Elevation gain: 1,400 ft (427 m) You’ll be rewarded with views of pristine glacial lakes and crystalline cascading waterfalls with stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks. A view of Grinnell Glacier from the end of the hiking trail in August, 2019. You’ll also see two smaller glaciers, Salamander and Gem, above Grinnell Glacier. RT, with around 650 ft. of elevation gain, the hardest part being climbing up many steps (that are spread out to make it easier) on a boardwalk. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. Grinnell Glacier Editor's Pick. The east side of Glacier National Park is well known for its scenic hiking trails with thousands of visitors venturing to Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake and Ptarmigan Tunnel each summer. 4.3 mi (6.9 km) Elevation gain: 1,750 ft (533 m) Grinnell Lake [a] 3.4 mi (5.5 km) Elevation gain: 60 ft (18 m) Trailhead: Grinnell Glacier Trailhead or Many Glacier Hotel [b] 1.1 mi (1.8 km) Elevation gain: 60 ft (18 m) Using concession boat from Many Glacier Hotel, tour fees apply. up ~300 ft. a switchback to the top of Haystack Butte. Elevation gain: 800 ft (244 km) Swiftcurrent Falls. This shaves about 1.7 miles off the hike. 1.4 mi (2.2 km) Compared to other hikes in the Many Glacier area, like Iceberg Lake, this trail is far less crowded and equally as rewarding. Click here for an overview map of the trail. Details: Total Distance: 7 miles. You should be able to spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep along the mountainsides, and possibly grizzlies and black bear below the trail. Elevation gain: 100 ft (30.5 m) An alternative to hiking to the Grinnell Glacier from the trailhead is to take a boat from the Many Glacier Hotel across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine where you pick up the trail on the south end of the lake. Nevertheless, it’s still quite an impressive sight. According to various resources, the Grinnell Glacier Overlook hike is considered difficult. 6.4 mi (10.3 km) Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center Elevation gain: 2,400 ft (731.5 m) Elevation gain: 2,300 ft (701 m) Use this link to Google Maps for our Glacier National Park Montana Map. Easy shoreline ambling leads … Those hikes are beloved for good reason but the park features over 700 miles of trails, many of which fly under the radar of those who visit the east side. 2.3 mile loop (3.7 km) It took Alex and me two tries to successfully make it to Grinnell Glacier. I personally don’t use a Katadyn anymore and instead stick with our SteriPen, which requires zero effort but takes considerably longer than a pump filter. [b] 3.6 mi (5.8 km) Elevation gain: 1,600 ft (488 m) Using concession boat from Many Glacier Hotel, tour fees apply and reservations highly recommended. This hike has it all…stunning alpine scenery, waterfalls, emerald green lakes, wildflowers, the chance to see wildlife, and of course, a glacier. Not to mention, the trail is a long one! This is a great spot to take a break and have lunch or a snack before you set off again on what is the most difficult stretch of the trail so you can be rewarded with the spectacular view of Grinnell Glacier and Grinnell Lake at the trail’s end. You’ll pass through open meadows with mind-blowing views of Grinnell Falls, Lower Grinnell Lake, the Continental Divide, Angel Wing and Mount Gould. The trail meanders along Lake Josephine for a while, and then quickly climbs out of the forest. I would give yourselves about 4-5 hours to enjoy the hike. Trail Highlights – Crystalline turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, towering peaks, plentiful wildlife and the iconic Grinnell Glacier. About Grinnell Glacier Trail. However, you can shave 3.4 miles off your roundtrip hike by taking the two shuttle boats across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. If you’re going to hike this trail, make sure to get started early as it’s 11 miles round trip. Elevation gain: 60 ft (18 m) Trailhead: Piegan Pass Trailhead, [b] 8.4 mi (13.5 km) Trailhead: Many Glacier Hotel parking area. The lake achieves this surreal color because of glacial ‘flour’ in the water, which is rock ground into a fine dust by glacier movement. Now that is something special. Trailhead: Apikuni parking area, 1.1 miles east of Many Glacier Hotel, Cracker Lake Elevation gain: 2,300 ft (701 m) The only really noticeable elevation gain is the last 0.3 mi. While the trail is a bit lengthy for an easy hike, the elevation gain is minimal and the walk is astoundingly beautiful. The beginning of the trail traverses the shoreline of Swiftcurrent Lake for roughly half a mile. Marched back down to the Chalet and was feeling rather good considering the 4300 ft Be aware that even though this trail is heavily travelled, it’s also a prime grizzly area, so make plenty of noise when you come around blind bends in the trail, especially if you’re hiking in the early morning hours. Once you reach the top, congrats! Trailhead: Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead, Piegan Pass Elevation gain: 700 ft (213 m) Trailhead: Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead, Ptarmigan Tunnel* Click here for blogs and video on the Grinnell Glacier Hike <-Back to Day Hiking in Glacier National Park If you’re unfamiliar with hiking through Grizzly Bear habitat, I’ve explained the precautions here. You should always bring a can of bear spray when hiking in Glacier–especially on this trail though. Grinnell Glacier Comparison 1938 vs 1981 (. Elevation gain: 460 ft (140 m) Grinnell Glacier is steadily melting, having shrunk to almost in half its former size in the last forty years due to rising temperatures. Great hike! Glacier National Park trail maps are available for free at the entrance, however, the maps show little detail. Trailhead: Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead Trailhead: Grinnell Glacier Trailhead or Many Glacier Hotel, [b] 1.1 mi (1.8 km) At the trails end, you’ll arrive at the massive Grinnell Glacier and the stunning, milky turquoise waters of Upper Grinnell Lake. We started the hike around 7:30am and got back around 2pm after snacking and taking breaks throughout the hike and chilling at Grinnell Glacier. Trailhead: Grinnell Glacier Trailhead or Many Glacier Hotel, [b] 3.6 mi (5.8 km) Either way, be sure to bring more than a plain ol’ water bottle, as that will not be enough water to keep you safely hydrated on this trail. Got some feedback? Located in the Many Glacier region of the park, the Grinnell Glacier trail is a … 6.8 mi (10.9 km) Trailhead: South end of Many Glacier Hotel parking lot, Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint The trail arrives at a picnic area, at which point, you’re about a half mile from the end of the trail. Elevation gain: 1,600 ft (488 m) Why you should go: Hunt for a couple of lovely waterfalls set amid … Trailhead: Swiftcurrent Trailhead, by motor inn parking lot, Swiftcurrent Nature Trail Perry Rosenbloom is the founder of Glacier National Park Travel Guide. [a] 3.4 mi (5.5 km) Grinnell Glacier lost 45% of its area between 1966 and 2015. The first ¼ mile past the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead is wheelchair accessible It was shady going to the glacier and sunny on the way back. After that, you’ll come upon Lake Josephine, which is where the trail begins a slight incline following the shoreline with the peaks of Mount Gould and Mount Allen towering majestically around you. Elevation Gain: 220 feet. 8. Using concession boat from Many Glacier Hotel, tour fees apply, Iceberg Lake It is also regarded as one of the best hikes in the USA. Grinnell Glacier: Ranger Led Hike - See 651 traveler reviews, 737 candid photos, and great deals for Glacier National Park, MT, at Tripadvisor. Highline Trail. After a vigorous pull gaining 275 feet in a … Horses are also able to use this trail. The hike to Grinnell Glacier is one of Glacier National Park’s most beautiful hikes. Take a good look, because glaciologists estimate that by 2030, this glacier and all of the others in the park will have melted completely. This hike offers a highlight reel of Glacier’s defining characteristics. 1.8 mi (2.9 km) Best hike with kids in Many Glacier #4 Grinnell Lake Hike in Glacier National Park. Sometimes moose are also spotted in this area. Detour to Grinnell Glacier Just before arriving at Granite Park Chalet you have the option to take the detour to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook. Never attempt to walk on the glacier, which is carved with deep crevasses masked by snow, making it extremely hazardous for all but the most experienced glacial trekkers. Trailhead: Many Glacier Hotel. Visible by a very challenging day hike from the Many Glacier area; 5.1 miles one way via Grinnell Glacier Trailhead ; 4.5 miles one way via concessioner boat from Many Glacier Hotel ; 1,600 feet of elevation gain; Grinnell is perhaps the most famous glacier in the park In .6 miles you will gain over 900ft in elevation! This is hands down one of my favorite trails in all of Glacier National Park. [a] 7.6 mi (12.2 km) You’ll also see two smaller glaciers above Grinnell, Salamander and Gem. *Additional 1.2 miles (1.9 km) further to Hidden Lake, dropping 780 ft (238 m) from the Overlook. 5.3 mi (8.5 km) Elevation gain: 1,600 ft (488 m) *Tunnel doors generally open mid-July to late September, Redrock Falls We first attempted the hike after we arrived to Glacier … Many Glacier. In our opinion the group was a bit large for a 7.8 mile hike with 1600 feet of elevation gain, as it seemed we were always waiting for people to catch up. If you’re not a big hiker, the Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail is perfect for you. The elevation gain is 1840 feet. … Located in Many Glacier, the first few miles of trail to Grinnell Glacier roll gently through a forest and pass two mountain lakes. Grinnell Glacier Comparison 1938 vs 1981 (source), A Grizzly Bear Spotted on the Grinnell Glacier Trail. It’s an 11.2 mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 2,161 feet. This hike is roughly 7.6 miles roundtrip and is marked as strenuous. Roundtrip Length – 11 miles; Elevation Gain – 1,600 feet; Peak Elevation -7,000 feet; Parking Lot — Yes; Difficulty – Moderate; Region – Many Glacier; Availability of Water – Yes Trailhead: Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead, Ptarmigan Lake Trail Highlights – Crystalline turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, towering peaks, plentiful wildlife and the iconic Grinnell Glacier. How can I improve GNPTG? Apikuni Falls Elevation Gain: 1,850 feet Difficulty: Easy Day Hike | Class 1 – Hiking with a low chance of injury. He started the site in 2008 after spending 2 summers working in Glacier. Mount Gould towers above you the entire time as you climb 1600 vertical feet! Grinnell Glacier. Trailhead: Grinnell Glacier Trailhead or Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Pass The trail continues to climb gradually as you make the ascent toward Grinnell Lake. Elevation Gain: 2,024' Trailhead: Many Glacier Hotel if taking the boat across Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes, Grinnell Glacier Trailhead if hiking the entire length. Glacier National Park Travel Guide: An Insider's View of Glacier. This hike description assumes you'll take the shuttle boats, therefore this hike begins from the boat dock at the Many Glacier Hote… Outside of visitor contributions, he writes every single article based off of his unique experiences and knowledge of Glacier. Elevation gain: 2,300 ft (701 m) Reaching the lake is much easier than getting to the glacier itself. Not only is the trail wide with hardly any elevation gain, you get some incredible views as you loop around the lake. At the trail’s end you’ll have a fantastic view of massive Grinnell Glacier and the milky turquoise Grinnell Lake, which is formed from the glacier’s melt. https://www.glacierhighline.com/blog/best-glacier-national-park-hikes Hidden Lake Overlook is 3 mi. I’d also recommend bringing a water filter to purify water from either Lake Josephine or Grinnell Lake. A short hike on a level trail, the east side of the glacier is a popular hangout spot … Aaron Theisen . The Grinnell Glacier Trail is gorgeous, and that in itself is worth the trip! The Grinnell Glacier trail starts at the Many Glacier picnic area at the end of Many Glacier Road just past Many Glacier Hotel. The trail is well marked, and takes off at the immediate north end of the sharp turn comprising The Loop, is quite good until approximately a mile past the Granite Park Chalet—at which point, upon reaching the Grinnell Glacier Overlook it becomes a (good) goat trail. The route to hike into Grinnell Glacier is located in the Many Glacier region of Glacier National Park. Trailhead: Swiftcurrent Trailhead, by motor inn parking lot, Granite Park Chalet Of trail to Grinnell Glacier roll gently through a forest and Pass two mountain lakes link to maps. 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