Grinnell Glacier in Glacier NP

1207 Route 3, MT
5.0
11 Reviews
Grinnell Glacier in Glacier NP
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Details

Distance
11.33 miles
Elevation Gain
1965 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Lake
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About this place

Added by Michael Johnston

Take in beautiful views of Grinnell Glacier and several alpine lakes. Jump on the trail early in the day to get it all to yourself. If you have extra time, bring your fishing pole for some casts into Swiftcurrent Lake.

The Grinnel Glacier Hike begins at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead just past the Many Glacier Lodge. A fee of $25 is required to enter Glacier National Park for a seven-day pass. The Many Glacier region is entered from the east side of the park from the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

The Grinnell Glacier Hike is one of the most beautiful hikes in the world with beautiful views of the glacier, as well as the views of Swiftcurrent Lake, Lake Josephine, and Grinnell Lake. If you leave early enough, you’ll get there before the crowds. The glacier itself is absolutely breathtaking with views of the falls, and the lakes on the way.

Parking is located near the Many Glacier Hotel located on Swiftcurrent Lake. Parking can be very limited in the summer, so arriving earlier in the day is highly recommended. There are many hikes in the area, so be sure to follow the signs designating the trail to Grinnell Glacier so you don’t get lost. There is an optional boat that crosses Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine for a fee.

Once you're done, head to the bar and restaurant located at the Many Glacier Hotel with beautiful views of Swiftcurrent Lake. This is the perfect place to stop after the grueling yet beautiful hike to the lake.

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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Brian Fulda
2/11/2018
Unreal hike with stunning views the entire way.
The hike to Grinnell Glacier is a nice little butt-kicker and has an incredible reward at the end. It's surreal to see a glacier ...
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Beverly Stott
12/2/2017
Take the boat
First boat out is a ranger led hike- you get some great info. Beautiful hike. Would recommend. We wanted to do ...
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Andy Morris
10/15/2017
Worth the Challenge
This one was a tough one, especially the last mile and a half. For someone coming from Florida, the altitude definitely had me feeling ...
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Kelley Dodge
1/12/2017
Classic Glacier NP Hike!
We got an early start to avoid crowds and were treated to lots of wildlife sightings -- including multiple moose and mountain goats. We ...
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Brady Smith
8/31/2016
Beautiful hike! One Of My Favs
My fiancé and I hike a lot and this one has been on my bucket list for a while. We finally made it over ...
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Derek Tice
8/22/2016
Brilliant Hike (bear encounter included)
Amazing! The day we hiked it, the west side of Lake Josephine was closed due to bear activity. We decided to hike it taking ...
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Sonja Saxe
7/19/2016
The Epitome of Glacier
When I think of Glacier I think of this hike, it has everything: lush forests, stunning alpine lakes, plenty of wildlife, and of course, ...
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Jared Blitz
7/8/2016
To the top...
of your list this hike should go. Grinnell Glacier is rapidly disappearing, so don't waste anymore of its precious time. The hike ...
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Sarah Gooch
3/18/2016
A great hike in the Many Glacier area
The Many Glacier area has so much to explore. This is a manageable hike that will take you to outstanding views of the park. ...
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Brynn Schmidt
10/15/2015
My Favorite Location in the Glacier
We have stayed at Many Glacier Hotel several times and the Grinnell Glacier Hike is one of the best of in the area. Incredible ...
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Robin Pfeifer
10/8/2015
Huge views, big wildlife.
Hikers get to enjoy HUGE views and big wildlife on the way to Grinnell Glacier. Mountain goats, moose and grizzlies all made an appearance ...
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