
Elevation gain: 1338 feet. This moderate climb tests your consistency; weather can flip fast, stay hydrated and keep a steady pace. The mountain doesn't care about excuses—water is life.
Moderate
Alpine lake, surrounding peaks, meadows, and frequent wildlife sightings
• Hike to the overlook first for a solid payoff with less effort. • Arrive at Logan Pass before 7:00 AM to secure parking; use the shuttle if possible. • Bring bear spray and 3 liters of water; wear sturdy boots and trekking poles. • Start early or late to avoid peak crowds and heat.
Mid-July through early September
Overlook is family-friendly; descent to the lake is steep and may be challenging for young children or those with knee issues; altitude considerations
Vehicle reservations may be required for Going-to-the-Sun Road; check Recreation.gov
Glacier National Park shuttle system operates from July through Labor Day as an alternative to driving
Carry bear spray and know how to use it; monitor weather and wind; stay on marked trails; be cautious on rocky descents
Family-friendly to overlook due to the boardwalk; the lake hike is steeper and less suitable for very young children
Overlook is family-friendly; descent to the lake is steep and may be challenging for young children or those with knee issues; altitude considerations
Logan Pass Visitor Center; Vault toilets near Hidden Lake; facilities at the trailhead
Address
Going-to-the-Sun Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
Based on 97 Google reviews
Sean “Wookiee Warlord” Fielding
Stunning hike to the Hidden Lake overlook. The incline is moderate but doable for the elderly and kids. May take a little longer. 2.6 miles round trip. The wildflowers are gorgeous against the backdrop of the mountain peaks. Walking sticks are a nicety for navigating the rocks and uneven steps. Lots of wildlife including mountain goats, squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and even a bear crossed our path. Highly recommended if you can survive the gauntlet of the parking lot at Logan Pass Visitor Center.
Will Pirnasch
Nice hike with rewarding views, but don’t underestimate the elevation gain or the difficulty. For an experienced hiker there is nothing to be afraid of, but it’s not a flip-flop trail, even if it starts like one. Halfway through, we encountered multiple tilted snow fields that you need to cross, and you need good shoes and some experience to handle that. As of early July 2025, the trail is closed after the viewpoint over Hidden Lake.
Jay Narayanasamy
Our first hike at Glacier NP, the Hidden Lake Trail, was an incredible introduction! Even with our 10-month-old, it was a truly beautiful and amazing experience. We even scored a rare stroke of luck, finding immediate parking at Logan Pass on the afternoon of July 4th – pure luck!The panoramic views were absolutely stunning, leaving us breathless. And the abundant wildlife (wild goats, bighorn sheep, a buck, and squirrels) kept our little one entertained throughout.Be ready for a 500-foot elevation gain. Only about 10-15 minutes of the trail is boardwalk; the rest is uphill. Roughly 50% of the hike was covered in slippery snow patches, which felt a bit scary at times. If you're carrying a baby or toddler, we highly recommend trekking poles or snow boots for better traction.Despite the challenging snowy sections, the incredible views and wildlife encounters made every step worthwhile. This trail truly offers a quintessential Glacier National Park experience!
Showing 3 of 97 reviews
Yes. This is bear country; carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Vehicle reservations may be required; check Recreation.gov for current rules.
Overlook is generally family-friendly, but the lake descent is steep and can be tough for young children or knee issues.
Carry at least 3 liters of water, dress in layers, and be prepared for sun exposure with hat and sunscreen.
Shuttle operates roughly from mid-summer (July) through Labor Day.
A Going-to-the-Sun Road vehicle reservation may be required depending on season and entry time.
Yes, but expect shoulder-season crowds; consider visiting for the overlook and saving the lake descent for another day if heat is high.
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