacier’s dramatic mountain landscape makes it particularly attractive for photography and relaxed exploration.
Best for: Families, casual hikers and scenic walks.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlight: Mountain scenery with relatively little elevation gain.
9. Siyeh Pass Trail
The Siyeh Pass Trail is another outstanding choice for hikers who want to experience Glacier’s alpine environment.
This route takes hikers through a changing landscape of forests, meadows and high mountain terrain. The higher portions provide expansive views of Glacier’s rugged peaks and valleys.
The trail is best suited to hikers with good fitness because of its length, elevation changes and mountain conditions.
One of the biggest rewards of the Siyeh Pass route is the sense of entering Glacier’s high country. The scenery changes considerably as hikers gain elevation, providing numerous opportunities for photography.
The trail also provides views of glaciers and other dramatic geological features. The National Park Service identifies glacier views from the Siyeh Pass Trail as one of the park’s notable ways to experience its remaining glaciers.
Best for: Experienced hikers, alpine scenery and mountain photography.
Difficulty: Challenging
Highlight: High-country views and alpine landscapes.
10. Trail of the Cedars
The Trail of the Cedars is one of the best choices for visitors looking for an easy and accessible introduction to Glacier National Park’s forests.
Unlike some of the demanding alpine hikes, this trail allows visitors to experience the park’s ancient forest environment without climbing thousands of feet into the mountains.
The route is particularly appealing to families and visitors who have limited hiking time. It can also be combined with the Avalanche Lake Trail, making it possible to experience both a forest environment and an alpine lake during the same outing.
The National Park Service identifies Trail of the Cedars among the park’s nature trails designed for visitors to explore at their own pace.
Best for: Families, beginners, short walks and forest scenery.
Difficulty: Easy
Highlight: Giant cedar and hemlock forest environment.
How to Choose the Best Glacier National Park Hiking Trail
Choosing the right hike depends largely on your fitness level, available time and what you want to see.
If you are visiting Glacier National Park for the first time and want an iconic experience, Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, Hidden Lake Overlook and Avalanche Lake are excellent choices.
For families or travelers who prefer shorter hikes, Trail of the Cedars, Hidden Lake Overlook and St. Mary Falls are worth considering.
Experienced hikers looking for a serious challenge may prefer Grinnell Glacier, Swiftcurrent Pass, Siyeh Pass or the longer Highline Trail route.
If glaciers are your priority, Grinnell Glacier is particularly impressive. The National Park Service describes it as one of the park’s most famous glaciers and notes that it can be reached on a very challenging day hike from the Many Glacier area.
Best Time to Hike in Glacier National Park
The hiking season in Glacier National Park depends heavily on snow conditions, elevation and trail accessibility.
Lower-elevation trails may become accessible earlier, while high-elevation routes can remain covered by snow well into summer. For example, the National Park Service notes that the complete route to Grinnell Glacier may not become accessible until mid-to-late July, depending on snow conditions.
Before starting a hike, visitors should check current trail conditions, closures and weather information.
The park recommends carrying sturdy footwear, sufficient water, rain gear, warm layers, snacks and other essential hiking equipment. It also recommends carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it.
Wildlife Safety on Glacier National Park Trails
Glacier National Park is home to abundant wildlife, including bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and other animals.
Wildlife encounters are part of the attraction, but hikers should maintain appropriate distances and never approach, feed or attempt to interact with animals.
Hikers should also remain alert around blind corners, dense vegetation and areas where visibility is limited. Carrying bear spray is recommended by the National Park Service.
Weather is another important consideration. Mountain conditions can change quickly, so hikers should be prepared for rain, wind, cold temperatures and changing trail conditions even when the weather is pleasant at lower elevations.
Glacier National Park Hiking Tips for Beginners
If this is your first hiking trip to Glacier National Park, start with a trail that matches your current fitness level rather than choosing a hike solely because it is famous.
A shorter hike such as Trail of the Cedars or a waterfall hike can provide a rewarding introduction to the park. Once you are comfortable with the terrain, you can consider longer routes.
Always allow extra time for breaks, photography and unexpected delays. Avoid assuming that a short distance automatically means an easy hike; elevation gain, steep terrain, exposure and weather can significantly affect difficulty.
Cell phone coverage is also limited outside some developed areas of the park, so hikers should plan ahead and avoid relying entirely on a phone for navigation.
Glacier National Park Hiking Trails Comparison Table
| Hiking Trail | Approx. Distance | Difficulty | Main Attraction | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highline Trail | 11.8 mi one way | Challenging | Alpine views & Garden Wall | Experienced hikers |
| Grinnell Glacier | 5 mi one way | Challenging | Glacier & mountain scenery | Glacier views |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 1.3 mi one way | Moderate | Hidden Lake & alpine scenery | First-time visitors |
| Avalanche Lake | 2.3 mi one way | Moderate | Lake & waterfalls | Families & photographers |
| Iceberg Lake | Longer day hike | Challenging | Iceberg-filled lake | Scenic hiking |
| Swiftcurrent Pass | 6.8 mi one way | Challenging | Mountain & valley views | Experienced hikers |
| St. Mary & Virginia Falls | 1.6–2.4 mi options | Easy–Moderate | Waterfalls | Families & casual hikers |
| Grinnell Lake | 3.4 mi | Easy–Moderate | Lake & mountains | Casual hikers |
| Siyeh Pass | Long alpine route | Challenging | High-country scenery | Experienced hikers |
| Trail of the Cedars | Short nature walk | Easy | Old-growth forest | Beginners & families |
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Conclusion
Glacier National Park offers some of the most spectacular hiking opportunities in North America. From the dramatic exposure of the Highline Trail to the glacier views of Grinnell Glacier, the waterfalls of St. Mary and Virginia Falls, the forests of Trail of the Cedars and the turquoise waters of Avalanche Lake, there is a trail for almost every type of visitor.
For a first visit, Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier, Hidden Lake Overlook and Avalanche Lake are among the strongest choices for experiencing the park’s iconic scenery. Meanwhile, hikers seeking a quieter or less strenuous adventure can explore trails such as Grinnell Lake and Trail of the Cedars.
Whatever route you choose, preparation is essential. Check trail conditions, understand the distance and elevation gain, carry appropriate equipment, remain aware of wildlife and be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather.
With careful planning, hiking in Glacier National Park can become one of the most memorable outdoor experiences of your life.