Kintla Peak: 10,106-ft pyramidal summit in Glacier National Park

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

Photos

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.