Natural Attraction

Kintla Peak

Natural Attraction★ 4.4
Gravel trail winds through evergreen trees toward distant Kintla Peak in Glacier National Park.

From the trailhead, Kintla Peak cuts a jagged alpine silhouette above Kintla Lake; its broad glacially sculpted ridges frame a glassy, alpine basin. The scene hints at a glacier-driven history and a granite spine that pre-dates the ice. This is ice at work—the peak stands as a textbook glacial landform born from rock and ice over deep time.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
48°56′38″N 114°10′16″W
Accessibility
Backcountry; not wheelchair-accessible

Conditions & safety

Permits Required
0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions
Agassiz Glacier, Kintla Lake, Upper Kintla Lake, Kinnerly Peak
Nearby Facilities
Polebridge; Columbia Falls; Kalispell area
Best Time To Visit
Late June–September; golden-hour light on the alpine silhouette; avoid midday glare at high elevations.
Tips Advice
  • Start early; the base hike is ~15 miles one-way.
  • Dress in layers, bring ample water and calories, and carry bear spray with map, compass, and GPS.
  • Parking at Kintla Lake Campground trailhead is limited; trailers discouraged by rough access road.
  • In shoulder seasons, snowfields and crevasses may persist; crampons/ice axes may be needed.
Insider Tips
  • Start early; 15-mile approach demands a full-day hike.
  • Layered clothing and windproof gear; monitor weather changes.
  • Carry bear spray; store food properly.
  • Check snow and trail conditions; crampons/ice axes may be needed seasonally.

More details

Park Area
Livingston Range, Glacier National Park
Family Friendly Notes
Not suitable for young children due to distance, hazards, and fatigue; prepare accordingly
Recent Updates
No major changes to access or conditions reported.
Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Elevation Feet
10106
Distance From Entrance
About 15 miles one-way from Kintla Lake Campground trailhead
Accessibility Level
Strenuous backcountry hike; not wheelchair-accessible
How To Get There
Park at Kintla Lake Campground trailhead; follow the Kintla Lake Trail toward the base of Kintla Peak; approximately 15 miles to the base; no drive-up viewpoint.
Parking Availability
Limited parking at Kintla Lake Campground trailhead; trailers discouraged due to rough access road
Road Type
Rough, unpaved access road to trailhead
Seasonal Access
Open late spring through fall; snowfields linger into early season; winter access is not practical
Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Main Features
Pyramidal peak; glacier-sculpted ridges; Agassiz Glacier; Kintla Lake; Belt Supergroup granite; Mesoproterozoic rock
What Youll See
Expansive alpine terrain; glacier-sculpted ridges; views of Agassiz Glacier and Kintla Lake; Livingston Range
Unique Characteristics
Tallest in the Livingston Range; third-tallest in Glacier NP; northernmost land above 10,000 ft in the continental U.S.; ancient Belt Supergroup granite spine
Safety Considerations
Gravity hazards at exposed edges; rockfall risk on steep terrain; hypothermia risk in alpine weather; bears present; snow/crevasses can be hidden; no safety barriers; carry bear spray and know how to use it; map and compass required
Best Viewpoints
Summit viewpoints along the ridge; overlook toward Agassiz Glacier; views over Kintla Lake
Photo Opportunities
Golden-hour silhouettes; sunrise over alpine peaks; reflections in Kintla Lake
Photography Spots
Sunrise over Kintla Lake with the peak silhouetted; ridge lines from ascent viewpoints; distant Agassiz Glacier
Stargazing Quality
Excellent on clear nights; dark skies at high elevation
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow on jagged ridges; golden-hour light over alpine terrain
Visitor Center Present
0
Restrooms Available
1
Restroom Type
Vault toilets
Picnic Areas
0
Interpretive Signs
0
Cell Service
Limited; unreliable in remote areas
Water Available
1
Guided Tours Available
0
Trailheads Here
Kintla Lake Campground trailhead
Connecting Trails
Kintla Lake Trail to base; connections toward Upper Kintla Lake and surrounding peaks
Nearby Services
Polebridge; Columbia Falls, MT
Common Wildlife
Bears (grizzly and black), mountain goats, and other alpine wildlife
Best Wildlife Times
Year-round presence; bears more active in spring and early summer; goats in alpine meadows during the season
Wildflower Peak
Mid-summer (July–August)
Fall Colors Peak
Late September to October
Geological Formation Type
Pyramidal Peak; Belt Supergroup granite; glacially sculpted
Scientific Interest
Visible glacial processes; ancient Belt Supergroup geology; high-elevation landforms and tectonics
Road Opening Dates
Seasonal; typically late spring to early fall; dates vary with snowpack
Snow Lingering
Snowfields may persist into early season; crevasses can be hidden
Winter Access
Not practical for standard visitors; snow and remoteness require advanced backcountry skills
Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon; favorable weather windows in summer
Best Season
Late June through September
Weather Patterns
Alpine climate with rapid changes; afternoons may bring thunderstorms; strong winds common
Peak Fill Times
Parking tends to fill early in peak season (July–August); plan for overflow
Busiest Season
Summer (July–August)
Lake Size
Nearby Kintla Lake; Upper Kintla Lake lies nearby at 4,370 ft (1,330 m) elevation, creating notable local relief. The exact surface area of the lakes isn't listed in the source notes.
Fishing Nearby
1
Swimming Allowed
0
Boating Allowed
0
Climbing Areas
0
Review Summary
Expansive alpine views and a sense of isolation define this trek; the hike is strenuous and best suited for experienced hikers seeking remote wilderness and dramatic mountain scenery.

Location

Kintla Peak rises beyond a gravel trail, framed by evergreen trees in Glacier National Park.Kintla Peak rises beyond a gravel forest trail lined with pines in Glacier National Park on a bright summer day.

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes. Parking at the Kintla Lake Campground trailhead is limited and tends to fill early in the peak season; plan for possible overflow or arrive before the crowds.

Is it worth the 15-mile hike just to see the peak?

For experienced hikers, the combination of remote wilderness, expansive alpine scenery, and geologic history delivers a compelling, worthwhile experience.

Is there a drive-up viewpoint?

No. There is no drive-up viewpoint; access to the base requires a long day hike from the Kintla Lake Trailhead.

Will my cell phone work out there?

Cell service is unreliable in remote Glacier National Park terrain; bring maps, a compass, and a GPS and plan to navigate without connectivity.

What about safety—bear encounters and weather?

Bear spray is recommended; store food properly; alpine weather changes quickly; dress in layers and carry appropriate gear; stay on established routes.

Vulture Peak

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Elk Mountain

360° summit views over Belt rocks; a rugged, glacier-carved ascent.

Numa Peak

Numa Peak rises above Bowman Lake; Numa Ridge Lookout reveals vast alpine views.

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.

Mount Vaught

8,854 ft peak in the Livingston Range; scrambling ascent; Belt Supergroup rocks thrust by Lewis Overthrust.

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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.