Photo: Andrew Parlette from Elkridge,MD, US, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Glacier is jagged peaks, turquoise lakes and trails that run along cliffs above valleys carved by ice. Going-to-the-Sun Road climbs right through the middle, and Many Glacier on the east side holds some of the best day hiking in the country. Give it three or four days, and plan for July through September, when the high trails are open. Start early: parking at the big trailheads is gone by mid-morning.
TRAILS
1 OF 7
Highline Trail
Difficulty
Hard
Length
11.8 mi one way
Elevation gain
2,400 ft
Going-to-the-Sun Road · Logan Pass — The trail starts on a narrow ledge blasted into the Garden Wall, with a cable handrail and the road far below, then traverses wildflower slopes with mountain goats and bighorn sheep for miles. Most hikers go one way to the Loop, with a stop at historic Granite Park Chalet, and ride the shuttle back. For a shorter day, turn around anytime. Not for anyone uneasy with heights.
⚠︎ Often closed by snow into July. Logan Pass parking was limited to 3 hours in summer 2026; use the shuttle.
Photo: GlacierNPS, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
2 OF 7
Grinnell Glacier
Difficulty
Hard
Length
10.6 mi
Elevation gain
1,600 ft
Many Glacier · Grinnell Glacier trailhead — The trail climbs above Swiftcurrent and Grinnell lakes, glowing turquoise below, to a moraine where the glacier and its icy lake sit under the Garden Wall. It's one of the most dramatic day hikes in the park, and bears and bighorns are common along the way. Take the concession boats across two lakes to cut it to about 7.4 miles. The final stretch usually opens in mid-July.
⚠︎ Upper trail often closed by snow until July. Grizzly country: carry bear spray.
Photo: GlacierNPS, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
3 OF 7
Avalanche Lake
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
4.6 mi
Elevation gain
750 ft
Going-to-the-Sun Road · Avalanche picnic area — A steady walk through old cedar and hemlock forest beside a rushing gorge, ending at a lake ringed by cliffs with ribbon waterfalls pouring down. It's one of the most popular hikes in the park for good reason. The lot fills early, so arrive before 8 a.m. or late afternoon. Walk to the far end of the lake to lose the crowds.
Photo: NPS Photo / David Restivo, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
4 OF 7
Hidden Lake Overlook
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
2.6 mi
Elevation gain
600 ft
Going-to-the-Sun Road · Logan Pass Visitor Center — A boardwalk and trail climb through alpine meadows from Logan Pass to a view of Hidden Lake below Bearhat Mountain. Mountain goats often wander right past, and the summer wildflowers are some of the best in the park. It fits inside the Logan Pass parking limit. The trail down to the lake itself often closes for bear activity.
⚠︎ Snow can cover the trail into July. Bear closures are common past the overlook.
Photo: aparlette, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
5 OF 7
Iceberg Lake
Difficulty
Hard
Length
9.6 mi
Elevation gain
1,200 ft
Many Glacier · Iceberg-Ptarmigan trailhead — A gradual climb through open meadows ends at a deep blue lake under a semicircle of cliffs, where chunks of ice float well into summer. The grades are friendly for the distance, and the wildflowers and wildlife along the way keep it interesting. Bears frequent this valley, so carry bear spray and talk as you walk. Start from behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.
⚠︎ Frequent bear closures. Check trail status before you go.
Photo: Mountain walrus, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
6 OF 7
St. Mary and Virginia Falls
Difficulty
Easy
Length
3.6 mi
Elevation gain
550 ft
Going-to-the-Sun Road · St. Mary Falls trailhead — Two waterfalls for the price of one short hike on the east side. St. Mary Falls drops in tiers into a startlingly blue pool, and Virginia Falls is a tall, misty cascade just up the trail. The route passes through an old burn, so there's little shade but plenty of views. A good pick for the afternoon of a Logan Pass day.
Photo: GlacierNPS, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
7 OF 7
Trail of the Cedars
Difficulty
Easy
Length
0.7 mi loop
Elevation gain
Under 50 ft
Going-to-the-Sun Road · Avalanche picnic area — A flat boardwalk and paved loop through a grove of giant western red cedars, some centuries old. Halfway around, a bridge crosses Avalanche Gorge, where the creek has carved a narrow channel of red rock. It's accessible and great for any group. Combine it with Avalanche Lake, which starts from the same loop.
Photo: GlacierNPS, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Plan your Glacier trip
The Nova Bound app builds the whole trip around these trails: where to stay, where to charge, and what to see each day. Coming soon to the App Store.
Distances are round trip unless noted, from NPS.gov and rounded. Trails, permits and road openings change; always check nps.gov before you go. Trail write-ups by Nova Bound.