Named after glacial forces that shaped its topography over millenniums ago, Glacier National Park has earned the “Crown of the Continent” nickname. Massive U-shaped valleys characterize it and bulging granite peaks drawn by long-ago ice flows. Established in 1910, Glacier National Park sits on 1,013,322 acres and has up to three visitor centers; Apgar, St. Mary, and Logan Pass. One of the biggest allures at the park is wildlife viewing. Glacier National Park has one of the largest populations of grizzly bears in the United States. Wolves, mountain lions, lynx, moose, goats, bighorn sheep, and over 260 bird species are other top attraction contenders.
It is reported that every year the Glacier National Park receives about three million visitors rallying to take on the 740 miles of trekking trails. Most visitors keep within the tracks of Going-to-the-Sun road, but some venture further into the wild, trudging through Alpine meadows, dense woodland, and backcountry roads. The 50-mile route, Going-to-the-Sun road, was constructed during the Great Depression by Civilian Conservation Corps. Regardless of where you start, Lake McDonald in the west or Lake St. Mary in the east, your feet will surely be sore.
Leading to iconic spots like Grinnell Glacier, Ptarmigan Tunnel, and Iceberg Lake, the leading hiking trails will leave you feeling somewhat close to Eden. It isn’t easy to choose between courses in the Glacier. The bottom line between all the hike courses in the park is the deep feeling of grandeur left behind by glacial valleys. You will also to able to find easy day hikes in all regions of the Glacier, as and Everyone will feel included.
Every hiking track in Glacier crosses a bear habitat, and proper precaution while hiking is a must for survival. Bear spray, traveling in groups, and Leave No Trace guidelines must be observed by hikers.
- Some essentials to bring hiking
Every hiker planning a trip to the Glacier must consider the following list of items per the U.S. National Park Service.
- Sturdy footwear
- Plenty of water, especially during the summer
- Bear spray after learning how to use it
- Bug repellent
- Sunscreen for the summer
- Raincoat and extra layers in the winter
- Snacks or lunch but observe the Leave No Trace guidelines
- Best hikes in the Glacier worth not missing
These are the best hikes you must consider while on your visit to the park.
- Highline Trail or Great Classic hike;
One of the most taken by those who visit the park, the Highline Trail spans 7.6 miles curves across the face of the famed Garden Wall, a classic lodge only accessible by trail, to Granite Park Chalet. The relatively flat course, built-in 1914, follows the Continental Divide through the center of the park. Slopes are concealed with alpine plants and wildflowers in the summer, with the views nothing short of astounding. At the start of this course, just next to Logan Pass, trekkers encounter a brief stint of ledge hiking with enough space for hikers to pass in opposite directions. Further up the course, hikers get a short side trip to Grinnell Glacier Overlook. At Granite Park Chalet, hikers can access snacks and beverages. From Granite Park, hikers get to choose from four possible trails;
- Go back over to Logan Pass.
- Stay along the Continental Divide to Goat Haunt about 22 miles.
- Take the course to Swiftcurrent Pass and the Many Glacier Valley about 7 miles.
- Descend to the Loop (4miles) and enjoy all points on the Going-to-the-Sun route.
The trail from Logan Pass Visitor Center finishing at the Loop has drinking water, restrooms, snack bars, and a ranger station.
- Pitamakan Pass and Dawson Pass
One of a few looped hikes in the park, the 18-mile steadily climbs and traverses two mountain passes with stunning views, teeming myriad plant and animal life. The lengthy trek can be clutched into a day itinerary if you fit and determined or spread through three days while taking a rest at the No Name Lake and Oldman Lake backcountry campgrounds (these require a permit). Departing the Two Medicine Campground, the hikers can head either clockwise or counter to climb over 2,400ft up to Dawson or Pitamakan Pass. Again, you will enjoy stunning views of glacier lakes and pointed mountains. The 3.4-mile flat stretch connecting Dawson and Pitamakan Pass is rich in scenery, and many have labeled the best day hike trail in the Glacier. Clockwise direction has prime grizzly bear habitat, which also doubles as a rangers study area, so up your guard and raise the racket to scare away the predators. This trail has drinking water, a restroom, and a ranger station.
- Sun Point To Virginia Falls
If it is a family trip, then this is the trail for you. The total trip distance is 7 miles, and 4-hour round trip. There are plenty of various trailheads east of the Going-to-the-Sun route that offer short interconnecting hikes, making for a good morning family stroll. For example, take the St. Mary Falls Course, climbing undemanding switchbacks through the trees down the valley to the gorgeous falls on St. Mary River. In addition, the trail has picnic spots and restrooms.
- Ptarmigan Tunnel
Ptarmigan Tunnel is a prerequisite experience for all visitors leaving the Glacier. Fabricated by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, the dynamited passageway connects two picturesque glacial valleys. The course is synonymous with backpackers going deep into the park. Day hikers can reach the impressive feat of the trail from Many Glacier in a 10.6-mile roundtrip. The demanding day hike with plenty for hikers to gaze at has an elevation of 2,300ft before reaching the tunnel. The intersection to Iceberg Lake is midway the course to Ptarmigan Tunnel. Hikers can also head to Ptarmigan Lake. Big switchbacks lead up to the tunnel, quite intimidating at first, but rest assured that the Belly River Valley view will make up for the effort. This route crosses through heavy bear country, so loud noise, bear sprays, and staying on high alert is a must.
- Iceberg Lake
At the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn in Many Glacier, this appositely named day hike goes for 4.5 miles and 1,200ft up to Iceberg Lake. The route intersects with that to Ptarmigan Wall and is wide enough to accommodate hikers moving opposite directions. Towards the end of this course, hikers encounter pulsating and subtle meadows right before descending to Iceberg Lake. The route is also known to cross the bear territory.
