Long Knife Peak

Knife-edge crest above Upper Kintla Lake; backcountry hike, Proterozoic Belt rocks.

Insider tip

The knife-edge crest is the standout feature; plan for stable weather before attempting.

Insider tip

Start early; parking at trailheads fills quickly in peak season.

The light

Alpenglow potential

Heads up

Gravity and loose rock on cliffs; rapid weather shifts; bear country; cell service unreliable. Stay on routes, carry bear spray, and use map/compass; maintain…

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.2
Geological Formation9,789 ftLate June - mid-OctoberGolden-hour pick

From Upper Kintla Lake, the knife-edge crest dominates the skyline. The scene pairs calm water with a razor-sharp summit that hints at a tectonic origin and later glacial sculpting. Proterozoic rocks tell a 1.4+ billion-year story embedded in the peak’s rugged profile.

MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP

Is this stop worth your time?

Why go

What Youll See
Upper Kintla Lake views with a distant knife-edge summit; rugged ridges and Precambrian rock exposures
Unique Characteristics
Most northerly contiguous U.S. peak above 9,000 ft; Belt Supergroup rock records Proterozoic history; the region is tied to the Blackfeet Nation lineage as the ‘Backbone of the World’

When to go

Best Visit Times
Dawn or late afternoon; summer for access
Peak Fill Times
Parking at trailheads fills early in peak season; plan accordingly

Getting there and doing it

How To Get There
Navigate via park maps; plan backcountry route starting near Upper Kintla Lake; there is no official Long Knife Peak page.
Parking Availability
Parking at popular trailheads fills quickly in peak season; arrive early; shuttle options may be available

Getting there & parking

Distance From Entrance
Full-day backcountry hike; distance not published
Road Type
Rugged forest roads to trailheads; not paved to the peak
GPS Coordinates
48°59′50″N 114°12′28″W

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Mid-June through mid-October is the main window when Glacier National Park roads are typically open; higher-elevation trails may still have snow until late June. In the morning, eastern exposures catch softer light, while late afternoon highlights western slopes. Avoid the harsh midday sun and watch for potential afternoon alpine storms.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow potential
Best Season
Summer (July–August)
Busiest Season
Summer (July–August)
Seasonal Access
Summer, weather permitting; alpine conditions can close access
Road Opening Dates
Late June through mid-October (Going-to-the-Sun Road window)
Snow Lingering
Snow may persist into early summer at higher elevations
Winter Access
Not accessible in winter; snowbound backcountry routes
Weather Patterns
Afternoon alpine storms possible; rapid shifts in temperature and wind

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Knife-edge crest; Proterozoic Belt Supergroup rocks; northern U.S. peak above 9,000 ft
Photo Opportunities
Early light on the crest; alpine reflections in the lake; dramatic contrasts between rock and sky
Photography Spots
Upper Kintla Lake foreground with the knife-edge crest framed by alpine scenery; early morning or late afternoon light
Best Viewpoints
From Upper Kintla Lake shoreline; along the lake’s west shore toward the crest
Common Wildlife
Mountain goats, pikas; bears may be present
Best Wildlife Times
Goats on ridges; pikas on talus; bears possible; best sightings at dawn/dusk
Geological Formation Type
Knife-edge crest; Belt Supergroup exposures; Precambrian age
Scientific Interest
Proterozoic Belt Supergroup rocks; evidence of early life; tectonic uplift history

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Park entrance fee applies; backcountry permit may be required
Permits Required
Yes
Restrooms Available
No
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Cell Service
Unreliable in backcountry
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Backcountry; not wheelchair accessible
Accessibility Level
Backcountry hike required; not wheelchair accessible
Nearby Services
West Glacier, St. Mary; park visitor centers for information
Nearby Facilities
Park visitor centers; nearby communities outside park boundaries
Family Friendly Notes
Backcountry route with rugged, uneven terrain and exposure to mountain conditions; not suitable for young children.

Safety

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Upper Kintla Lake; Clark Range; West Glacier area
Connecting Trails
Backcountry routes linking to Clark Range; no formal Long Knife Peak trail
Trailheads Here
Backcountry access via Upper Kintla Lake; no established Long Knife Peak trail

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • The knife-edge crest is the standout feature; plan for stable weather before attempting.
  • Start early; parking at trailheads fills quickly in peak season.
  • Bear spray is essential; keep distance from wildlife.
  • Use map and compass; cell service is unreliable in this backcountry area.
Tips Advice
  • Backcountry day requires map/compass; plan for a full day.
  • Parking fills quickly at popular trailheads in peak season; arrive early or use shuttle where available.
  • Bear spray is essential; maintain distance from wildlife and travel with companions.
  • Weather shifts rapidly in alpine terrain; pack layers and traction for shoulder seasons.

More details

Park Area
Clark Range, Glacier National Park
Elevation Feet
9789
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Lake Size
Upper Kintla Lake nearby
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
Yes
Review Summary
Experienced hikers seeking dramatic alpine scenery and geologic context will find value here; parking challenges and backcountry logistics are the main friction points; plan ahead and weather-check before sunrise.

Location

Long Knife Peak looms above Glacier National Park's rugged valley, with pinkish rock strata and green pines.Long Knife Peak looms snowcapped above a dark forest and tranquil lake in Glacier National Park.Long Knife Peak rises above a green forest under a bright blue sky in Glacier National Park, rugged and majestic.Long Knife Peak overlook in Glacier National Park frames a valley with red rock slopes and dense evergreen forests.

Frequently asked questions

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

Parking at popular trailheads fills quickly in peak season; arrive early or use shuttle where available.

Is it worth the 1-day backcountry hike just to see Long Knife Peak?

Yes; the route yields dramatic alpine scenery and a clear record of deep-time geology; plan for a full day and variable weather.

Is the Long Knife Peak area accessible for someone with limited mobility?

Backcountry hiking is required; not wheelchair accessible.

What should I know about weather and safety in this backcountry area?

Alpine weather shifts rapidly; carry layers, map and compass, bear spray, and be prepared for loose rock and cliff hazards; cell service is unreliable.

Will I see wildlife along the approach or near the peak?

Goats frequent ridges; pikas inhabit talus; bears may be present; maintain safe distances and travel in groups.

Pyramid Peak

Granite peak sharpened by glacial ice; scrambling to Pyramid Peak from Pyramid Pass.

Grace Lake

Grace Lake: glacial cirque lake at 3,966 ft, reached via the Logging Lake Trail.

Monument Falls

215 ft waterfall fed by glacial meltwater; view from Avalanche Lake shore.

Lake McDonald

A west-side lakeshore pause: choose Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge, then leave room for a separate walk or boat outing.

Some booking links below are affiliate links, which may support YourNPGuide at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.