by
Because of over 700 miles of trails, Glacier Nationwide Park hikes run the gamut from brief and candy to lengthy, multi-day backpacking journeys. What all of them have in frequent, although, is beautiful surroundings. With glaciers, waterfalls, and colorful wildflowers surrounding these routes, it is no surprise almost three million visitors came to the park in 2022. And, when the hiking boots come off at night time, famously dark skies make Glacier Nationwide Park ideally suited for stargazing: Together with Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park, which borders Glacier Nationwide Park throughout the Canadian border, this space has been named the world’s first transnational international dark sky park by The Worldwide Darkish Sky Affiliation.
From strenuous hikes with sweeping views, to relaxed boardwalk trails previous waterfalls, there are Glacier Nationwide Park hikes that may thrill skilled and new trekkers alike. Beneath, we cowl the best hikes in Glacier Nationwide Park, like Avalanche Lake and the 7,600-foot-elevation Piegan Cross trek—plus when to go and what to e book forward of time.
What to know earlier than you go
Summer time and fall are the perfect seasons to hike in Glacier Nationwide Park as extra companies are on provide. The roads are absolutely open to drive the Going-to-the-Solar Highway from early to mid-July till mid-October, and you may reap the benefits of free shuttle companies from July 1 (or at any time when Going-to-the-Solar opens; whichever comes first) by means of Labor Day. The shuttle is wheelchair-accessible, might be caught from the customer heart, and drops passengers off at a number of trailheads and viewpoints.
From a hike that ends with sizzling springs beneath the aurora borealis to an epic climb by means of America’s model of Patagonia, these mountain hikes have all of it.
Temperatures are usually low and funky in the course of the summer time and fall, not often climbing above 80 levels Fahrenheit. In case you’re seeking to absolutely immerse your self within the surroundings, contemplate camping in Glacier National Park for a couple of nights. (In the summertime, it’s beneficial to make a reservation for campsites that settle for them.) The park has additionally introduced plans for major construction in the course of the 2023 summer time season so put together for visitors delays and closures beginning in Could. There will probably be at the least a 30-minute wait as a result of development on Going-to-the-Solar Highway alongside Lake McDonald and there will probably be no entry to Going-to-the-Solar Highway from the West Entrance earlier than the 6 a.m. reservation interval. Use the St. Mary Entrance to entry Going-to-the-Solar Highway to keep away from delays.
On that observe, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee for Glacier (except visiting on a free entrance day) and vehicle reservations are required for the 4 areas of the park—Going-to-the-Solar Highway, North Fork, Two Medication, and Many Glacier. Glacier Institute Tours affords guided day hikes and multi-day hikes in addition to backpacking journeys if you happen to choose to discover with the steerage of an area knowledgeable.
For tips about the place to remain in Glacier National Park, read our complete guide.
The most effective hikes in Glacier Nationwide Park
Avalanche Lake
