Grinnell Lake Guide & Visitor Tips | 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

June–September; mornings ideal for photography; Many Glacier Road open 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?

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