Grinnell Glacier
4.9(86)google
4.8(9)yelp
HikingHiking TrailScenic LookoutMust-SeeOutdoorAdventurousGlacierMountain
Overview
Grinnell Glacier is in the heart of Glacier National Park in the U.S. state of Montana. The glacier is named for George Bird Grinnell, an early American conservationist and explorer, who was also a strong advocate of ensuring the creation of Glacier National Park. The glacier is in the Lewis Range and rests on the north flank of Mount Gould at an altitude averaging 7,000 feet (2,100 m), in the Many Glacier region of the park.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration6-9 hours
Best TimeThe narrow peak window spans from late July through early September when the rugged, high-altitude 10.6-mile trail fully thaws. Trekkers heavily advise a sharp 7:00 AM departure from the trailhead or booking the earliest morning scenic boat shuttle across the lakes. Reaching the terminal glacier basin by noon reveals direct sun illuminating the milky, turquoise waters of Upper Grinnell Lake right beneath massive walls.
Getting ThereAlso positioned deep within the northeastern Many Glacier wilderness sector. Drive via Babb down Many Glacier Road straight to the historic Many Glacier Hotel shoreside parking fields. A highly popular transit alternative is booking a commercial historic wooden boat shuttle across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Lake Josephine, cutting 3.4 miles off the round-trip trek; no public city bus routes operate here.
Travel Tips
- The 10.6-mile round-trip trail gains 1,600 feet with steep ledge exposure; meltwater streams routinely wash across the rock track, requiring premium traction hiking boots.
- Booking a commercial shuttle boat from Many Glacier Hotel cuts 3.4 miles off the hike; tickets are highly competitive and require reservations months in advance.
- The upper glacier terminus features active rockfalls and hidden crevasse hazards; stepping past the official terminal safety signs onto the bare glacial ice is illegal.
Reviews
Positive
- One of the most stunning hikes in the US to touch a living glacier! Overlooking Swiftcurrent Lake and three tiers of turquoise lakes, the terminal glacier and ice caves are epic.
- Trail management and signs are of the highest standard; sturdy handrails are built on risky cliff edges, rangers man key junctions, and route guidance is clear and safe.
- To save stamina, you can purchase a paid shuttle boat ride from Many Glacier Hotel dock, crossing two lakes to shave off about 3.4 miles of forest hiking—a flexible choice.
- A premium, hall-of-fame hiking journey included in the park pass. Standing before a historic glacier feeling the crisp, pure wind makes everyone feel all the sweat was worth it.
Heads up
- Spanning 11 miles round-trip with a 1,600+ ft climb, it is highly hardcore; sections are carved out of narrow, exposed cliffs, leaving acrophobic or untrained guests exhausted.
- Tucked deep in Many Glacier, peak summer road trips face miles of gate queues and a severe lack of open parking spots, often delaying planned hikes while hunting for space.
- Due to harsh high-altitude weather, the upper glacier stretch often doesn't open until mid-to-late July; prior to that, it faces seasonal safety closures, forcing guests to turn back.
- The long climbing route features zero shade and zero restrooms, and lacks non-English bear safety signs; hiking under a blazing sun without 3L of water risks severe dehydration.