Baring Falls Guide & Visitor Tips | Glacier National Park

Q: Is the 0.7-mile hike worth the effort?

Yes. The turquoise pool, red bedrock, and the waterfall provide a compact but high-contrast geologic display.

Q: Can I view Baring Falls from the Sunrift Gorge area without hiking?

A footbridge offers a viewing vantage near the falls, but the best full view requires the short trail.

Q: Is bear spray recommended here?

Yes. Bears are a possibility; carry bear spray and know how to use it; stay on trails and maintain distance.

Q: Is the trail accessible for those with limited mobility?

No. The route involves stairs and rocky sections, not wheelchair-friendly.

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Overview

About This Attraction

Turquoise pool glints beneath a 25–30 ft cascade framed by red-tinted bedrock. A footbridge offers a view of the falls, with Upper Baring Falls forming a shorter 12 ft tier nearby. Water from melting alpine ice sculpts this cascade through ongoing erosion, revealing the rock's layered history. The force at work is erosion by glacier-fed water—soft layers yield first, leaving harder rocks to persist.

Best Time to Visit

Summer, from early June through late October when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open; morning light enhances the turquoise pool; avoid peak mid-summer crowds.

Visitor Tips

Parking fills very early—arrive before 7am or use the park shuttle.
Look for the turquoise pool set against red bedrock; stay on the trail.
The viewing footbridge has open cliff edges; keep a safe distance.
Bear spray is recommended; know how to use it; sturdy footwear advised.

Details

Location & Features

GPS: Latitude 48.6°N, Longitude -113.5955°

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

St. Mary Falls; Virginia Falls; Siyeh Pass Trail; Piegan Pass Trail

Insider Tips

Parking fills very early—use shuttle or visit in the shoulder season
Morning light highlights the turquoise pool
Stay back from cliff edges
Look for American dippers along Baring Creek

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Stairs and rocky sections; not wheelchair-accessible

Family Friendly:

Sturdy footwear; keep children away from cliff edges; stay on trail

Nearby Facilities:

Sun Point Visitor Center; dining in St. Mary

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.7 /5

Based on 33 Google reviews

Reviews from Google

We saw these falls doing the Baring, St. Mary, Virginia Falls hike. This one is gorgeous, but I feel like they just keep getting better the further you go.

Easy hike to this falls. We parked in a little are between sunrift gorge and the Virginia falls trail so we added this onto it. Highly recommend doing that. I really liked this little waterfall and climbing to the outcrop right in front.

Beautiful boat ride across St Mary's Lake and then a quick easy walk to these beautiful falls

Showing 3 of 33 reviews

FAQs

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

Yes. Parking at Sunrift Gorge fills quickly, especially in peak season; consider the park shuttle or visiting in the shoulder months.

Is the 0.7-mile hike worth the effort?

Can I view Baring Falls from the Sunrift Gorge area without hiking?

Is bear spray recommended here?

Is the trail accessible for those with limited mobility?

📖 yournpguide.com 📖 usgs.gov 📖 world-of-waterfalls.com 📖 hikinginglacier.com 📖 travelandhikewithpcos.com 📖 myhikes.org 📖 utahsadventurefamily.com 📖 explorenborgen.com 📖 roadsanddestinations.com 📖 waterfallguides.com 📖 takemytrip.com 📖 socalhiker.net 📖 glacier.org 📖 youtube.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 glaciernationalparklodges.com 📖 wanderlog.com 📖 seeingtheelephant.net 📖 hike734.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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