Literally on the way to Virginia Falls is Saint Mary Falls. Mileage: 2.7 miles (overlook only) & 5.4 miles (overlook and lake). Climb Mount Gould . We have rounded up our list of the best hikes in Glacier National Park Photo: Noah Couser. Glacier National Park Hikes. Lake McDonald Lodge. Best Easy day hikes Hidden Lake Overlook and Lake. Guys, shes turquoise and beautiful and everything youd expect out of a park like Glacier! Also, whether youre doing a long or short hike, its best to have bear spray with you. We know theres been a lot of feelings around the newly implemented ticketed entry system for Glacier National Park. The offer was made in 2017, but I had to decline. National Parks are the go-to summer vacation destination for 2021. Best Easy and Short Hikes in Glacier National Park St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls. Comprised of 1,583 square miles or 1,013,120 acres, Glacier National Park in Montana boasts over 700 miles of hiking trails! The total Siyeh Pass Loop is located on the east side of Glacier National Park and is. Along the way, youll pass by cedar groves and waterfalls. Glacier National Park offers a cornucopia of hikes, from casual strolls to serious expeditions, so choosing the best of any category of trails in this park is admittedly both a challengeand just a bit subjective. [b] 8.4 mi (13.5 km) Elevation gain: 2,650 ft (805 m) Trailhead: South end of Many Glacier Hotel parking lot. Parking is easiest in the Lake McDonald Lodge area, taking the shuttle to Avalanche, or there is some parking available at the trailhead. No matter what type of trail you are looking for, and no matter what level of difficulty, Glacier Park has the perfect trail(s) for you. So it is doable. This journey begins on Highline Trail, which could be a contender for the park's greatest views on its Swiftcurrent Pass. These are the best places for budget-friendly hiking trails in Glacier National Park: Grinnell Glacier; Iceberg Lake Trail; Highline Trail; Swiftcurrent Falls; Avalanche Lake; See more budget-friendly hiking trails in Glacier National Park on Tripadvisor I am currently traveling alone, and would like to do some hiking. What are the best short hikes in Glacier National Park? Swiftcurrent is Glacier National Parks version of a town. 2. This Glacier National Park trail is located on the Going on The Sun Road about 10.6 Avalanche Lake Trail. That said, if you're looking for a short hike that offers magnificent views, and is easy enough to be completed by almost any visitor, one rises to the top of my list. There is no shortage of spectacular lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and viewpoints within the boundaries of the park. Trailhead: The Avalanche Lake hike starts on the Trail of the Cedars, from the trailhead of the same name, on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Its a place thats truly indescribable. Many Glacier. The first half of the hike is easier than the second half. Hidden Lake trail. Alpine lakes meet rugged mountains soaring up to the sky. Siyeh Pass. hikes in Glacier National Park, BC. This 2.3-mile hike leads from a parking lot by the entrance to Many Glacier. Grinnell Glacier trail. For almost 12 miles, this trail takes hikers high above Going-to-the-Sun Road, with stunning views of the park and a chance to see glaciers, wildflowers, and wildlife. Gorgeous teal water at Saint Mary Falls. Glacier Park Multi-Day Hikes We've hiked every trail in Glacier National Park, most of them more than once, and many of them dozens of times. Easy lakeshore trails, hikes to wildlife-rich meadows and epic treks across alpine passes, these are the best hikes in Glacier National Park. Best Time of Year to Hike in Glacier National Park Because of its northern location, visiting Glacier National Park in the summer is critical if you have plans to hike Glacier National Park. Apgar Lookout. This hike has it allstunning alpine scenery, waterfalls, emerald green lakes, wildflowers, the chance to see wildlife, and of course, a glacier. Check out my other page on for the best hikes of Glacier National Park! (The closest actual town is Babb on Highway 89). In my opinion, this is the best place to stay in Glacier National Park. Apikuni Falls 1 mi (1.6 km) Elevation gain: 700 ft (213 m) Trailhead: Apikuni parking area, 1.1 miles east of Many Glacier Hotel. Probably more so than any region in Montanas Glacier National Park, Logan Pass provides access to a wide range of day hikes, ranging from short and mild, to long and strenuous; from dirt trails along lake shores, to rock scrambling in an attempt summit Continental Divide mountains. Mary / Rising Sun Area. All mileages listed are ONE-WAY. 2. After receiving questions about the best way to experience Glacier National Park, Bramante published a driving guide for the Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2013. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is the months of July and August. But first, I want to address the best time to go to Glacier National Park. Check out the sunrise and sunset times so you can be there during the magic hour while avoiding the crowds in Glacier National Park. Sperry Glacier Trail (16.4 miles/26.3 km) Mountain goats abound along Sperry Glacier Trail, the most challenging hike in the Lake McDonald region of the park. This National Park experiences extremely high visitor usage during the non-winter months and is actually the tenth most visited National Park in the country. For day hiking options, please consider: Day hikes, family hikes, short hikes, easy hikes, waterfall hikes and their overall best hikes! Top 10 hikes in Glacier National Park 1. 8.1 mi (13 km) Elevation gain: 200 ft (61 m) Trailhead: 1913 Ranger Station parking area. This 2.3-mile hike leads from a parking lot by the entrance to Many Glacier. The Highline Trail is one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park. Near Lake McDonald on the west side of the park, the 2.3-mile trail leading to Avalanche Lake is one of the best short hikes in Glacier National Park.Beginning from a busy parking area, the hike to Avalanche Lake immediately runs parallel to Avalanche Creek with great views of the icy, blue water carving its way through a canyon. The only accessible area by vehicle in Glacier during the winter would be from the West Entrance up to Lake McDonald. Whatever kind of hike you need, Glacier National Park never disappoints. You can hike around the Lake McDonald area during the Winter 3. Here is list of the best child friendly hikes in glacier national park. Avalanche Lake is about 4 miles RT and has around 400 ft. elevation change, so this is one of the easier trails in the park. Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center. 10 Best Day Hikes in Yosemite National Park 1. Half Dome 2. Vernal & Nevada Falls Loop 3. Upper Yosemite Falls Trail 4. Sentinel Dome 5. Clouds Rest 6. Four Mile Trail 7. Lower Yosemite Falls Loop 8. Taft Point 9. Cathedral Lakes 10. Mirror Lake Loop One of the best things about this park is that it is much less crowded than its northern counterparts, Banff and Jasper. Here are 6 Ways to Play in the Park Without One. Difficulty. (In case you missed it, from May 28-September 6, 2021, you need to have an entry ticket to access the entrances at Camas Road, West Glacier and St. Mary between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. The North Fork is a 40-mile drive from the west entrance to the park. Because of the weather in northern Montana, theres a short window of time thats the absolute best time to go if you want to see most of the park. There is a bit of an incline at the beginning of the hike, but then it is mostly flat. My friend, Tom had asked me if I wanted to go backpacking with him and his son, Charlie. That said, if you're looking for a short hike that offers magnificent views, and is easy enough to be completed by almost any visitor, one rises to the top of my list. The Iceberg Lake Trail is a popular hike in Glacier National Park due to the incredibly scenic lake youll see at the end of the trail. Glacier National Park is home to many species of animals, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, glacial blue creeks, and scenic roads that wrap around the mountainsides for some of the best views in the country. 6 Epic Hikes in Glacier National Park The Garden Wall. Elevation Gain: 540 ft. & 1325 ft. Hidden Lake is one of the most iconic images of Glacier National Park and because of this, its also one of the most popular trails. Trail of the Cedars This hike is done point-to-point, from Logan Pass to the Loop. Best for: Families with little kids, beginner hikers, a picnic on the lake, or a night hike. Whether you are hiking with kids in Glacier National Park or you just want to experience some beautiful nature without working too hard, there are definitely options. This is a 5.7-mile, moderate hike that gains nearly 750 feet in elevation. I always tell folks if they want to get within short walking distance to glaciers, you should go to Banff area. Elevation Gain: 2,300ft. By opting to hike on this trail, you will get a glimpse of a gorgeous alpine lake. Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana and spills into Canada, creating the worlds first international Peace Park. Trailhead Travelers Recommended Hikes in Glacier National Park 1. Glacier National Park has more than 200 waterfalls scattered throughout the park. So, with only a limited amount of vacation time, which falls should you visit on a day hike? Below are my top waterfall hikes that will hopefully lend some guidance. Best Time: July; This hike presents a bit of a changeup from the majority of the hikes in glacier park, which feature higher elevations, and sweeping views of the parks mountainous terrain. The 10 Best Hikes in Montana's Glacier National Park: The Greatest Hikes on Earth Series by Team At 10Adventures and Richard Campbell Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint [a] 5.3 mi (8.5 km) 15 BEST HIKES IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK HIKES IN LAKE MCDONALD AREA. Out of all of the strenuous hikes found in Glacier National Park, Apikuni Falls trail is one of the few that is easy for all kinds of travelers. You'll also find some great local park options, like Herron Park or Pig Farm Trail System. After receiving questions about the best way to experience Glacier National Park, Bramante published a driving guide for the Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2013. Situated on the United States-Canada border, Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta is the Canadian counterpart to the American Glacier National Park. From challenging mountain hikes to easy strolls in downtown parks, there is a hike for any ability. Location: West Glacier, MT Distance + elevation gain: 6.5 miles, 3800 Trailhead: 48.491304, -113.862539 Ousel Peak is an amazing mountain hike right next to the Glacier N.P. This is one of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park. Red Eagle Lake. Many Glacier. Also, majority of hikes are not accessible outside of this time frame due to snowfall. Fishercap Lake trail. Why you should go: A unique waterfall and great picnic area thats a short walk from the road. Avalanche Lake At the top of many bucket lists is one park in particular: Glacier. While some of the park can be seen on scenic drives, like Going-to-the-Sun Road, the best way to see Glacier National Park is on a hike! This short, easy hike was quick, pretty, and a perfect way to ease into the park. Running Eagle Falls Trail Grinnell Lake. The Highline is really a one-way trip and includes a car shuttle at the end. Hidden Lake Overlook is one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park and the easiest hike in the Logan Pass Area. Sapphire & Elm Travel co-owner, Stephanie went to Glacier National Park in June, 2016. [] Carl. In 2014, he published his Day Hikes of Glacier National Park Guide. Because the Park has a short hiking season and is a very popular destination, we will not find solitude on the trails or the river - we will, however, find fun, challenge, laughter and beauty during our week in Glacier National Park. Best Hikes Glacier National Park: Easy to Moderate. A short hike on a level trail, the east side of the glacier is a popular hangout spot for moose. The park does not disappoint with views, and offers hiking trails of all levels. Best time to visit Glacier National Park 9. Distance: 0.6 miles Elevation Gain: 26 feet Difficulty: Easy Located right outside of East Glacier Park Village, this little hike to Running Eagle Falls serves as a great reason to stretch your legs after a long car ride into the park. Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center. With over 700 miles of trails, one could really spend a whole summer here without running out of new routes to try. I am planning an impromptu trip to Glacier for the end of this month (May 2019) and will be there from the 28th 31st. One of the best must-see things to do in Glacier National Park is the hike to Hidden Lake. also remember that GTTSR may not be open if you go in June, even later in the month. The park does not disappoint with views, and offers hiking trails of all levels. Best Easy day hikes Hidden Lake Overlook and Lake. The Flathead Valley is a mecca for hiking trails. The trailhead is conveniently located steps away from the Logan Pass Visitors Center and this short trail really does pack a big reward. In 2014, he published his Day Hikes of Glacier National Park Guide. Youll leave from a trailhead on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and follow the trail down a widely burned forest area. Before your visit, check out our post on everything you need to know about Glacier National Park. From there, its a short hour-long hike to the fall. Looking for the best short, easy hikes in Glacier National Park? 01. Apikuni Falls 1 mi (1.6 km) Elevation gain: 700 ft (213 m) Trailhead: Apikuni parking area, 1.1 miles east of Many Glacier Hotel. So here is a list of bonus hikes in Glacier National Park that you should take a look at as well. Nicknamed the Crown of the Continent, its a place unlike any other. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail Difficulty 2.6mi 541ft 1-2h We can hardly think of another short hike in the world that 03. One of the best hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Kings Creek Falls is a beautiful 30-foot waterfall in a spectacular canyon. This trek rises almost 5,000 feet (1524 m) in elevation, making it one of the more difficult day hikes in Glacier National Park. They are also the easiest and include two of the accessible hikes in the park. There are many hikes in Glacier Park, but this is a list of what I would call moderate hikes. If you only have one day I highly suggest looking into the Many Glacier valley. Hiking in Glacier National Park. Even if you are only planning on an hour or two of hiking, make sure to bring your water bottle with you!