With over 700 miles of exquisitely maintained trail, Glacier has hikes for everyone from toddlers to mountaineers. Day hikes in Glacier range from a third of a mile to twenty and beyond. Consider your group and choose a hike everyone will be able to enjoy. Pack as though you may have to spend the night. A headlamp, hat, gloves, jacket, first aid kit and extra food and water should be standard in every pack. Many people choose to carry bear spray. We sell canisters at The Glacier Park Trading Company.
Unless otherwise noted, hike mileage on these pages denotes the distance one way. So, unless you choose to remain forever at your destination, you'll want to double it to know how far you'll be hiking.
Family Hikes for all ages
Running Eagle Falls
This one-third of a mile walk along a wheel chair accessible trail takes you to a double waterfall. During heavy runoff, water cascades over the top as well as through an opening in the middle. Keep your eyes out for moose. As you drive toward Two Medicine Lake, you'll see a large, well signed parking area to your right.
Twin Falls
Water plunges over two stunning, side-by-side falls. You have several options in terms of getting here. You can hike the Two Medicine Lake South Shore Trail (3.3 miles), the Two Medicine Lake North Shore Trail(2.5 miles) or take the boat cruise across the lake and hike one mile.
Scenic Hikes
Rockwell Falls
This 3.5 mile hike culminates in a series of cascading falls. To get the full effect, cross the bridge and head farther up the trail. It starts at the south shore trailhead which you can access in front of the boat house at Two Medicine Lake. This hike offers multiple opportunities for side trips to Paradise Point, Aster Falls and Aster Point. If you have the energy, continue past the falls up to Cobalt Lake, a stunning alpine blue stretch of water.
Hidden Lake
This 3 mile hike begins behind the Logan Pass Visitors center and meanders through high alpine scenery. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep sightings are practically guaranteed.
Erik Molvar's "The Trail Guide to Glacier and Waterton" is an indispensable tome when planning hikes throughout Glacier and Waterton. It's always available at the Glacier Park Trading Company.
Off the Beaten Path
Oldman Lake
This Two Medicine Valley hike begins at the campground bridge and winds up the valley in the shadow of Rising Wolf Mountain. The lake affords an amazing view of the surrounding mountains. At 6 miles, this is an excellent all day jaunt.
Firebrand Pass
This extraordinary five mile hike passes through five distinct ecosystems. The trailhead is a bit tricky to find. Heading south out of East Glacier on Highway 2 you'll see mile marker 203 and a dirt road on the right. Just past the railroad tracks, you'll find the trailhead. From Firebrand Pass, Calf Robe Mountain is an easy climb.
Erik Molvar's "The Trail Guide to Glacier and Waterton" is an indispensable tome when planning hikes throughout Glacier and Waterton. It's always available at the Glacier Park Trading Company.
High Altitude Adventure
Dawson Pitamakin
The most amazing, and possibly longest, day hike in the park Dawson Pitamakin includes four miles of spectacular, above tree line scenery. This 18 mile trek is best done at the height of summer for optimal day light. Be prepared for wind up high. Begin at the bridge in the Two Medicine Campground and head along the north shore of Two Medicine Lake. All trail junctions are well signed. Enjoy!
The Highline
Park at Logan Pass and cross Going to the Sun Road. This spectacular alpine scenery can be the destination in itself. But the trail meanders seven miles to Granite Park Chalet which is a great turn around point.
J. Gordon Edwards' "The Climbers Guide to Glacier National Park" is a must read before attempting to climb Glacier's mountains. It's always available at The Glacier Park Trading Company.
Hop on a boat! The Glacier Park Boat Company does an amazing job conducting interpretive cruises throughout the park.