If there’s one trail in Glacier National Park that delivers a head-turning mix of emerald lakes, snow-capped peaks, and glacial magic—it’s the Grinnell Glacier Trail. Tucked deep in the park’s Many Glacier region, this bucket-list hike leads you to the base of a shrinking but still mighty glacier, offering unreal views and plenty of wildlife encounters along the way.
It’s moderately strenuous, undeniably scenic, and just the right kind of wild.
Trail Overview
- Trailhead: Many Glacier Picnic Area (or start at Many Glacier Hotel if taking the boat)
- Distance: ~10.6 miles round trip (7.2 miles with boat ride shortcut)
- Elevation Gain: ~1,600 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 4.5–6 hours
- Best Season: Mid-July through mid-September (when the snow melts and before services close for the season)
Why Hike Grinnell Glacier?
This is one of the most iconic day hikes in the park, hands down. You’ll pass Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes, wander through meadows bursting with wildflowers, and steadily climb your way up to a surreal glacier-fed lake at the base of Grinnell Glacier.
It’s hard not to gasp at the turquoise waters of Upper Grinnell Lake, often dotted with icebergs—even in summer. Wildlife? Expect mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and yes, the occasional grizzly bear.
What to Bring: Gear Recommendations
You don’t need to be a mountaineer for this one—but you do need solid gear. Here’s what we recommend for a safe, comfortable trek:
🥾 Footwear
Choose something with grip and ankle support—the final ascent can be rocky or slick.
🎒 Daypack
- CamelBak M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack – Lightweight, with space for layers and 3L of water.
🌞 Sun Protection
There’s almost zero shade—protect your skin.
🧥 Layers
Weather shifts fast at elevation.
🐻 Bear Safety
This is grizzly country—carry it, know how to use it, and hike in groups if possible.
🍫 Food & Hydration
Planning Your Hike
🚗 Getting There
Grinnell Glacier is located in Many Glacier, which is remote but worth the drive. From St. Mary, plan on about 45 minutes; from West Glacier, it’s 2.5+ hours depending on traffic along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Arrive early—parking fills up fast. Aim for 7:30 AM or earlier during peak season.
🛶 Optional Boat Shortcut
Cut 3.4 miles off your round-trip by booking scenic boat rides across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine with Glacier Park Boat Company.
- Boats depart from Many Glacier Hotel
- Book in advance—they fill up!
- You’ll still hike the most scenic part of the trail
📅 Best Time to Hike
- Mid-July to mid-September is prime time
- Snow and ice often block the upper trail until July
- Fall foliage in September is beautiful—but boat rides stop mid-month
🐻 Wildlife & Safety
- Carry bear spray
- Make noise, especially in dense areas
- Check trail status updates before you go—they close sections for bear activity often
🚻 Services & Water
- No water sources—bring your own (2–3L recommended)
- Vault toilets are at the trailhead and boat dock
- Trash? Pack it out. Always.
Trail Highlights
- 🌊 Lake Views: You’ll pass Swiftcurrent, Josephine, and Grinnell Lakes—all glowing turquoise in the sun.
- 🧗♀️ Cliff Walks & Meadows: Gradual switchbacks with stellar alpine meadows in full bloom by mid-July.
- ❄️ The Glacier: Upper Grinnell Lake is often dotted with icebergs floating at the foot of the glacier. It’s otherworldly.
If you’re only doing one hike in Glacier and want it to feel epic, Grinnell Glacier is a no-brainer. From vivid scenery to glacial beauty, this trail offers a little bit of everything that makes Glacier unforgettable. Just come prepared, go early, and leave your cotton socks at home.
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