Top 3 Favorite Hikes in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is known for the glacier carved peaks and valleys, beautiful blue and turquoise lakes, and iconic mountain views. This national park has over 700 miles of hiking trails to enjoy and experience and has something for everyone. I have personally been to Glacier National Park 2 times and I’m already eager and itching to go back for more!
While I got to experience quite a few different trails, there are three that really stood out to me.
Highline Trail
Highline Trail, Glacier National Park
14.9 miles
2,621 feet of elevation gain
Difficulty: Strenuous
Not for the faint of heart, Highline Trail is an intense almost 15 mile hike on the edge of the mountain! There are cables to hold on to (as needed) on the side of the mountain to help at the beginning and throughout the trail. This hike would not be recommended for families with small children or anyone who is not physically fit. It took a toll on my body physically, however the views were more than worth it.
My husband at the beginning of Highline Trail where the cables are primarily.
The trail continues on the side of the mountains for a long time where you can also see wildlife such as deer, marmots, mountain goats, and sometimes even bears. I feel lucky we didn’t run into a bear on this trail, because I don’t know where we could have gone! After hiking about 7 miles or so, you have the option to hike straight up (not kidding, STRAIGHT up) the Garden Wall Trail which takes you to an overlook of Grinnell Glacier. This particular part of the trail goes up 900 feet in elevation in 0.9 of a mile. Let’s just say, I had to take a lot of breaks on the way up.
Garden Wall Trail on Highline Trail, Glacier National Park. Grinnell Glacier can be seen from here.
I could share so much more information and even more photos from this amazing trail, but we’ll save that for another time. ;) If you’re looking for a hike with amazing views the entire length of the hike, this one is it.
2. Iceberg Lake
Iceberg Lake Trail, Glacier National Park
9.6 miles
1,459 feet of elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Iceberg Lake Trail is an almost 10 mile hike located in Many Glacier in Glacier National Park. The hike starts out strong with a pretty decent incline in elevation and open views of the beautiful mountains. After a while you begin to hike through pine trees and come upon a huge waterfall, Ptarmigan Falls, which is a great spot to stop and eat lunch (or breakfast, if you’re an early riser).
The rest of the hike consists of more mountain views until you run into a meadow of beautiful wildflowers and foliage. From here, you climb once more for about a quarter of mile before you make your descent down to the stunning Iceberg Lake. Once at the lake, many brave souls will stick their feet in, try to stand on a piece of glacier (ice), or some even braver souls will put their swimsuits on and jump in!
The ever-so-beautiful Iceberg Lake.
Just one of the many beautiful views of Iceberg Lake. I can’t recommend this hike enough! This is labeled my favorite hike for “end result.” It’s a must see in Glacier National Park!
3. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
2.7 miles
551 feet of elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate
The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is a 2.7 out and back hike that shows iconic views of Glacier National Park. You’ll have to plan to get to this hike VERY early if you want a close parking spot at Logan’s Pass if you plan to go during peak busy season (summer). The parking lot fills quickly and if you don’t show up early enough, you will indeed be “vulture-ing” for a parking spot.
The trail consists mostly of boardwalk, however, don’t be deceived because the hike is steep. The boardwalks are there to help with mud, snow, and slush because even at the end of the July, my family and I were trekking through fields of snow after the boardwalk section ended. After about 1.3 miles, you’ll reach the overlook and see stunning views, as pictured above. If you’re lucky you may even run into mountain goats, marmots, or if you’re not so lucky, a grizzly bear.
Of my top 3 favorite hikes in Glacier National Park, this is by far the most kid & family friendly. This hike is definitely doable with kids, it just may take a bit longer to get to the overlook initially. This is a must-do hike for any family, couple, or person visiting Glacier National Park.
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading! Glacier National Park holds a near and dear place in my heart and I would really love to go back every year. As a photographer, of course I love to photograph beautiful places… but there is something special about Glacier. And if you weren’t swayed from the beautiful photos in this blog, I guess you will just have to go and see for yourself. ;)
Happy hiking!!!
