Grinnell Lake: Proglacial Lake on the Grinnell Glacier Trail,

Turquoise Grinnell Lake sits in a glacially-carved basin beneath Glacier National Park's towering peaks.

Bright turquoise water sits in a shallow basin framed by Mount Gould and the Garden Wall. Beaches along the shore offer direct viewing of the lake’s surface, with color intensifying at dawn. This is a glacial tarn formed by Pleistocene ice, colored by rock flour while high peaks were sculpted by uplift and carving.

Glacial lake bordered by mountains, accessed by hiking trails & notable for bright turquoise water.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48.76518, -113.70534
Accessibility: Non-wheelchair-accessible trail; boat shuttle reduces distance; uneven terrain

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Swiftcurrent Pass, Grinnell Glacier Trail, Iceberg Lake, Jackson Glacier Overlook
Nearby Facilities: Pit toilets near Lake Josephine dock; potable water at trailhead picnic area; limited on-site services
Best Time To Visit: Late June through September is when Grinnell Lake is typically snow-free and accessible. For photography, plan morning visits to catch light on the eastern cirque walls. Many Glacier Road runs from late May to late September.
Tips Advice: Look for rock flour on the water surface and blue-green hues in the morning light.
Arrive before 7am in peak season to secure parking; overflow parking exists.
Use the boat shuttle to Lake Josephine/Swiftcurrent Lake to reduce hiking distance.
Carry bear spray, make noise in bear country, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Stay on designated trails and watch for slippery rocks; dress in layers for changing weather.
Insider Tips: Start early to beat parking crowds.
Use the shuttle to slice miles off the hike.
Watch for rock-fall and keep distance from cliff edges.
The water is cold—do not swim.
Photograph from the shore during golden hour for best color.

More details

Park Area: Many Glacier
Family Friendly Notes: Trail is long; watch for wildlife; hold hands near water edges; guided access via shuttle can reduce effort for kids
Recent Updates: Seasonal shuttle adjustments; parking overflow handling during peak season; road access windows May–Sept
Attraction Type: Glacial Lake
Elevation Feet: 4944
Distance From Entrance: From Many Glacier Hotel: 6.8–7.8 miles round-trip on foot (230–465 ft gain); with boat shuttle (one-way hike): ~5.8 miles; with round-trip boat: ~2.4 miles.
Accessibility Level: Non-wheelchair-friendly; uneven terrain; boat shuttle reduces hiking distance; accessible viewing from Grinnell Lake shore.
How To Get There: Park at the Many Glacier Hotel/Grinnell Glacier Trailhead. If using the boat shuttle, board Swiftcurrent Lake/Lake Josephine to shorten the hike, then hike to Grinnell Lake via established trails.
Parking Availability: Limited; fills by 7:00 AM in peak season; overflow parking along Many Glacier Road; occasional temporary shuttle service.
Road Type: Paved
Seasonal Access: Late May–late September
Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee
Main Features: Glacial tarn, turquoise water, cirque setting, Mount Gould, Garden Wall, Mount Grinnell
What Youll See: Beaches along the Grinnell Lake shore; turquoise water; surrounding peaks; trailheads and boat docks; possible wildlife in wetlands nearby.
Unique Characteristics: Turquoise color from glacial flour; Belt Supergroup rocks exposed in a classic glacial cirque; rapid shift in scenery between Swiftcurrent and Grinnell Lake corridors.
Safety Considerations: Bear spray required; stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other wildlife; very cold meltwater; wet rocks; mosquitoes in warm months; layered clothing; sturdy boots.
Best Viewpoints: Grinnell Lake shore beaches; viewpoints along the Grinnell Glacier Trail approach; near the boat dock for direct water views.
Photo Opportunities: Dawn light on turquoise water; alpenglow on Garden Wall and surrounding peaks; reflections in still mornings.
Photography Spots: Grinnell Lake shore beaches; boat dock area; viewpoints along trail with Mount Gould and Garden Wall in frame
Stargazing Quality: Excellent dark-sky visibility away from light pollution
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow on peaks at sunrise and sunset
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Pit toilets near the Lake Josephine boat dock
Picnic Areas: 1
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Scarce
Water Available: 1
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Grinnell Glacier Trailhead; boat shuttle access points on Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine
Connecting Trails: Grinnell Glacier Trail; link via Many Glacier Hotel; boat shuttle connections to Swiftcurrent/Josephine routes
Nearby Services: Many Glacier Hotel lodging; boat shuttle operations; pit toilets; potable water at trailhead picnic area
Common Wildlife: Moose, bears (grizzly and black), deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats
Best Wildlife Times: Early morning and dusk
Wildflower Peak: July–August
Fall Colors Peak: Late September–October
Geological Formation Type: Cirque Lake (Tarn)
Scientific Interest: Visible glacial silt coloring; Belt Supergroup bedrock; post-glacial uplift shaping the cirque
Road Opening Dates: Late May–late September
Snow Lingering: Snow may linger into late spring; melts by early July
Winter Access: Limited; winter conditions restrict access; snowshoe routes possible where plowed
Best Visit Times: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and mid-day glare
Best Season: June–September
Weather Patterns: Cool mornings; potential afternoon thunderstorms; mosquitoes in warm months
Peak Fill Times: 7:00 AM and earlier during peak season
Busiest Season: July–August
Waterfall Height: Not available
Waterfall Flow Rate: Not available
Lake Size: 79.4 acres (32.1 ha)
Fishing Species: Not available
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Grinnell Lake sits in a high-alpine cirque with water tinted by glacial flour. Access is via the Grinnell Glacier Trail or a boat shuttle across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine, followed by a hike to the lake. The primary viewing area lies along the approach trail, offering broad views of the lake and surrounding peaks. In peak season, crowds and limited parking around the Many Glacier area can be a constraint. The water color reflects glacial grinding, with fine sediment suspended in meltwater from ancient ice.

Location

Photos

Grinnell Lake framed by snow-dusted peaks and pine forests along a quiet Glacier National Park shoreline.

Grinnell Lake in Glacier National Park framed by lush evergreen trees with a wooden footbridge crossing a shallow stream.

Grinnell Lake in Glacier National Park framed by evergreen trees and a turquoise river cascading through a rocky canyon.

Grinnell Lake trail winds through forest toward snow-capped peaks in Glacier National Park on a sunny day.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Yes. Parking fills very early in peak season; overflow parking exists along Many Glacier Road, and a shuttle can help you bypass some of the distance.

Is it worth the 6–8 mile hike just to see Grinnell Lake?

Yes. The turquoise water, cirque setting, and views of Mount Gould and the Garden Wall are quintessential Glacier scenery; boat shuttle options allow a shorter, manageable route.

Can I bring my dog to the Grinnell Lake Trail?

No. Pets are not permitted on the Grinnell Glacier Trail and most backcountry trails; plan to left your dog at a permitted area or consider alternative trails where allowed.

Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?

The water is blue-green in real life. The color comes from rock flour ground by ancient glaciers; expect the hue to intensify with morning light.

Will I be able to access the lake if I don't like long hikes?

Yes, via boat shuttle to Lake Josephine and a shorter cross-lake hike; the round-trip option from Many Glacier Hotel to Grinnell Lake is longer, but the shuttle makes it more manageable.