5 Breathtaking Hikes at Glacier National Park

If you love spending time outdoors and are looking for some breathtaking hikes, then Glacier National Park is the place for you!

Nestled on the border between Montana and Canada, Glacier National Park was established in 1910 and encompasses over an acre of mountainous terrain. The park also borders beautiful Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada.

The two parks combined form the world's first International Peace Park. In 1995, the park was designated a world heritage site and many of the local hotels and chalets that were built in the early 1900s are now National Historic Landmarks.

The park is home to more than 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 species of plants, and several different ecosystems including alpine tundra, forests, and meadows.

Wildlife includes:

• Bears (grizzly and black)
• Mountain goats
• Bighorn sheep
• Deer
• Elk
• Wolves
• Wolverines
• Canadian lynx

Now let's dive into our top 5 hiking trails that you won’t want to miss when staying at the park!

Trail of the Cedars

Some of North America's oldest species of trees can be seen right on this trail. Be sure to notice the signage posted on the trees so you can learn about them while taking in some beautiful views of the adjacent river.

Trail of the Cedars is perfect for kids with its relatively flat trails and short distance. Plus, the fresh air that the trees produce is sure to give anyone's lungs a treat while providing some much-needed shade on a hot day.

Total Distance: 0.86 Miles

Elevation Gain: 49 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Hiking, Walking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Glacier National Park requires a Park Pass to enter this trail
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller friendly
• Restrooms are included on this trail
• Bring bug spray
• Dogs are not permitted on this trail

Cracker Lake Trail

Want to see a bit of everything Glacier Park has to offer? Look no further than Cracker Lake Trail.  

This hike has a little bit of everything. You’ll cross old log bridges over some beautiful creeks, immerse yourself in breathtaking wooded areas that are home to many wild animals, and enjoy views of the lake at the end that is surrounded by mountains.

Get ready to snap some gorgeous pictures most of the day, as you spend time getting up close and personal with nature on this hike. Be sure to keep an eye out for moose and bears that you might be able to get a peek at.

Total Distance: 11.9 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1,650 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Glacier National Park requires a Park Pass to enter this trail
• Dogs are not permitted on this trail
• Bears are frequent along this trail, be aware of your surroundings
• Snow can cause slippery conditions

Grinnell Glacier Trail

We couldn't make a top trail list without including at least one challenging hike that is more than worth the effort. Grinnell Glacier Trail is that hike.

This trail will take you through some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in all of Glacier Park. You'll see waterfalls, alpine meadows blanketed in wildflowers, pristine mountain lakes, and, if you're lucky, even some wildlife!

Mount Grinnell will be in view most of the time. And for those looking for a "postcard picture" just wait until you reach the Grinnell Glacier viewpoint and take a jaw-dropping look at a 150-acre glacier.

Total Distance: 11.1 Miles

Elevation Gain: 2,181 Feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Glacier National Park requires a Park Pass to enter this trail
• Dogs are not permitted on this trail
• This trail is closed during certain seasons
• Snowshoes or spiked hiking boots are recommended alongside hiking poles
• Very slippery conditions at most times

Iceberg Lake Trail

This is one of Glacier Park's most popular trails for a reason. Iceberg Lake Trail provides hikers with some of the most incredible views of wildflowers, waterfalls, and... you guessed it, icebergs!

Starting with quite the climb, you will ascend about 250 feet. But after that, it's a relatively easy stroll. In the end, you will find Iceberg Lake, named after the multiple icebergs that inhabit the lake year-round due to Mt. Wilbur casting a shadow over the lake and keeping it  very very cold.

Total Distance: 9.32 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1,450 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Glacier National Park requires a Park Pass to enter this trail
• Dogs are not permitted on this trail
• Certain parts of the trail can be closed due to snowy conditions
• Bears are frequent along this trail, be aware of your surroundings

Avalanche Lake

Easily the most popular hike in the park, Avalanche Lake is nothing short of beautiful.

This hike is best done in the summer when the snow has melted and you can actually see the glass-like stunning blue waters of the lake that Avalanche Creek feeds into. 

With countless waterfalls and the old-growth cedar trees, this is a must-do hike when visiting Glacier Park.

Total Distance: 5.9 Miles

Elevation Gain: 757 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Glacier National Park requires a Park Pass to enter this trail
• Dogs are not permitted on this trail
• This trail can get very crowded
• Bears are frequent along this trail, be aware of your surroundings

We hope your visit to Glacier National Park is everything you hoped for and more. Be sure to take some time to enjoy all this park has to offer by getting out on one (or all!) of these breathtaking hikes!

Happy trails!