Grinnell Glacier Trail stands out as one of Glacier National Park’s outstanding hikes. Located in the Many Glacier area of the park, the stunning landscape on this trail provides an inspiring mix of elements, including glaciers, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, wildlife, and breathtaking vistas.

Where to Start the Hike

There are two different ways to start this hike. The first option is to start at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead and trek the full six miles to the glacier. This is where we picked up the trail.

Please note that this is a very popular trail and the parking areas tend to fill up quickly. The few days we were in the Many Glacier area, it was common to see the parking lot full and parked cars also lining the road. If you are able to camp at the beautiful Many Glacier Campground, it is a short walk to the trailhead (camping here a great option for multiple reasons).

An alternative approach is to utilize the convenience of a boat, departing from the Many Glacier Hotel. This boat ride crosses the Swiftcurrent Lake followed by a second boat journey across Lake Josephine. By opting to take this route, you can reduce the overall hike by approximately 3.5 miles roundtrip.

Our Day Hiking the Grinnell Glacier Trail

After starting the relatively flat and easy hike along the Lake Josephine shore, the real challenge began at the trail’s fork towards Grinnell Glacier. Within a mile past the lake, the terrain began to steepen. Even so, we were able to maintain a quick pace up the narrow and rocky path toward the top.

The beauty of the park was undeniable to us as we got to higher altitudes. One of our favorite views was a breathtaking overlook of Grinnell Lake, located below the trail and Mount Gould to the south.

Soon, our eyes were drawn to the majestic spectacle of Grinnell Falls, cascading down hundreds of feet above the serene lake. This part of the hike introduced us to landscape that almost felt heavenly. The picturesque alpine meadows were rich with smaller waterfalls as Mount Grinnell graced our right side.

It is important to note that this trail, although frequented by many visitors, the trail passes through prime grizzly bear habitat. We had been warned earlier in the week about grizzlies on our hike to Iceberg Lake and Ptarmigan Tunnel too. It’s a good idea to check with a Park Ranger on bear sightings each day be familiar with safety information on adventuring through bear country. In this area of the park, one also can expect to encounter mountain goats and bighorn sheep while traversing these mountainsides. We spotted a moose and mountain goats on our trek.

As the trail continues, we experienced sections of steep drop-offs. For hikers with fear of heights this trail may be a challenged in some sections even though the path is well maintained.

About halfway into the hike, the elevation became steeper with switchbacks, but our reward was the Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint.

The Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint

The Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint, the trail boasted a breathtakingly scenic landscape. Rugged cliffs and vibrant alpine vegetation were everywhere in all directions.

Our arrival to the pile of rocks (shown in the post) was a landmark. This was where the trail leveled. It was also a good place to stop and we enjoyed the moment with pictures and a quick rest before continuing on.

The air was crisp and invigorating, and the sense of achievement was matched only by the sheer natural splendor. At an elevation of approximately 6,500 feet, we found ourselves standing at the highest point of our day’s trek.

The only disappointing aspect of the viewpoint was the haze that was in the air when we visited the park in September of 2023. During this timeframe, Idaho was experiencing numerous forest fires. The smoke from those fires caused a background haze in the national park that readers of this post can detect in all our photographs.

Grinnell Glacier Lake

From the viewpoint, the trail continued onward downhill to Grinnell Glacier Lake. Our first reaction to the lake was surprise because of its size. It is quite large for a glacier lake and the emerald color is striking to look at.

The lake sits below the granite walls of glaciered ruggedness. As we stood there, taking in the breathtaking scenery, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer magnificence of nature. The crystal-clear waters of the lake perfectly reflected the surrounding mountains, creating a picture-perfect postcard scene.

We marveled at the harmonious coexistence of the rugged terrain with the serene beauty of the glacier lake. The tranquil lake that included floating icebergs in its water was truly a sight to behold.

The other surprise was the crowd of people exploring the shores of the lake. Although we did encounter people on the trail on the way to the lake, it did feel congested. In contrast, the lake had a sizable population of hikers along its shores.

Our mission was to find a rock to sit on by the lake so we could eat lunch and marvel at the beauty of our surroundings. Fortunately, we located the perfect place to eat and rest. We even had a short nap there before starting our return trip to the parking lot.

Summary of Grinnell Glacier Trail Hike

In conclusion, the Grinnell Glacier Trail offers a truly remarkable hiking experience, showcasing the diverse and awe-inspiring natural beauty of Glacier National Park. From the stunning vistas, serene lakes, and majestic waterfalls to the potential wildlife encounters, the trail provides an unforgettable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.

Despite the potential challenges posed by the trail’s steep sections and the variability of weather conditions, the sense of accomplishment and the breathtaking sights along the way make every step worth it. This trail is a must for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness and grandeur of Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park – Seasonal and Wildlife Closures

WILDLIFE CLOSURE: Trails in Glacier National Park are subject to closures due to bear activity. For more information, please visit the National Park Service Website

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads in Glacier National Park, including Going-to-the-Sun Road are subject to seasonal closure.

Glacier National Park charges a fee to enter. For more information, please see https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/fees.htm.