Best Hikes in Glacier National Park When Going-to-the-Sun Road Is Closed (2026)

The trailhead sits in the lower Avalanche Creek area off the west entrance section of Going-to-the-Sun Road — accessible before the seasonal alpine closure gate. The cedar canopy creates a microclimate that stays green and lush even when the high country is buried in snow. The gorge section at trail’s end offers some of the most dramatic close-up scenery in the park for minimal effort.

The trail follows Avalanche Creek through dense forest before opening to the lake basin at 3,905 feet, backed by towering peaks holding snow well into summer. The elevation gain is gradual, making it manageable for most visitors. Plan the full morning — this destination rewards those who linger. Elevation gain: 741 feet over 2.4 miles one-way, per AllTrails.

Lake McDonald is 9.4 miles long and one of the park’s most visually spectacular features even without the alpine road open. The Rocky Point trail skirts the lake’s northern shoreline through forest before reaching a rock platform with open views of the lake and surrounding peaks. Kids love wading in the shallows and searching for the colorful stones.

The Many Glacier valley is Glacier’s crown jewel on the east side. This nature trail loops through meadows and forest with the iconic Many Glacier Hotel reflected in the lake. Wildlife activity peaks in early morning and evening. See our guide to Many Glacier with Kids for full area tips and easy trail options.

The trail follows the lower GTSR briefly before dropping into the forested gorge toward the falls. Virginia Falls adds another 0.4 miles one-way beyond St. Mary Falls and is worth every step. Peak snowmelt (May–June) means peak waterfall flow — the most dramatic time to visit. The trailhead is 1.5 miles from the St. Mary Visitor Center, per AllTrails.

From Many Glacier Hotel, the trail passes through forest and open meadow before reaching the brilliantly colored lake below Salamander and Grinnell Glaciers. A summer boat shortcut crosses Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes to reduce the round trip to just 3.4 miles. This trail also serves as the approach to the Grinnell Glacier hike for those wanting a longer day.

The trail switchbacks steeply through dense forest before breaking into open terrain with increasingly dramatic views of Lake McDonald and the surrounding valley. The summit lookout (5,236 feet) gives the widest possible view of the western park. A Volunteer in the Parks often staffs the lookout in summer and can identify landmarks from the deck. See all Glacier fire lookout hikes for comparison.

The Two Medicine area is Glacier’s quieter east-side corner — far less crowded than Many Glacier. The flat paved path is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. In spring snowmelt, both the upper and lower falls run simultaneously for the most dramatic display. The Two Medicine Lake viewpoint just past the falls adds only minutes to the stop.

The trail climbs gradually through wildflower meadows and passes Ptarmigan Falls at the halfway point (5,660 ft) before reaching the lake basin. Best conditions are mid-July through September when the trail is snow-free. Note: this trail traverses an active bear corridor and is periodically closed for bear activity — check current conditions at the Many Glacier Ranger Station before heading out.

The trailhead is 5.8 miles up Camas Road from the Apgar area. After gaining elevation through dense forest and berry-covered slopes, the final miles break into open terrain with 360-degree views. A Volunteer in the Parks staffs the lookout in summer and can identify landmarks from the summit deck. Best after snowmelt, typically June through October.