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Hiking at Glacier National Park, Montana is one of the best ways to experience the astounding nature in the region. Even the easy hikes in Glacier National Park lead to incredible viewpoints, through dense forests, to streaming waterfalls and across beautiful alpine meadows to hidden Glacier National Park lakes.
Visitors who want to hike Glacier National Park have heaps of trails to choose from – and we are highlighting the best Glacier National Park hikes that are rated as easy to moderate treks.
Best Easy Hikes at Glacier National Park FAQs
Before we get to our list of Best Easy Hikes Glacier National Park, we want to answer a few of the most frequently asked questions.
Are There Easy Hikes in Glacier National Park?
Yes! There are several easy hiking trails in Glacier NP.
We understand that with the towering mountains and rugged terrain, planning hikes in Glacier National Park can feel intimidating – especially for casual hikers. While there are numerous strenuous hikes in the park, there are many easy hikes at Glacier National Park as well.
In fact, there are several fabulous trails that will suit visitors of all hiking levels. It is important to know your own limits, go your own pace and come prepared (we offer our top Glacier National Park Hiking Tips later in the post).
What Are Easy Hikes for Glacier National Park?
The words Easy and Difficult are relative terms. One person’s walk in the park can be a challenging trek for someone else – and some Glacier Park Hikes can be daunting, even for experienced hikers.
That said, there are several short, easy hikes in Glacier National Park that all hikers can enjoy.
We put together our list of Moderate and Easy Hiking Trails of Glacier National Park to help visitors select hikes for their Glacier National Park Itinerary that best suit their comfort level.
The easy hikes that make our list are less than five miles in length and have limited elevation gain. The moderate hikes that we feature can be up to 7.5 miles and involve some incline.
What are Glacier National Park, Montana Best Hikes?
If you ask 10 different people what the best hike in Glacier National Park is, you will probably get 10 different answers. Glacier National Park hikes range from short boardwalk strolls to intensely difficult climbs.
Our list of short and easy Glacier Park day hikes offer stunning beauty, opportunities for spotting wildlife and a few of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Glacier Park. In our opinion, some of the easy hikes in Glacier National Park that make our list are actually the best trails in the region.
What Do you Need for Hiking Glacier National Park?
Hiking in Glacier National Park is phenomenal…but only if you are properly prepared! Following our list of moderate and easy Glacier National Park trails, we give advice on what to pack for Glacier National Park and what you will want to bring with you on your hikes.
We include top tips for everything from ensuring you have the correct park pass to what to wear for these moderate to easy day hikes Glacier National Park.
Is a Trail Map for Glacier National Park Necessary?
It’s up to you! For each trek, we provide a map link to the trailhead, but trekkers who prefer to use a detailed map of the actual trail routes should buy one in advance of their trip. The 734 Map, which is considered to be the best trail map of Glacier National Park, can be purchased here.
At the entrance you can pick up one of the free Glacier National Park maps. While the free map is fine for locating parking and Glacier NP trailheads, they are not detailed hiking maps.
What Info is on this List of Easy Day Hikes at Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park hiking is a highlight of any trip to Montana! Our list of the best easy-to-moderate hikes in Glacier National Park is arranged by location.
We start with the best easy hikes in West Glacier National Park, including the Lake McDonald area, Avalanche Lake, Bowman Lake and Logan Pass.
Next, we highlight easy Glacier Park Hiking Trails in East Glacier, including St Mary’s Glacier NP waterfall hikes, Many Glacier hikes and easy Glacier hikes in Two Medicine.
In addition to labelling each of our featured Glacier National Park hike by difficulty, we indicate length, elevation gain and trailhead location (with a convenient Google Maps link).
At the end of this post, we include a complete map of Glacier National Park trails to help you easily plan your hikes.
Note about our Glacier National Park Hiking Guide: During our Glacier National Park trip, some areas were not open. To include some of the popular Glacier National Park easy hikes that were closed, we reached out to fellow travelers for details on these treks.
17 Best Hikes Glacier National Park: Easy to Moderate
Our list of the best hikes in Glacier National Park is ideal for novice and intermediate hikers. That said, several factors – such as weather, crowds and parking – will likely contribute to your personal opinion of what’s the best hiking in Glacier National Park.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Glacier National Park Hiking blog post so that you can access it while planning (and during) your Montana Trip!
Easy Hikes at Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park
Carved by glaciers, Lake McDonald ranks as the largest lake in Glacier National Park. Stretching for almost 10 miles, nearly 500 feet deep and home to the Lake McDonald Lodge, it is also the starting point for several easy trails in Glacier National Park. Hikes near Lake McDonald are best accessed via the West Glacier entrance.
#1 Johns Lake Loop Hike
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 1.8 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 200 feet | Trailhead MAP
Located on the northern tip of Lake McDonald, Johns Lake Trail is one of our favorite easy hikes at Glacier National Park, as it is a short loop with minimal elevation gain.
The path at Johns Lake follows McDonald Creek, passing McDonald Falls and Sacred Dancing Cascade before crossing Going To The Sun Road. Trekkers then slip into the forest before arriving at Johns Lake. The area around the lake is marshy and large boulders lie in the dense forest.
Pro Tip: Our preference is to hike Johns Lake Loop Trail clockwise, starting at the McDonald Falls Glacier National Park Trailhead, which is located on North Lake McDonald Road. However, the hike can be accessed from two other small parking areas on Going To The Sun Road – at either Johns Lake Loop {MAP} or at Sacred Dancing Cascade {MAP}.
#2 Upper McDonald Creek Trail
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 3 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 200 feet | Trailhead MAP
Upper McDonald Creek trail is another one of our favorite easy hikes in Glacier NP – and a bit of a hidden gem! It tends to be one of the less crowded hikes in Glacier National Park.
Upper McDonald Creek Trail is an out-and-back path that begins at the bridge over Sacred Dancing Cascade and follows the creek north through old-growth forest to a wide wetland (which is great for Moose spotting!). The trail then veers away from the water – moving deeper into the moss covered forest – but eventually rejoins the creek, where adventurous hikers can climb over rocks and boulders for better views (and if you have a permit, even go fishing!).
Pro Tip: Upper McDonald Creek Trail can easily be combined with Johns Lake Loop. The two trails intersect at Sacred Dancing Cascade, making it a 5-mile roundtrip hike – and, in our opinion, one of the best easy hikes in Glacier National Park.
#3 Rocky Point Glacier National Park Nature Trail
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 2 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 100 feet | Trailhead MAP
Located on the southwestern end of Lake McDonald, Rocky Point Nature Trail is a short and scenic looping trail in Glacier NP. In fact, we think it is one of the best short hikes in Glacier National Park.
The path takes trekkers through a burn area (from the 2003 Robert Fire), where regrowth is occurring. After about a half mile, the Rocky Point Trail forks and – going to the right – hikers are led toward Lake McDonald and up to a rocky outcrop. (Stay on the main trail, the break off trail further on the right goes down to the shoreline).
From the elevated rocks, there are incredible viewpoints of Lake McDonald and the soaring mountain peaks.
The Rocky Point Trail loops back around, but there is another trail – McDonald Lake Trail – that branches off, heading north for another 6 miles and runs parallel to the lake. While it is considered one of the easy hiking trails in Glacier National Park, we did not find it to be particularly interesting, as most of the route is far from the shoreline and in overgrown brush.
Pro Tip: We actually recommend starting the Rocky Point hike at the Fish Creek Picnic Area. From there, walk through the Fish Creek Campground to Section D, then follow the lakeside path that connects to the Rocky Point Trail. We think this route is much more scenic than starting at the official trailhead. Use this Fish Creek Campground Glacier Map for info.
Easy and Moderate Hikes at Avalanche Lake
Hiking in the Avalanche Lake area is one of the top Glacier National Park activities! The aptly named Avalanche Basin is known for it’s propensity of avalanches – the destruction of which is obvious along the trails.
Avalanche Lake sits at the base of several surrounding mountains and is fed by melt-off from Sperry Glacier, which cascades down in long streaming waterfalls. Avalanche Creek spills out from the lake and one of the most beautiful spots in the area is where the creek flows through a deep narrow gorge.
#4 Glacier National Park Avalanche Lake Hike
Difficulty: Moderate | Length: 6 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 500 feet | Trailhead MAP
Avalanche Lake is a must-see in Glacier National Park…and the only way to get to the lake is to hike up to it! But, don’t worry, there’s good reason why it’s one of the best hiking trails in Glacier National Park.
The hike begins at the Trail of the Cedars (which we cover in more detail next), then makes a quick ascent alongside Avalanche Creek. The trail follows the creek to an area of downed trees (caused by a 2010 avalanche) and then continues crawling up through the forest to the lake.
Pro Tip: Avalanche Trail actually extends an additional mile along the length of the lake, and there are several paths that lead down to the water’s edge along the way. As one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park, the first area you come to with lake views gets very crowded. If you’re looking for a little more solitude you will likely find it on the far end of Avalanche Lake!
#5 Trail of the Cedars Nature Trail
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 1 mile roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 0 feet | Trailhead MAP
The Trail of the Cedars is comprised of both an elevated boardwalk and a paved path. It is one of the easiest hikes in Glacier National Park – and is one of the few wheelchair accessible hikes, too.
The shaded trail loops through mature cedar and hemlock trees. At about the halfway point (near the Avalanche Lake Trailhead) the trail crosses a wooden bridge that offers phenomenal views of the Avalanche Creek waterfall flowing through the red rock gorge.
Pro Tip: One of our favorite spots to stop along the Trail of the Cedars is at the bench that faces an uprooted tree. The tangle of roots are clear of dirt and debris – offering a unique and up-close vantage point.
Moderate Hikes at Logan Pass Glacier National Park
At an elevation of 6,646 feet, Logan Pass marks the Continental Divide – and the highest point on Going To The Sun Road. While the panoramic views from the road are striking, the Glacier National Park hiking trails that begin at Logan Pass offer even more awe-inspiring scenes.
#6 Highline Trail Glacier National Park
Difficulty: Moderate | Length: 7.2 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 825 feet | Trailhead MAP
The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is one of the most popular treks in the area. While there are a few different ways to hike the Highline Trail (some of which are extremely difficult), the in-and-out route to Haystack Butte is an ideal option for a moderate Glacier NP trek.
Highline Trail to Haystack Butte
For us, the Highline to Haystack trek was one of the best moderate hikes in Glacier National Park.
The Highline is a fairly narrow trail that follows the edge of the cliff, high above Going To The Sun Road, which can be particularly challenging for hikers with a fear of heights – like me! The first 3 miles of the GNP Highline Hike are relatively flat and mostly exposed – and the sweeping views of surrounding mountains are simply astonishing.
On the approach to Haystack Pass, hikers face a long switchback – but once in the saddle, there are several large boulders where hikers can catch their breath, eat a snack and look for wildlife (we saw a slew of mountain goats during one of our hikes!).
Pro Tip: While Haystack Pass is a pleasant place to stop for a rest, we highly recommend mustering up the energy to hike up Haystack Butte. The steep (but short) trail quickly takes trekkers to a rocky plateau that offers unbelievable 360-degree views of the surrounding mountainous terrain.
#7 Overlook Trail at Hidden Lake
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Length: 3 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 550 feet | Trailhead MAP
The Glacier National Park Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is an easy to moderate hike – and is rated as one of the best hikes of Glacier National Park.
The trail begins as a paved path, transitions to raised boardwalk and ends as a proper trail. The route traverses wide open alpine meadows – which can either be covered in snow or draped in wildflowers – and offers breathtaking views in every direction during the entire hike.
At the Hidden Lake Nature Trail Overlook, hikers are greeted to impeccable views of Bearhat Mountain and Hidden Lake nestled at the base of it. Mountain goats and big horn sheep are often spotted from the overlook.
Pro Tip: Hiking the additional 1.5 miles down to Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park takes quite a bit more effort – or so we heard. The hike to Hidden Lake beyond the overlook, which is a rocky and steep descent, was closed during our visit due to grizzly bears frequenting the area.
Hikes at Bowman Lake Glacier NP
Bowman Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Glacier National Park…and also one of the more difficult places to get to.
Located in the northern section of the park near the Canadian border, Bowman Lake is only accessible via unpaved roads. Once at the lake, however, the beauty is breathtaking and beyond worth the bumpy ride!
#8 Shoreline Trail at Bowman Lake
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Length: 1 to 14 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 50 feet | Trailhead MAP
This trail along the northwest side of Bowman Lake follows the shoreline from the west end of the Bowman Lake Campground, stretching for seven miles to the lake head and Bowman Creek (and much further as part of the 1200 mile Pacific Northwest Trail).
The trail is fairly flat with several places to scamper down to the water’s edge for impressive Bowman Lake views, and a great place to rest or have a picnic lunch – which is why we think it is one of the best trails to hike in Glacier National Park.
Hiking just a few miles out-and-back makes this is a very easy trek – but going the distance to the opposite end of the lake would certainly be a moderate hike.
Pro Tip: On the drive to Bowman Lake, be sure to stop at the Polebridge Mercantile for a Huckleberry Bear Claw. It is the single most delicious huckleberry treat we ate on our Montana trip!
#9 Hidden Meadow Hike
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 2.5 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 250 feet | Trailhead (Tagged Incorrectly as Quartz Ridge Trail) MAP
One of the short and easy trails in Glacier National Park near Bowman Lake, the Hidden Meadow Trail starts on Inside North Fork Road.
The trail heads east through a new forest (regrowing after a previous fire), then continues through an older forest until it opens on a vast meadow that is backdropped by beautiful mountains. At the center of the meadow is a pond that is frequented by swans.
Pro Tip: Hidden Meadow is one of the lesser trekked GNP trails – meaning hikers will likely have both solitude and the chance of spotting wildlife.
Easy to Moderate Hikes at Saint Mary Lake in East Glacier
Saint Mary Lake sits on the east side of the continental divide and ranks as the second-largest lake in GNP. At the center of the lake is a tiny island, named Wild Goose Island, which is one of the most photographed spots in Glacier National Park.
However, hikers will be more enamored by the trails on the west end of St. Mary Lake that lead to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Glacier National Park!
#10 St. Mary Falls at Glacier National Park
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 1.5 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 250 feet | Trailhead MAP
One of the top places to visit in Glacier National Park, St. Mary Falls Trail is an easy trek with magnificent scenery. As one of the short hikes in Glacier National Park, it is also one of the most popular.
The hike begins in a burn area (from the Reynolds Creek Fire in 2015) – which, while quite stark, is still incredibly beautiful. As the trail slowly descends toward the water, hikers are greeted with stunning views of the lake (be sure to keep an eye out for moose, we saw two in the lake!). Next, just over a creek and around the bend, is the wonderful, three-tiered St. Mary Waterfall.
Pro Tip: The bridge that crosses the base of the falls (and the large boulders below it) are popular spots for jumping into the always brisk water. While we don’t endorse jumping here, we couldn’t resist watching a few who did.
#11 Virginia Falls Hike
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Length: 3.5 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 400 feet | Trailhead MAP
The hike to Virginia Falls is an extension of the St. Mary Falls Trail – and, in our opinion, is one of the treks that needs to be on your Glacier National Park Hiking checklist. In fact, we think Virginia Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Montana!
After passing St. Mary Falls, the trail makes a few sharp turns and takes hikers past by an unnamed, yet gorgeous, tumbling cascade; this is not Virginia Falls – keep going! As you move past these waterfalls, the hike begins its half-mile ascent up to Virginia Falls, a beautiful, tall and streaming waterfall.
Pro Tip: Before arriving at Virginia Waterfall, there is a turn off for Virginia Falls Viewpoint (over a footbridge). While the viewpoint is a nice place to see the falls, make sure to also follow the trail all the way up to the base of Virginia Falls for the most remarkable view.
#12 Sun Point Nature Trail and Baring Falls Hike
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 2 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 50 feet | Trailhead MAP
The Sun Point Nature Trail begins from a large parking lot that is off Going To The Sun Road (and it is often less crowded than the smaller lots located along the roadside).
Using the Sun Point trailhead from the east end of the parking lot, hikers descend quickly toward the lake’s edge – and can detour onto the rocky outcrop (which we highly recommend for the excellent views!). The flat trail follows the shoreline of the lake for almost a mile to the 25-foot Baring Falls.
Pro Tip: Trekkers can also take the short but steep detour up to Sunrift Gorge, a deep channel carved by glacial waters. Just make sure to keep going all the way up the stairs to where the trail ends to see the geological feature! The detour will add about another mile to this hike.
BONUS: 3 Waterfalls Glacier National Park Hike
Difficulty: Moderate | Length: 6 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 500 feet | Trailhead MAP
For a slightly more moderate hike, combine all three of these Glacier National Park waterfalls – Baring Falls, St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls – into one hike. It’s one of the best day hikes in Glacier National Park!
Starting from the Sun Point Nature Trail, hikers first arrive at Baring Falls. The trail then continues along the shoreline of St. Mary Lake, offering spectacular views and a chance to spend time on a pebbly beach.
About 1 mile after Baring Falls, the path meets up with the St. Mary Trail, where trekkers can visit St. Mary Falls and complete the hike to Virginia Falls.
Pro Tip: Hikers can also start this hike at the Sunrift Gorge parking on Going To The Sun Road. From the lot, trekkers can first take a peek at the Gorge, then take the descending trail to Baring Falls.
Many Glacier Easy Hikes
Dotted with lakes and trails and surrounded by mountain peaks, Many Glacier delivers some of the most extraordinary landscapes in Glacier National Park. Hikes in the area ranges from easy walks to strenuous treks.
#13 Redrock Falls
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 4 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 225 feet | Trailhead MAP
Redrock Falls is one of the best hikes in Many Glacier – and it’s fairly easy. Highlights of the Redrock Falls hike in Glacier NP are waterfalls, scenic views, wildflowers and wildlife.
The trail winds through canopied forests, towering aspens and huckleberry bushes – and past two lakes (Fishercap Lake and Redrock Lake) – before arriving at Redrock Falls. Hikers can explore the many off-shooting trails that lead to various views of the falls.
Pro Tip: The Redrock Falls trail continues past the falls to Bullhead Lake (which will add three miles to the hike) and then eventually works its way up to Swiftcurrent Pass (but hiking to the pass – and beyond – is considered a difficult hike!).
#14 Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trails
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 2.5 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 25 feet | Trailhead MAP
The Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail might simultaneously be one of the easiest and most beautiful hikes in Glacier National Park. The flat, looping trail encircles Swiftcurrent Lake with absolutely gorgeous views at every step, allowing hikers to take in a variety of mountain scenes.
Pro Tip: There are two trailheads – and several detour options – on the Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail. The best place to start is at the Many Glacier Hotel – a National Historic Landmark that dates to 1915. However, the trail can also be accessed from the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead (but hiking all the way to Grinnell Glacier is rated difficult!).
Two Medicine at Glacier National Park Easy Hikes
Comprising the southeastern section of GNP, Two Medicine is considered sacred ground by the Blackfeet Tribe (with a portion of the land on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation). Two Medicine is home to the Two Medicine Store (a National Historic Landmark) and several excellent Glacier Park hiking trails.
#15 Aster Park Overlook and Aster Falls
Difficulty: Moderate | Length: 4 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 700 feet | Trailhead MAP
Most of the Aster Park Overlook Trail is easy, but it culminates in a steep climb up to the lookout point.
At the beginning of the trail, there is an option to take a spur trail to Paradise Point, which is a worthwhile detour. Continuing on the trail, trekkers pass by ponds, through forests and over Aster Creek…then the trail inclines to the overlook and Aster Falls.
Pro Top: During the summer months, visitors can join ranger-led Glacier National Park Guided Hikes to Aster Park Overlook. While we are comfortable hiking on our own, the informative and entertaining guide points out things that are easily missed – like a bear claw mark on a tree.
#16 Running Eagle Falls
Difficulty: Easy | Length: <1mile roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 10 feet | Trailhead MAP
The Running Eagle Falls Trail is an easy and flat out-and-back trail that is suitable for hikers of every level – and it is wheelchair accessible. It is regularly ranked as one of the best short hikes in Glacier National Park.
On this quick jaunt, walkers cross a bridge to a platform overlooking the Running Eagle Waterfall.
Pro Tip: Running Eagle Falls is sometimes two waterfalls – which is why many claim it to be one of the best waterfalls in Glacier National Park. Year-round, the lower falls flow through a sink hole, making it appear as if the water is spilling out of the rock. However, in the springtime, when water flow is heavy, the water falls over the top, creating a second, 40-foot waterfall that streams over the lower falls.
#17 Appistoki Falls
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 1.5 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gains: 200 feet | Trailhead MAP
Another easy waterfall hike in Glacier National Park, Appistoki Falls is short and sweet. The trek follows a portion of the Continental Divide Trail for about a half mile where a spur trail leads to Appistoki Falls, which are nestled in a deep gorge (and there is not a safe way to get up close to it!).
Pro Tip: The trail continues past the falls up to Scenic Point. While the viewpoint is said to be fabulous, the hike is difficult, with an elevation gain of 2,300 feet!
Glacier National Park Trail Map
Use this link to Google Maps for our Glacier National Park Montana Map. Paper Glacier National Park trail maps are also available for free at the entrance.
Purchase Map of Glacier National Park Hiking Trails
For detailed hiking maps of Glacier National Park Montana, it is best to purchase one ahead of time. The Hiking 734 Map in considered by many to be the best Glacier National Park hiking map – and you can buy it here before your trip.
Tips For Glacier National Park Montana Hiking
We have shared our top tips for the best hikes in Glacier National Park for easy to moderate treks – but we have a few more bits of advice for hiking at Glacier NP.
Be Sure You Have Your Park Pass – BOTH of them!
This is one of our top Glacier National Park Hiking Tips – because the requirement is new and can be difficult to obtain!
A Park Pass is required for entry into GNP. Visitors can buy a park-specific weekly or annual pass. The America the Beautiful National Parks Pass is accepted for Glacier National Park entry. Any of these passes can be purchased at the entrance gates or online in advance.
NEW FOR 2023: Vehicle Reservation Pass
To help manage the heavy congestion along North Fork and Going To The Sun Road, Glacier National Park is requiring a second ticket – called a Vehicle Reservation Pass – for access to those roads and areas. You will need a Vehicle Reservation Pass to reach nearly all of the best hikes in Glacier National Park.
There are a limited number of passes and it is best to purchase a pass for your trip as soon as they are available.
Find the most current information for purchasing both GNP passes on the official park website.
Glacier Hiking Trail Necessities
Before setting off on the best trails in Glacier National Park, you need to make sure you are prepared for your trek!
Plenty of Water
When you hit the trails in Glacier National Park, you will want to make sure you bring enough water. You should bring water with you on every trail, every time; even for the best easy hikes in Glacier National Park.
For the GNP trails we feature, we each carried at least 1 liter of water. A collapsible water bottle is great for traveling hikers – they take up little room in your luggage and eliminate waste.
There are water sources at some trailheads, but not all, so make sure to fill up before you leave your accommodations – and, while it is tempting to drink water from mountain streams, it is not recommended.
Snacks for Hiking GNP National Park, Montana
Just as important as it is to stay hydrated during treks, you will want to make sure you have some trail fuel your hikes in Glacier National Park.
We like to bring apples, granola bars, trail mix and string cheese. If you go hiking in the morning, consider bringing a complete packed lunch to enjoy as a scenic viewpoint picnic during Glacier day hikes.
It shouldn’t need to be said (but we’re going to go ahead and say it anyway): Whatever you pack in, pack out! In addition to your paper and plastic trash, bring your apple cores, orange peels and any other leftover foods with you.
Travel Camera for the Best Montana Photos
The Montana nature at GNP is absolutely stunning – and is best captured with a true camera. We always shoot with a DSLR Canon Rebel, which is an excellent travel camera (and comes with tons of accessories) and takes fantastic photos.
The lens we used for our GNP trip was a 18-135mm, which was good for Glacier National Park waterfalls and landscape photos…but not great for taking pictures of Glacier National Park wildlife from a distance. In hindsight, we would have also brought the 55-250mm telephoto lens on our hikes.
Binoculars for Montana Wildlife
Binoculars are another item we didn’t bring on our trip – and desperately wished we would have. During our Glacier National Park day hikes, we spotted a lot of wildlife. While other hikers viewed mountain goats and grizzly bears through binoculars, we were left squinting at far away specks.
Montana Hiking Poles
While we feel hiking poles are not necessary on these easy Glacier National Park hikes, they certainly help! If you haven’t hiked with poles before, they reduce stress on your legs, ankles and feet on downhill treks and provide stability and balance.
Bear Spray for Glacier National Park Hikes
Glacier National Park bears can make appearances on any trail – at any time. Making noise (like talking and clapping) is a good way to make your presence known to the bears in Glacier National Park.
However, carrying bear spray (and knowing how to use it) is always a good idea. Bear spray can also be used if encountering other aggressive Glacier National Park animals – like an attacking moose.
Pro Tip: Bear Spray is not allowed on airplanes (even in checked baggage), so you will need to buy it in Montana if you are flying in. The Glacier Outfitters airport location sells bear spray (including previous year surplus for a discounted rate) or check with your accommodation to see if they provide it.
Day Pack for Hiking Glacier National Park Best Trails
The best day pack for a Glacier National Park hike is a backpack or hip pack (or both!). We use our day packs to carry all of the things we already mentioned – plus lip balm, insect repellent, sunscreen, toilet paper, antibacterial gel, Band-aids, a bandana and a hat.
Top Tip: Read our tips for the Best Day Packs for Travel!
Pro Tip for Hiking Trails at Glacier National Park: We already mentioned that you should Leave No Trace when exploring Glacier National Park – and that applies to used toilet paper, too. I use small, double-bagged Ziplocks to carry my used TP in – but you can find more tips for ‘going on the trail’ on the NPS website.
What To Wear on Hikes at Glacier National Park
Determining exactly what to wear when you hike Glacier National Park will depend on the season, weather and just plain luck – but we have a few general packing tips for your trip to Montana.
Hiking Shoes for Easy Hikes in Glacier National Park
For the easy hiking trails in Glacier National Park on our list, we did not wear hiking boots. Instead, I wore my everyday trainers and Kris wore his favorite Merrell shoes, which we thought were sufficient for the level of hikes we did. That said, hiking boots – like the kind I used to own by Columbia – would have offered more support and comfort than our everyday travel shoes for the moderate day hikes of Glacier National Park.
Clothes for Hiking in Glacier NP
Before you set off on your trek, it is important to consider how to dress for Glacier National Park hiking.
Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothes are the best outfits to wear while hiking Glacier National Park – even on the easiest hikes in the park.
My favorite hiking clothes (for women) are a pair of leggings and a loose athletic t-shirt. On cooler days and crisp mornings, I layer my outfit with a long sleeve quick dry shirt and/or a fleece jacket.
It is essential to be prepared for a variety of weather scenarios (as the weather at Glacier NP can change quickly!). We recommend bringing sunglasses along with a wide-brimmed travel hat…and a packable raincoat.
Elevate Your Hiking Experience with Moderate to Difficult Glacier Hikes
We highlighted the best easy-to-moderate Glacier hiking, but there are numerous trails that will challenge even experienced hikers.
Some of the more difficult hikes in Glacier National Park are the Granite Park Chalet Hike, Iceberg Lake Trail, Cracker Lake, Siyeh Pass, Pitamakan Pass Trail, Ptarmigan Tunnel and the Grinnell Glacier Hike that leads to the popular Grinnell Glacier Overlook.
Backpacking Glacier National Park
Backpacking in Glacier National Park is also possible, but only for experience and well-prepared hikers. Wilderness Use permits are required for backpackers who want to backcountry camp.
The Best Time to Hike Glacier National Park
Although technically open year-round, the best time to hike Glacier National Park is in the summer and autumn. Many of the facilities, water supplies and roads are completely shut off during the winter and spring.
We visited in the autumn, we watched the tree leaves turn from green to yellow, experienced a range of weather…and witnessed the park slowly begin to shut down for winter. For us, the cooler weather was perfect for hiking in Glacier.
That said, many travelers plan their Glacier National Park hiking trips during the summer. My family visited the park in July – and they loved the long days of sunshine and that there was still snow covering the mountain peaks and some of the meadows near the continental divide.
Dealing with Crowds at Glacier NP
During the summer months – and into the early fall – Glacier is crushed by visitors. Even though the park covers 1 million acres, the easiest and best hiking trails at Glacier NP get busy!
We were seldom alone on the trails – and, if we were, it was only for a few moments. When hiking, remember to use proper Trail Etiquette – here are a few tips from the National Park Service.
Parking at Glacier NP Trailheads
For the best hikes at Glacier National Park, finding parking near trailheads can be a real struggle (if not downright stressful).
For the most popular trails, some hikers recommend arriving at the parking lot by 6:30am to ensure a parking space. However, because most of our hikes only last 3 to 4 hours, we found that the afternoons were a better time to start our treks. By 1pm or 2pm, many early morning hikers are already coming off the trail – and there is still plenty of daylight left for us to enjoy our shorter Glacier hikes.
Also, be aware that in addition to the main parking lots for each trailhead, there are usually nearby pull offs where you can park. Just make sure you are well off the road and in an area where parking is actually permitted.
Once when we wanted to hike to Hidden Lake, the parking lot at Logan Pass was full. We ended up parking a mile west of the Logan Pass Visitor Center on the side of Going To The Sun Road and hiking up from there.
Glacier National Park Weather
The weather at Glacier National Park can be unpredictable…but inclement weather doesn’t have to ruin your Glacier NP hike! During our trip, we trekked in full sunshine, drizzly rain, dense fog and smoke from wildfires.
In order to be prepared for weather in Glacier NP, our best packing advice is to plan to dress in layers. Before any hike, check the Glacier NP weather forecast before you leave your accommodations (cell service at Glacier National Park is slim-to-none).
Day Hikes Glacier National Park: Patience and Flexibility
Perhaps our best tip for hikes at Glacier NP is to be kind, patient and flexible. Always be prepared with a back up plan for alternate trails, bring plenty of water and snacks and go with the flow.
How To Plan Your Trip to Montana
For more information about visiting GNP, use our complete Glacier National Park Itinerary – where we include information about getting there and recommendations on where to stay.
Additionally, you can use our tips for the nearby destinations of Missoula, Whitefish and Kalispell – and our advice for Touring Montana via Road Trip!
Pro Tip: As you begin to make your reservations and trip plans, organization is key! Be sure to stay on top of all your GNP trip details with a travel planner – like our Printable Travel Planner!
Start planning your trip to Montana! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!
We Want To Know: Is there anything you would add to our list of hikes in GNP? What are your favorite Glacier NP Hikes? Tell us in the comments below!
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