Glacier National Park

GLACIER NATIONAL PARKSTARTER

Redrock Falls by the Lakes

≈ 4,000 steps1.8 mi · about 2 hoursStarter · 2 stops · 500 credStart where you live.

From the Swiftcurrent Trailhead by the motor inn, a nearly level trail of 1.8 miles passes Fishercap and Redrock Lakes to a falls stepping over red rock. About two hours out and back. Go early or late in the day, when moose are most often seen in the lakes.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARKSTARTER

Under the Cedars at Avalanche Creek

≈ 800 steps0.4 mi · about 1.5 hoursStarter · 2 stops · 500 credStart where you live.

A flat, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk loop of under a mile through old-growth redcedar and hemlock beside Avalanche Creek, to the footbridge where the creek has cut a narrow gorge. About an hour and a half with time at the water; come early, as the parking fills by mid-morning in summer.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARKSTANDARD

Three Falls from Sun Point

≈ 6,500 steps3.2 mi · about 4 hoursStandard · 4 stops · 600 credOne trip earns it.

Start on the rock point above St. Mary Lake where a railway chalet once stood, then walk the trail west past Baring Falls to St. Mary Falls and on up to Virginia Falls. About 6.4 miles out and back, or take the ticketed park shuttle back from the St. Mary Falls stop. Allow half a day.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARKSTANDARD

Two Medicine, Falls to Falls

≈ 4,500 steps + 3.1 mi by car2.2 mi on foot · about 4.5 hours · + the walk in to 1 stopStandard · 5 stops · 600 credOne trip earns it.

Five short walks in the quiet southeast corner of the park: Running Eagle Falls by the road, the 1914 chalet that is now the camp store, Paradise Point and Aster Falls on the South Shore Trail, and Appistoki Falls below Scenic Point. About 5 miles of walking, half a day. In 2026 campground construction closes the North Shore Trailhead; none of these legs need it.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARKADVANCED

Many Glacier in Two Days

0.7 mi by car2 days or more · + the walk in to 1 stop · + 6 stretches not routedAdvanced II · 8 stops · 800 credGetting there is not the hard part.

Two long hikes and two short ones from the Swiftcurrent Valley. Day one: Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint, with Hidden Falls on the lake trail. Day two: Iceberg Lake past Ptarmigan Falls, then Swiftcurrent Falls and Apikuni Falls. About 24 miles; concession boats can shorten day one for a fare. The high trails usually clear of snow in mid-July, and bear closures are common.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARKADVANCED

The Highline to The Loop

≈ 6,500 steps + 2.9 mi by car3.1 mi on foot · a full day · + the walk in to 1 stop · + 2 stretches not routedAdvanced · 6 stops · 800 credGetting there is not the hard part.

The park's best-known day hike: Hidden Lake Overlook first, then the Highline Trail along the Garden Wall, the steep spur to Grinnell Glacier Overlook, a rest at Granite Park Chalet and the long descent to The Loop. About 16 miles, one way, so arrange a ride back. Exposed ledges and grizzly country; the trail is usually clear of snow from mid-July. Carry bear spray.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARKADVANCED

The Sun Road, End to End

≈ 1,100 steps + 28 mi by car0.5 mi on foot · a full dayAdvanced · 8 stops · 800 credGetting there is not the hard part.

Fifty miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road from McDonald Creek over Logan Pass to St. Mary Lake, with eight stops at pullouts and overlooks. A full day. The whole road is usually open only from late June to mid-October, vehicles over 21 feet long are barred on the alpine section, and parking at Logan Pass is limited to three hours.