Glacier national park hiking information and trail descriptions. Take a virtual tour of nature trails and stunning lakes at glacier national park in montana. Several hikes in the park are selfguided and interpretive, allowing hikers to explore the trail at their own pace. Bear spray is available for purchase at all glacier national park lodge retail locations. Glacier guides is proud to be an authorized outfitter for guided day hikes in glacier national park, and has been the exclusive backpacking guide service in the park since 1983. Lake janet in glacier park is an incredibly beautiful lake, especially in the morning when the water is completely still and the mountains are glowing in the morning sun. Bear spray available for purchase at all glacier national park lodge retail. Purchasing the best hiking boots glacier national park. Cdt throughhikers mexico to canada, who plan on entering glacier at marias pass, should call the backcountry office at 406 8887857 prior to starting. The park is immense, with 1 million acres 4,047 km2, 300 lakes and a reach of 1,584 square miles 4,103 km2.
Take a virtual tour of glacier national park in montana. Most of them are available on a firstcome, firstserved basis. Bear spray is considered a weapon and cannot be brought onto commercial flights. Hiking in glacier national park, montana backpacker. I bought a pair of vasque goretex hiking boots before leaving and i was glad i did. Hiking boots give better traction, better ankle support. The best hikes in glacier national park 2020 update. Together with albertas waterton lakes national park, glacier makes up the watertonglacier international peace park. The fifty mountain area along the northern highline trail of glacier park is one of those iconic glacier park hikes that takes you as far away from civilization as you can get. Advice on purchasing the best hiking boots to meet your vacation needs. The trail of the cedars, forest and fire, hidden lake, running eagle falls, and swiftcurrent nature trails encourage hikers to experience glacier national park at their own pace. Were incredibly lucky to have glacier national park, a place people travel from all over the country and internationally to see, right here in montana. Travel into canadas waterton international peace park, the worlds first peace park. Veteran hiker erik molvar provides all the information you need to get the most out of hiking this international peace park with its glistening glaciers, scenic lookouts, peaceful lakes, and.
Glacier park hikes lake francis lake janet glacier park mt. If you plan to hike anywhere in america outside of the southwest, you will be investing a decent sum of money in hiking boots. Mary can be reserved in advance, along with half of the campsites at many glacier and half of the group sites at apgar. Best waterproof hiking boots glacier national park travel. With over 700 miles of trails winding through glacier national park, it can. Hiking glacier and waterton lakes national parks, 4th. Mary visitor center and many glacier hotelswiftcurrent motor inn operates from june 8 through september 18, connects to the national park service nps free goingtothesun road shuttle system, and like that shuttle service is first come, first servedno advance reservations.
The asolo piuma are lightweight, ultracomfortable hiking boots designed to move completely naturally over a variety of terrains. This post includes my full list of photography gear that i bring when i hike. Glacier park hikes lake francis lake janet glacier. The hiking gear to take on the swiftcurrent pass trail is pretty much the same as on other backcountry hikes in the park.
Glacier national park backpacking and hiking trails. When hiking in glacier national park or other high altitude, mountainous regions, the combination of these materials provides numerous benefits, including. We will be doing hikes such as iceberg lake, grinnell glacier, part of highline, garden wall, avalanche lake, cedars. Hikers should always be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions while hiking in glacier national park. While many people get by with lesser footwear, i agree that boots are important. Unless youre buying extreme hiking boots for long distances with a pack. The park stretches across 1,000,000 acres of montanas northernmost reaches, right up to the canadian border.
With low altitude yet big relief, this route in glacier national parks littlevisited northeast corner is perfect in early season. The trail brings you to an iconic emerald lake surrounded by steep cliffs reaching up more than 2,000 feet above the water. I almost never wear hiking boots, i just wear sneakers, as do my two 12 year old boys. Best waterproof hiking boots glacier national park. Waterproof boots are a musthave for glacier, where the trails.
Proper foot and ankle support are important for that kind of walking. Hiking tours near glacier national park glacier adventure. Guests will explore the trails of the flathead range and kootenai national forest, pristine areas many other visitors never see met our guide devin at montana coffee traders in whitefish. Hike among towering mountain peaks, alpine meadows, sapphire glaciers, emerald lakes, wildflowers, and prolific wildlife. Glacier national park backpacking packing list rei coop. So, youve booked your trip to go camping in glacier national park. If youre into photography, its a playground of inspiration that youll want to capture. Daily guided hiking in glacier national parks worldclass wilderness.
A good mix of forest and highalpine hiking, the piegan pass trail begins at the siyeh bend, 2. When hiking in glacier national park, do not wear sneakers, sandals or other shoes that are lacking in any form of ankle support. The first lake that you will come to along your glacier park hiking adventure through the olson creek valley is lake janet, which is about 3. Varied terrain from dense forests to dry, rocky slopes to alpine meadows, it never gets old. Bartlett cove dock paddling through the pristine waters of glacier bay national park in southeastern alaska is one of those adventures that remain on your bucket list even after you complete it because its so beautiful and so special that one visit could never possibly be enough. See more ideas about glacier national park montana, national parks and glacier park. A hiker should have a good pair of hiking boots dont use sandals or sneakers, a rain jacket that can double as a wind break, sunglasses, 2 quarts of water use a hydration system, and a decent day pack. Finding the best hiking boots to use on trails in glacier national park is a difficult process. I wait all year for my trip to glacier and i wouldnt want to ruin my vacation by twisting an ankle on the first day. The designated cdt route and an earlylate season alternate route are marked in blue on the map. Trail conditions due to high elevations and cold winters, snowmelt often stretches into midsummer. The best places to hike in glacier national park video.
The park is considered the centerpiece of a vast region of protected land that includes some 16,000 square miles 41,440 km2. Learn how to waterproof your hiking boots and the best hiking boots that are already waterproofed. Best hiking boots glacier national park travel guide. Oct 24, 2018 with over 700 miles of trails winding through glacier national park, it can be hard to choose what areas you want to explore. Backpacking season in glacier is relatively short due to the fact that snow. At least two months before the trip, you will receive a list of requiredrecommended clothing and equipment. In the meantime, you will undoubtedly buy a new pair of hiking boots, walking sticks and. The trail of the cedars and running eagle falls trails are.
Glacier park hikes fifty mountain hiking glacier park. The road deadends and one of glaciers few bikeable trails continues on to the fish creek campground road. Hikers need to assume individual responsibility for planning their trips, staying safe, and reducing their impact on the park. Glacier park trail accessibility may be limited early season. Waterproof boots are a musthave for glacier, where the trails intertwine with over 500 streams. For information about visiting the park, see our guide.
Over half of the visitors to glacier national park report taking a hike. Boots with a sturdy sole and ankle support will make all the difference as the miles add up. My sons ages and 15 want to forgo regulate hiking boots for the new trail running shoes. The ranking is most bang for your buck starting with the classic highline trail. Combine glacier national park hiking trails, a daypack and tennis shoes, and you have a recipe for ankle rolls.
Temperatures in the mountains typically fluctuate as weather patterns change, especially at the higher elevations. For your glacier national park packing list, a zoom lens is optional. What to pack for glacier national park glacier national park lodges. A guide to the parks greatest hiking adventures regional hiking series molvar, erik on. Veteran hiker erik molvar provides all the information you need to get the most out of hiking this international peace park with its glistening glaciers, scenic. Glacier national park backpacking and hiking trails glacier. Glacier national park hikes are an incredible experience, and there is something for every age and every fitness level. If you head west from apgar in glacier national park and cross over mcdonald creek, the first road on your right is called grist road. When in glacier, we only do day hikes, yet we end up averaging 1012 miles a day. Glacier s western valleys generally receive the most rainfall. We provide detailed information on more than 65 hikes in glacier national park, including trail descriptions, photographs, key features, difficulty ratings, maps and elevation profiles. Hiking boots vs trail shoes glacier national park forum. Having waterproof hiking boots is vital in glacier national park. The trailhead is at an elevation of 6,200 feet and climbs more than 1,600 ft.
With more than 700 miles to explore, lace up your boots and follow these general glacier national park trail guidelines. Guests will explore the trails of the flathead range and kootenai national forest, pristine areas many other visitors never see. Guided day hikes in glacier national park glacier guides. Bear spray available for purchase at all glacier national park lodge retail locations note. The list includes some environmentspecific options for the parks backcountry. Take the time to break in your boots before your first hiking day even wearing them around the house helps. Maybe youve even picked out which hiking trails you want to explore. A 110mile segment of the continental divide national scenic trail cdt runs through glacier. But, lets be honest, youre headed into mountainous bear country where weather can shift quickly and unexpectedly. Below are 88 day hikes that ive identified and ranked. Glacier guides was chosen as the exclusive provider of guided glacier national park hiking by the national park service in 1983. Hidden lake is one of the most iconic images of glacier national park and because of this, its also one of the most popular trails. Apr 06, 2020 if you head west from apgar in glacier national park and cross over mcdonald creek, the first road on your right is called grist road.
Some selfguided walks interpret trailside features with signs. Paw prints, tribal customs, and fall day hikes in glacier. Along this quaint road are a collection of private inholdings. There are national park service nps campgrounds in glacier. Picking the best hiking shoes glacier national park. May 28, 2018 thoughts and ideas in preparation for upcoming excursion to glacier national park. Glacier national park with more than 700 miles of trails in the park, outstanding opportunities for short hikes and multiday backpacking trips abound. With over 700 miles of trails, glacier park is a hikers dream. Any thoughts on durability and support for all our hiking plans. Take the time to break in your boots before your first hiking day. We provide detailed information on more than 65 hikes in glacier national park, including trail descriptions, photographs, key. Pack clothes that can be layered and hiking boots or shoes that are already brokenin. Hi greengirl5, just returned from our 1st trip to glacier where we hiked close to 60 miles.
With over 700 miles of trail providing outstanding opportunities for both short hikes and extended backpacking trips, there is something for everyone. Plan your hiking trip glacier national park conservancy. Glacier national park backpacking guide cleverhiker. Oct 15, 2018 glacier national park lodges hikers shuttle.
Hiking the swiftcurrent pass trail in glacier national park. Top 10 tips for visiting glacier national park get inspired. Glacier adventure guides custom hiking tours take you away from the crowds of glacier park and into the vast surrounding wilderness. Glacier national park ranks among north americas most epic backpacking destinations. We tailor trips to your fitness level and schedule. The best hiking boots are made of a fullgrain leather material with goretex as a breathable, waterproof protection. The best hiking boots are designed to aid your ankles in dealing with extra weight from packs. The following list is designed for a nonguided backpacking trip in glacier national park. With towering peaks, glistening turquoise lakes, wonderful wildlife sightings, and the possibility to get up close to a glacier, your options are endless. Generally, hikers hike the highline trail beginning at logan pass to the granite park chalet.
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