How to Hike the Grinnell Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park + Tips & FAQs

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Wondering how to take on the Grinnell Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park?

I have a few hikes that I can list among my very favorites, and the Grinnell Glacier Trail might be at the top of the list. Even though I grew up right by Glacier on the west side of the park, I didn’t start exploring the east side until I was an adult, and I didn’t get to hike Grinnell until about three years ago.

I didn’t know what I was expecting when we parked at the parking lot, but we were walking through a version of heaven as Daniel and I climbed up to Grinnell Glacier itself. You won’t find a more beautiful blue lake when you peer down at Grinnell Lake, and the views the entire way are just overwhelmingly stunning.

However, it’s not the easiest hike to take on in the park, and with the Glacier National Park reservation system and because it has become so popular, you do need to plan a little bit in order to make the most of your adventure. Daniel and I also ran into a griz on our hike, so being bear aware can be incredibly important.

With all this in mind, it’s well-worth dealing with potential wildlife and the crowds in order to enjoy this trail. It’s one I am planning on hiking over and over again, and one I recommend to clients who love to pull on those hiking boots.

In summary: This guide will cover how to get to the Grinnell Glacier Trail, what you should expect while hiking, and how to make the most of it.

Quick tip: If you can manage it, staying at the Many Glacier Hotel or Swiftcurrent Motor Inn the night before you plan on hiking this trail means that you can get to the trailhead early in the morning before it becomes packed.

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How to hike the Grinnell Glacier Trail

You’re going to to begin your hike at the Grinnell Glacier trailhead, which is located past the Many Glacier Hotel in the Many Glacier area. Keep in mind that Many Glacier has required reservations for the past few years, so if you plan on starting your hike after 6:00 am or before 3:00 pm, you will need to have these in hand when you enter the area.

I recommend you check out my guide on Glacier National Park reservations just in case so you know if you have what you need beforehand–it will make the day of your hike go so much more smoothly.

Once you reach the parking lot, it’s pretty straightforward where you start the hike. There will be a sign that indicates where you begin. However, if you want to shave off about four miles of your trip, you can take two shuttle boats from the Many Glacier Hotel across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. This is entirely up to you and how much you like to hike. Daniel and I were there early enough that the boats weren’t running, but we would have hiked the extra miles anyway.

Once you have either taken the Morning Eagle across Lake Josephine or you have hiked past it, you’ll start gaining some elevation. Take your time and make sure to make noise since bear sightings are common in this area. You’ll get your first glimpse of Grinnell Lake from up above, and be on the lookout for Grinnell Falls.

You’ll continue on through some meadows and depending on the time of year, you’ll see wildflowers. This is also the area where Daniel and I ran into a grizzly bear. Not to scare you, but when taking on this hike, you should absolutely have some bear spray on hand and know how to use it.

There are some wooden benches about 3.2 miles in where you can stop and take a rest if you would like–I definitely recommend at least resting a little bit because you’ll then attempt some steep switchbacks on the way up to Grinnell Glacier itself. Finally, you’ll reach Upper Grinnell Lake and the glacier feeding into it.

This is a great spot to rest and have your early breakfast or picnic lunch while enjoying the views. I have seen some people swimming here in the summer, but I personally would not recommend it because the water is freezing. Also, do not climb on the glacier itself–because it has been melting, it can be very dangerous to walk on it.

Once you have had your fill of this spot (take lots of pictures!), then you will head back down the way you came to the trailhead and to your car.

Map of the Grinnell Glacier Trail

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Tips for hiking the Grinnell Glacier Trail

Here are some tips I personally found helpful when hiking Grinnell and some recommendations to make your adventure one you won’t forget!

• Layer up: Glacier’s weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers. It’s often cool near the glacier itself, but you’ll warm up as you hike. There also isn’t a lot of tree cover, so sunscreen can be a good idea too.
• Sturdy footwear: Wear hiking boots with good traction to navigate rocky and sometimes slippery sections of the trail.
• Bear safety: Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and make plenty of noise. Grizzly bears and black bears frequent this area.
• Hydrate and bring snacks: Bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks. The trail can be strenuous, especially the last mile.
• Scenic stops: Take breaks at scenic spots like Grinnell Lake and the waterfalls. The views make for great photo opportunities!

Grinnell Glacier Trail: FAQs

Here are some common questions I get from clients and readers about the Grinnell Glacier Trail and how you can make the most of your hike.

Conclusion

If you are a hiker and you’re up for a bit of a challenge, then this is the hike I recommend most out of all the hikes in Glacier. It still remains one of my top five favorite day hikes I have ever been on, and if you’re up for a little sweat and being prepared to encounter some wildlife, then it’s not to be missed.

I’ve tried to go over the basics of how to hike to the Grinnell Glacier, as well as include some information that will make your journey easier. As always, if you have any questions about the hike, feel free to let me know in the comments!

Any questions about taking on Grinnell? Let me know in the comments!