If this is your first time visiting, here’s everything you need to know about hitting the hiking trails of Glacier National Park!
1. Choosing the Right Hiking Trail in Glacier National Park
Start with a hike that matches your ability and time constraints. Here are some of the best beginner-friendly options:
Easy (to Moderate) & Scenic:
✅ Trail of the Cedars (1 mile loop) – Wheelchair-accessible, boardwalk through an ancient cedar forest.
✅ Avalanche Lake (4.5 miles round trip) – A must-do! Hike through a lush forest to a stunning alpine lake. The hike is harder there, than when coming back! Take breaks and enjoy the scenery.
✅ Hidden Lake Overlook (2.8 miles round trip) – Mountain views, often littered with mountain goats or bighorn sheep along the way.
✅ St. Mary’s & Virginia Falls (3.6 miles round trip) – A beautiful waterfall hike with multiple scenic cascades. I LOVE this hike.
✅ Redrock Falls (3.6 miles round trip) – Gentle hike through meadows leading to a beautiful cascading waterfall.
✅ Running Eagle Falls (0.6 miles round trip) – A short, flat trail leading to a unique “trick” waterfall.
Moderate (to Difficult) but Rewarding:
✅ Iceberg Lake (9.3 miles round trip) – One of the most iconic hikes, with a chance to see floating icebergs in the summer. (Summer 2025 includes construction in this area – tacking on mileage due to a detour)
✅ Highline Trail (7-11 miles depending on route) – Incredible ridge views with minimal elevation gain at the start. If you wish to shorten this hike, but still experience that ridge walk, turn around whenever you feel ready to return back to Logan Pass!
2. When to Go
☀️ Best Season: July–September (most snow has melted, and trails are fully accessible).
❄️ Early Summer Caution: Some trails may still be snow-covered or closed due to bear activity.
🍂 Fall Bonus: Fewer crowds, golden larch trees, and cooler hiking conditions.
3. Essential Gear
📌 Daypack Must-Haves:
✔️ Bear spray – Non-negotiable!
✔️ Plenty of water – At least 2 liters per person.
✔️ Electrolytes – Powder packs or tablets help prevent dehydration, especially in summer.
✔️ Layers – The weather can change quickly. Bring a rain jacket!
✔️ Snacks – High-energy foods like trail mix, granola bars, or jerky.
✔️ Map – Cell service is unreliable, so carry a printed map or download offline maps.
✔️ Sunscreen & sunglasses – The alpine sun is stronger than you think.
4. Safety Tips
🚶♂️ Hike in Groups: Glacier is bear country. More people = less risk.
🐻 Know Bear Safety: Make noise, carry bear spray, and never run if you see a bear.
🌧️ Check the Weather: Afternoon storms roll in fast—avoid exposed ridges if storms are forecasted.
🌲 Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, stay on trails, and respect wildlife.
5. Parking & Getting Around
🚗 Arrive Early: Popular trailheads fill up fast, sometimes before 7 AM.
🚌 Use the Shuttle: The free park shuttle can save you the stress of finding parking, especially on Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Going-to-the-Sun Road information located here.
Happy hiking! 🏔️🥾
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