Glacier, Montana
Looking for the best backpacking in Glacier? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Glacier. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Glacier
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Browning, Montana
Backpack to Cosley Lake
27.2 mi / 475 ft gainThe hike goes through different wooded areas, open fields, and passes by the ranger's ranch. In no time, you will be able to see the aqua blue colors of Cosley Lake, as you approach the campground for the night.The campground has pit toilets and a bear bag hanging station, along with a cooking ar...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Backpack to the Foot of Glenns Lake
20.6 mi / 950 ft gainStarting from the Chief Mountain Parking Area, take the trail to the left of the bathrooms at the end of the parking lot (left of the bathrooms if you are facing the bathrooms and the main road is to your right). You will quickly hike to a wooden kiosk. Read this kiosk for any pertinent informati...Read more -
Waterton, Alberta
Hike to Crypt Lake
4.310.8 mi / 2296.6 ft gainThe hike begins with a gradual climb through shaded forest, which thins as you progress into the hanging valley. Along the way, you will pass by three amazing waterfalls: Twin Falls at 3.5km (2 mi), Burnt Rock Falls at 5.6km (3.5 mi) and the 600ft Crypt Falls at 8km (5 mi). There is also a 1km (0...Read more -
Waterton, Alberta
Backpack the Alderson-Carthew Trail
5.012.4 mi / 4101.1 ft gainTake the Akamina Parkway in Wateron Lakes National Park to its terminus at Cameron Lake. Your hike will start from here. If you’re through-hiking either drop another vehicle off at Cameron Falls in the town site, or be prepared to hitch a ride back to Cameron Lake, due to heavy traffic this is ...Read more -
Kalispell, Montana
Backpack to Black Lake
7 mi / 1500 ft gainBegin at Camp Misery (elev. 5,717 ft). This is a total misname by the way! It should be titled Camp On The Way To Awesomeness! Anyway, head .6 miles on Trail 8 to the intersection of trail. From here turn right on Trail 68 and hike .7 miles until the intersection where you turn right on Trail 7 f...Read more -
Kalispell, Montana
Backpack to Clayton Lake
9 mi / 1500 ft gainFrom the Camp Misery Trailhead (elev. 5,717 ft) take the left Trail 8 for .6 miles. At the junction continue left for a 1.3 mile gently ascent into Jewel Basin. Nearing Twin Lakes continue left on Trail 7 for .6 miles until you reach Trail 55. Continue right, and make sure that after a short .3 m...Read more -
Kalispell, Montana
Hike to Summit of Mount Aeneas
4.96 mi / 1700 ft gainThis hike can easily be overlooked since it is in such a geographically rich area, with Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness so close, but it is absolutely a hidden gem that doesn't get enough attention. Mount Aeneas sits at just over 7,500 feet and from the summit it gives amazi...Read more -
Flathead County, Montana
Kintla Lake Campground
* The road to this trailhead/lake is closed during the winter. Kintla Lake is one of the lesser explored lakes in Glacier National Park. Located on the west side of the park, it is accessible via an unpaved road from the Polebridge Ranger Station. From the Ranger Station, take a LEFT and contin...Read more -
Flathead County, Montana
Boulder Pass Trail: Kintla Lake to Boulder Pass
35.06 mi / 5600 ft gainGlacier National Park is often touted as one of the best places in the whole USA when it comes to hiking and backpacking, natural scenery and wildlife encounters. With tons of trails to choose from (over 700 miles at last count), it can obviously be tough to decide where exactly you want to explo...Read more -
Flathead County, Montana
Camp Out at the Hornet Lookout
1 mi / 800 ft gainReservations for Hornet Lookout are obtained via Recreation.gov, and can be made up to six months in advance. Consider a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle with some clearance if available, as the forest service roads aren't always well maintained. Although the hike is short, it is all switc...Read more -
Flathead County, Montana
Backpack to Link Lake
1.3 mi / 600 ft gainTo reach the trailhead, travel west on US Hwy 93 for 17.9 mi. and then turn right onto Olney Crossover Rd. This road will continue for 8.8 mi. and then keep left onto NF-115 for 9.7 mi. and the destination will be on the right hand side. There is a parking area where the trailhead begins. From th...Read more -
Kalispell, Montana
Summit Lake Mountain and Nasukoin Mountain
5.012 mi / 3500 ft gainTo reach the trailhead, travel west on US Hwy 93 for 17.9 mi. and then turn right onto Olney Crossover Rd. This road will continue for 8.8 mi. and then keep left onto NF-115 for 9.7 mi. and the destination will be on the right hand side. There is a parking area where the trailhead begins. From th...Read more