Best Hikes in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a premier destination for hiking, backpacking, and exploring the beautiful vistas of northern Montana. From the turquoise lakes nestled at the bottom of deep valleys to the snow-capped peaks of the rugged mountains, a day spent outdoors at Glacier National Park is one to remember.

With over 700 miles of trails winding their way through the forests and mountains of Glacier National Park, choosing your routes can be tricky. That's why we've rounded up some of the most popular trails in the area, as well as some of our personal favorites. Read on to discover the best hikes in Glacier National Park.

Avalanche Lake

Length: 2.5 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Found near the western portion of Glacier National Park, the Avalanche Lake Trail is popular for its beauty and accessibility. The trail follows Avalanche Creek through lush forests, over footbridges, and near several waterfalls and scenic lookouts.

Avalanche Lake is the real highlight of the trail. Located at the top of the hike and framed by towering cliffs, this mirror-still pool is a picturesque spot for a photoshoot. The shallow water also makes a great place to cool off after your hike.

Hidden Lake Overlook

Length: 3 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Another popular lake trail, Hidden Lake Overlook is located near the popular Logan Pass area of the park. The trailhead is accessible by car, or you can take a shuttle during the summer months.

The hike begins on a well-maintained boardwalk through a peaceful meadow before leading into rockier terrain. While not a difficult hike, the trail has an elevation gain of around 1,200 feet. Hidden Lake lies tucked away in a valley behind one of the park's peaks, making it a perfect place to spend an afternoon in secluded tranquility.

Iceberg Lake

Length: 4 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Iceberg Lake lies in the cutout of a towering peak near Siyah Bend. The sharp cliffs that surround the lake block much of the sunlight throughout the year, leading to floating chunks of ice that persist through the seasons.

While the lake is a sight to behold, the journey there is no less enjoyable. Tall trees and colorful wildflowers line the path, and hikers often catch glimpses of local wildlife along the trail, including moose, deer, and mountain goats.

Grinnell Glacier Trail

Length: 5 Hours
Difficulty: Hard

One of the most popular and well-known trails in Glacier National Park, the Grinnell Glacier Trail is famous for a reason. This longer, more difficult hike offers an unforgettable trek through some of the most spectacular scenery in the park. You'll be treated to peerless vistas of lakes, mountains, forests, and wildlife.

The crown jewel of this trail is Grinnell Glacier, one of the few remaining glaciers in the park. Hikers can admire the huge expanse of ice and snow from an overlook at the end of the trail. If you only have time for a handful of hikes during your trip, make sure this is one of them.

Highline Trail

Length: 7 Hours
Difficulty: Hard

Highline Trail is a popular path that takes hikers along the Garden Wall, a steep ridge that separates the Many Glacier and Belly River Valleys. Not for the faint of heart, this challenging trail offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape from a thrilling vantage point.

While the sights are supreme, the trail demands commitment. Expect a seven-hour expedition with an elevation climb of more than 2,600 feet. If you're willing to plan ahead and bring plenty of supplies, this hike is an extremely rewarding experience.