West Glacier National Park in Montana is a hiker’s dream. Towering peaks, turquoise lakes, ancient forests, and roaming wildlife create one of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America. While the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road offers postcard views from the car, the real magic lies on the trails. Hiking in West Glacier is not just exercise—it’s immersion into the wild heart of the Rockies. If you’re planning a trip, lace up your boots and get ready to explore some of the best West Glacier hikes.
Essential Hiking Tips for West Glacier
Before diving into the trails, it’s important to prepare for the unique challenges of hiking in Glacier National Park:
- Bear safety: This is grizzly country. Carry bear spray, hike in groups, make noise, and never leave food unattended.
- Weather: Conditions can shift quickly. Start with layers, and always bring a rain jacket, even on sunny days.
- Trail closures: Wildlife activity and weather can close trails without warning. Sign up for trail alerts by texting GNPTRAILS to 333111.
- Reservations: In peak summer, many areas of the park—including Going-to-the-Sun Road—require timed entry reservations. Secure these in advance on Recreation.gov.
With preparation out of the way, let’s look at the best trails West Glacier has to offer.
Highline Trail
Arguably the most iconic hike in the park, the Highline Trail hugs the Continental Divide, offering sweeping views of rugged peaks and deep valleys.
- Distance: 10–12 miles one way (with shuttle return)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Highlights: Narrow cliffside paths, alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, and a chance to see mountain goats up close. The views of glacially carved valleys stretch for miles, making this trail unforgettable.
Tip: If heights aren’t your thing, you may find the exposed sections intimidating. Hike only the first portion and turn back, or opt for Hidden Lake instead.
Grinnell Glacier Trail
For a challenging but deeply rewarding hike, the Grinnell Glacier Trail is hard to beat. It weaves past lakes, waterfalls, and wildflower meadows, culminating in views of Grinnell Glacier itself.
- Distance: 7–11 miles roundtrip (depending on boat shuttle use)
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- Highlights: Stunning turquoise Grinnell Lake, cascading waterfalls, and the rare chance to stand at the foot of a shrinking glacier.
Many hikers consider this one of the best hikes in all of Glacier National Park. Bring plenty of water and layers—it can be cold at the top, even in summer.
Avalanche Lake Trail (via Trail of the Cedars)
If you’re looking for a family-friendly hike that still delivers jaw-dropping views, head to Avalanche Lake.
- Distance: 4.5–6 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Begin with the accessible Trail of the Cedars, a shaded boardwalk through towering ancient trees. Continue along the creek to Avalanche Lake, where waterfalls cascade into turquoise water surrounded by dramatic cliffs. For fewer crowds, walk to the far end of the lake for a quieter perspective.
Hidden Lake Trail
Starting at Logan Pass, the Hidden Lake Trail is one of Glacier’s most photographed spots.
- Distance: 3 miles to the overlook; 6 miles roundtrip to the lake
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Sweeping meadows dotted with wildflowers, clear views of Bearhat Mountain, and frequent wildlife sightings, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
The trail to the lake descends steeply, so many hikers stop at the overlook for a more relaxed adventure.
Iceberg Lake Trail
As its name suggests, this trail rewards hikers with views of a lake dotted with floating icebergs even in midsummer.
- Distance: 9.5 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Towering cliffs, wildflower fields, and the turquoise Iceberg Lake with its surreal floating chunks of ice. A true Glacier classic.
Upper Two Medicine Lake & Twin Falls
Though slightly farther from the West Glacier entrance, Two Medicine is worth the trip for a quieter experience.
- Distance: 4–6 miles roundtrip (with boat shuttle)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: A peaceful valley setting, alpine lakes, and Twin Falls, where two waterfalls tumble side by side. Moose are frequently spotted here.
Family-Friendly & Easy Trails
Not every hike needs to be strenuous. West Glacier has plenty of trails suitable for beginners, families, or anyone seeking a shorter adventure.
- Trail of the Cedars: A flat, boardwalk-style loop through old-growth cedar and hemlock trees. Less than a mile and accessible.
- Running Eagle Falls: Just 0.6 miles roundtrip, this short hike leads to a unique waterfall that seems to burst directly from a cliff.
These hikes are perfect for stretching your legs, photographing wildflowers, or introducing kids to the outdoors.
Wildlife and Wildflowers on the Trail
Glacier National Park is alive with wildlife. Expect to see mountain goats, marmots, deer, and maybe even a grizzly from a safe distance. Early morning and evening are the best times for wildlife viewing. In summer, alpine meadows burst with colorful wildflowers like Indian paintbrush, glacier lilies, and beargrass, adding a vibrant splash to every hike.
Planning Your Trip
- Best time to visit: July and August bring warm weather and open trails, but also the biggest crowds. For fewer people, visit in June or September, but be prepared for lingering snow or early closures.
- Where to stay: Options range from rustic campgrounds inside the park (like Apgar and Fish Creek) to cozy cabins and lodges in West Glacier, Whitefish, or Columbia Falls.
- Logistics: The park is massive—plan to spend at least three days to see the highlights. Staying in multiple areas (West Glacier, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine) can help reduce long drives.
Packing Essentials
Packing smart is key to a safe and enjoyable hike. Essentials include:
- Hydration bladder or several water bottles
- Lightweight layers (including rain jacket)
- Bear spray
- First-aid kit and blister pads
- Trekking poles for long or steep hikes
- Plenty of snacks (wraps, trail mix, and protein bars are favorites)
- Map or GPS app with offline access (cell service is almost nonexistent)
Why Hiking West Glacier is Unforgettable
West Glacier hikes are more than trails—they are immersive experiences into wild, rugged beauty that has been shaped by ice, water, and time. Whether you’re walking the gentle Trail of the Cedars, pushing yourself up to Grinnell Glacier, or marveling at icebergs floating on turquoise waters, every step brings a new reward. With preparation, respect for wildlife, and a sense of adventure, your hikes in West Glacier will stay with you long after you’ve left Montana’s mountains.
