Grinnell Lake: Proglacial Lake on the Grinnell Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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Overview

About This Attraction

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.

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.

Visitor Tips

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.

Details

Location & Features

GPS: 48.76518, -113.70534

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Swiftcurrent Pass, Grinnell Glacier Trail, Iceberg Lake, Jackson Glacier Overlook

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.

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Non-wheelchair-accessible trail; boat shuttle reduces distance; uneven terrain

Family Friendly:

Trail is long; watch for wildlife; hold hands near water edges; guided access via shuttle can reduce effort for kids

Nearby Facilities:

Pit toilets near Lake Josephine dock; potable water at trailhead picnic area; limited on-site services

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.8 /5

Based on 60 Google reviews

Reviews from Google

We hiked the whole trail (2-3 miles each way) from the road. There was a spot where you either go around and up a cliff or go down a trail and across walk bridges to get to the lake. I’m not a cliff fan so I’d like to thank whomever built option B trail as Grinnell Lake was so beautiful and magical I’d be sad if I missed it! Perfect turquoise water, glacier waterfalls, colorful rocks, peaceful setting with magical pure mountains hugging you. A definite bucket list hike :) Thank you Montana!!

What a stunning lake!! With the boat tour the hike became pretty tolerable, a modest 2 mile hike with minimal elevation. We saw couple of deers as a bonus point. Also try the hidden falls, amazing view.

Decent and simple hike that anyone can do. Took boat from many glacier hotel that brings down walk to roughly 3 miles. You can walk all the way from many glacier hotel or grinnel glacier parking lot which will be an additional 2 mile walk one way. Good view of lake almost like avalanche lake. Be careful of wildlife as hike gets little into woods. Little swinging bridge on the way too.

Showing 3 of 60 reviews

FAQs

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?

Can I bring my dog to the Grinnell Lake Trail?

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

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

📖 wikipedia.org 📖 usgs.gov 📖 glacierguides.com 📖 enjoyyourparks.com 📖 hikingwalking.com 📖 noahlangphotography.com 📖 hikespeak.com 📖 alibaba.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 recreation.gov 📖 travelandleisure.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 opengeology.org 📖 macalester.edu 📖 Current time information in Glacier County, US. 📖 apple.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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