Hiking in Glacier National Park


Mountain Goat Over half of the visitors to Glacier National Park report taking a hike. That�s a lot of hikers, but over 700 miles of trail provide many outstanding opportunities for both short hikes and extended backpacking trips.

Hikers need to assume individual responsibility for planning their trips and hiking safely. Before setting out on your hike, stop by a park visitor center to obtain needed warnings and recommondations. You will increase your odds of a safe hike, decrease your disturbance to park wildlife, and lessen cumulative damage to resources.

Visitor center bookstores carry a complete line of trail guides, topographic maps and field guides to aid the hiker. Publications are also available by mail. Call the Glacier Natural History Association at (406) 888-5756, to request a catalog.

Where to Hike
Nature Trails Five self-guided walks interpret trailside features with brochures and signs. The Trail of the Cedars, Huckleberry Mountain, Hidden Lake, Sun Point, and Swiftcurrent Nature Trails encourage hikers to experience Glacier National Park at their own pace. The Trail of the Cedars is wheelchair accessible.

Day Hikes
Good day hikes are plentiful. Visitor center staff will be happy to assist you with your choices and provide free maps of popular trails in park. Maps to four of the more popular hiking areas are available online as well.

Overnight Trips
Hikers planning to camp overnight in Glacier�s backcountry must stop at a visitor center or ranger station and obtain a backcountry permit.

Permits are issued on a �first-come, first-served� basis no more than 24 hours in advance of your trip.

Transportation
Park concessioners offer shuttles for hikers. Rocky Mountains Transportation operates shuttles to all major trailheads on the Going-to-the-Sun Road from July 1 through Labor Day. Shuttle schedules are available at bus stops and visitor centers, or you can make reservations by calling (406) 862-2539.

Glacier Park, Inc., offers a morning Hiker�s Shuttle from the Many Glacier Hotel to trailheads at Siyeh Bend, Logan Pass and the Loop. Hikers should inquire at the Many Glacier hotel desk.

Top of Page
Glacier National Park Home
National Parks Home