Grinnell Glacier Trail

The hike up to Grinnell Glacier is a straightforward but high trek from the popular hiking base of Many Glacier up to the largest glacier in the National Park. The trail climbs through stunning alpine scenery to the edge of Upper Grinnell Lake, with a view across Grinnell Glacier to the Salamander ice shelf. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are regularly seen in the area, but also keep an eye out for grizzly bears wandering below the trail.

Beginning at the Swiftcurrent picnic area, a short distance from the popular hiking base of Many Glacier campground, the walk follows gentle trails skirting Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes, through forests of spruce and fields of wildflowers.

Where the trail branches, with the eastern path heading down towards the lake, follow the winding ascent to the southwest; this takes you high above Grinnell Lake and gives some of the trail's first views. Hikers then negotiate patchy snow, waterfalls and the precipitous mountainside to reach the tree line, before emerging onto the edge of Upper Grinnell Lake.

Take some time to relax in front of the splendour of Glacier National Park's largest, but fast-disappearing, glacier. The Salamander ice shelf can still be seen on the mountainside above; this was once a part of the main glacier, but now rests far above it.

Retrace your steps for the return trip, taking in the stunning valley views.

This is a quick and relatively straightforward walk, and it takes in some of the most stunning scenery Glacier National Park has to offer. However, it also attracts a considerable number of visitors, so don't expect solitude.

Do consider the danger posed by grizzly bears on this walk. Come prepared and follow all official advice. A great source of information is the US National Parks Service site. 

See our Glacier National Park page for detailed practical information and links to other nearby walks.