Grinnell Glacier Glacier National Park
Iconic 10-mile hike in Glacier National Park leading to a stunning, receding glacier and turquoise lakes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat crowds & heat
Grinnell Glacier Glacier National Park
Best Time
Beat crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 10-mile hike in Glacier National Park leading to a stunning, receding glacier and turquoise lakes.
"Absolutely beautiful and definitely worth the hike. It’s been my best hiking experience yet!"
💧 Drinkable Glacier Water
Bring a filter or purifier to drink ice-cold water directly from Grinnell Glacier!
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The trail has a steady incline and some steep sections; good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 85 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint
End of Grinnell Glacier Trail
Witness the majestic, receding glacier up close. An unforgettable reward after a challenging but scenic hike.
Lake Josephine & Swiftcurrent Lake
Trailhead area
Stunning turquoise lakes that serve as a beautiful prelude to the main event, with opportunities for boat tours.
Wildflower Displays
Lower sections of the trail
Vibrant alpine wildflowers carpet the meadows in early to mid-summer, adding bursts of color to the landscape.
Wildlife Sightings
Along the trail
Keep an eye out for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and even moose in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Many Glacier Entrance Reservation
Start Your Hike Early to Beat Crowds & Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Drinkable Glacier Water
Bring a filter or purifier to drink ice-cold water directly from Grinnell Glacier!
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The trail has a steady incline and some steep sections; good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🚗 Many Glacier Reservation
Secure your Many Glacier vehicle reservation on Recreation.gov well in advance. +1
⬆️ Consider the Ferry
Take the boat shuttle across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine to shorten the hike by 3 miles.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Drinkable Glacier Water
Bring a filter or purifier to drink ice-cold water directly from Grinnell Glacier!
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The trail has a steady incline and some steep sections; good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🚗 Many Glacier Reservation
Secure your Many Glacier vehicle reservation on Recreation.gov well in advance. +1
⬆️ Consider the Ferry
Take the boat shuttle across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine to shorten the hike by 3 miles.
🧥 Pack Layers
Weather changes rapidly in the mountains; bring layers, including waterproof gear.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking beauty of the Grinnell Glacier hike, calling it a 'must-do' and 'worth every step.' The stunning views, potential wildlife sightings, and the unique experience of drinking glacier water are major highlights. However, the trail's length and steep sections can be challenging for some, and securing parking or reservations requires early planning.
"This was absolutely stunning. It was a little tricky at the beginning. Beautiful trail with stunning wild flowers as soon as you start your hike then incline with switchbacks were pretty rough. We hiked at our own pace and took a few breaks. Then the views were breathtaking all the way up. Then the end was all worth it!"
Yvette Who
"A gorgeously scenic 21km trek with an amazing up close view of the glacier."
Shanti Sharma
"Highly recommend! The trail is better than the destination in my opinion. Beautiful views the entire way especially when you arrive at the parking area at 5 am and start the hike at 6 am to catch the morning alpine glow. The parking lot was mostly empty at 5 am but filled up quickly. The glacier area is peaceful; however, if you've seen bigger and better glaciers than Grinnell is anticlimactic. The hike is moderate purely for the distance."
Louis Manzi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. Access requires a vehicle reservation for Many Glacier between 4 PM and 6 AM. Alternatively, you can take the park shuttle if you don't have a reservation. +1
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it fills up very early. Arriving by 5 AM is recommended to secure a spot.
Yes, the boat shuttle across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine is available during the summer season. It significantly reduces the hiking distance.
Many Glacier is accessible by car via Highway 89. Ensure you have the necessary vehicle reservation for entry during peak hours.
Yes, there are park shuttles that can take you to the Many Glacier area, which is helpful if you don't have a personal vehicle reservation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need a vehicle reservation for the Many Glacier area between 4 PM and 6 AM. The hike itself does not require a separate ticket, but access to the area does. +1
Reservations are released 7 days in advance at 8 AM MDT and again the night before at 7 PM MDT on Recreation.gov. They sell out quickly.
The boat shuttle typically operates from late June through mid-September. Check the official Glacier National Park website for exact schedules and operating dates.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Glacier National Park. You can purchase a pass at the park entrance stations or online.
You can hike Grinnell Glacier if you enter the Many Glacier area before 4 PM or after 6 AM without a vehicle reservation. However, parking will be extremely limited.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 10 miles roundtrip, taking about 4-6 hours for most hikers, depending on pace and breaks. Some report it being closer to 12 miles.
It's considered a strenuous hike due to its length and elevation gain (over 2,000 feet). However, many find the gradual incline manageable with frequent breaks.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, comfortable athletic clothing, and bring layers including a waterproof jacket, as weather can change quickly.
The trail is generally safe, but there are sections with sheer cliff drops. Hiking with a buddy and being aware of your surroundings is recommended.
While you can dip your feet in the water, it is extremely cold and not suitable for swimming.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning light offers stunning alpine glow and fewer crowds. Midday can be harsh, but the glacier itself is still impressive.
The viewpoints overlooking Lake Josephine and Swiftcurrent Lake, the wildflower meadows, and of course, the glacier itself are prime photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery and lakes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
Drones are generally prohibited in National Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check current park regulations.
You might photograph mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and various birds. Always maintain a safe distance.
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