Your Ultimate Glacier Hiking Guide

With glacier-carved valleys, turquoise alpine lakes, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife, Glacier National Park is one of North America’s premier hiking destinations. Whether you’re looking for a scenic half-day adventure or a challenging backcountry trek, Glacier’s trail system offers unforgettable experiences around every bend. From iconic glacier views to panoramic mountain passes bursting with wildflowers, these are some of the best hikes in Glacier National Park.

Grinnell Glacier Trail

Distance: 11.2 miles roundtrip (approximately 7 miles using the shuttle boats)
Duration: 5–7 hours
From Lodging: 5 minutes from Many Glacier Hotel

One of the most iconic hikes in Glacier National Park, the Grinnell Glacier Trail rewards hikers with breathtaking alpine scenery, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and one of the park’s most accessible glaciers. Beginning near Many Glacier Hotel, the trail climbs steadily through wildflower-filled meadows and along the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine before reaching spectacular views of Grinnell Glacier and its vibrant turquoise lake.

For those looking to shorten the hike, optional shuttle boats across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine reduce both mileage and elevation gain while still providing access to the trail’s most memorable scenery. Along the way, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, mountain goats, marmots, and other wildlife that frequently call this area home.

Insider Tip: Carry bear spray, make plenty of noise while hiking, and always give wildlife plenty of space.

Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail

Distance: 10.7 miles roundtrip
Duration: 5–7 hours
From Lodging: Near Swiftcurrent Motor Inn

Offering one of Glacier National Park’s most unique hiking experiences, the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail combines alpine meadows, mountain lakes, dramatic cliffs, and an unforgettable historic tunnel carved through the Continental Divide.

The trail begins with a gradual climb through forests and open meadows before ascending above the tree line to the hand-cut Ptarmigan Tunnel, completed in 1930. Stepping through the tunnel reveals an entirely different landscape on the opposite side of the mountains, making this hike feel like visiting two parks in a single day.

Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer months, and wildlife sightings—including mountain goats and bighorn sheep—are common along the higher elevations.

Swiftcurrent Pass

Distance: 14.2 miles roundtrip
Duration: 8–10 hours
From Lodging: Approximately 1 mile from Many Glacier Hotel

For experienced hikers seeking one of Glacier National Park’s most rewarding day hikes, Swiftcurrent Pass delivers incredible scenery from start to finish.

The trail winds past Fishercap Lake, Redrock Lake, and Bullhead Lake before climbing steadily toward Swiftcurrent Pass. As elevation increases, sweeping views of rugged peaks, alpine valleys, waterfalls, and glacier-carved landscapes unfold in every direction. The final ascent rewards hikers with panoramic vistas stretching across the Continental Divide before connecting with the Highline Trail near Granite Park Chalet.

With its combination of alpine lakes, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking mountain scenery, Swiftcurrent Pass is a classic Glacier adventure.

Piegan Pass

Distance: 9.1 miles roundtrip
Duration: 4–6 hours
From Lodging: Approximately 50 minutes from Lake McDonald Lodge

If you’re visiting Glacier National Park during wildflower season, Piegan Pass should be at the top of your hiking list. This scenic trail begins beneath towering evergreens before gradually climbing into expansive alpine meadows filled with colorful summer blooms.

As the forest opens, hikers are treated to spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and the Jackson Glacier Basin before reaching panoramic Piegan Pass at 7,570 feet. The combination of mountain scenery, abundant wildflowers, and moderate elevation gain makes this one of Glacier’s most rewarding day hikes.

The trail also offers excellent opportunities to spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and other native wildlife while enjoying some of the park’s most picturesque alpine landscapes.

Whether you’re chasing glacier views, alpine lakes, or panoramic mountain vistas, Glacier National Park offers hiking experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. After a day on the trail, unwind at one of Xanterra’s historic Glacier National Park Lodges, where comfortable accommodations and unforgettable scenery make the perfect basecamp for your next adventure.