Kintla Peak

Kintla Peak rises above Kintla Lake; glacier-sculpted ridges crown ancient granite.

Insider tip

Start early; 15-mile approach demands a full-day hike.

Insider tip

Layered clothing and windproof gear; monitor weather changes.

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.4
Geological Formation10,106 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

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.

MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP

Is this stop worth your time?

Why go

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

When to go

Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon; favorable weather windows in summer
Peak Fill Times
Parking tends to fill early in peak season (July–August); plan for overflow

Getting there and doing it

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

Getting there & parking

Distance From Entrance
About 15 miles one-way from Kintla Lake Campground trailhead
Road Type
Rough, unpaved access road to trailhead
GPS Coordinates
48°56′38″N 114°10′16″W

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Late June–September; golden-hour light on the alpine silhouette; avoid midday glare at high elevations.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow on jagged ridges; golden-hour light over alpine terrain
Best Season
Late June through September
Busiest Season
Summer (July–August)
Seasonal Access
Open late spring through fall; snowfields linger into early season; winter access is not practical
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
Weather Patterns
Alpine climate with rapid changes; afternoons may bring thunderstorms; strong winds common
Wildflower Peak
Mid-summer (July–August)
Fall Colors Peak
Late September to October

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Pyramidal peak; glacier-sculpted ridges; Agassiz Glacier; Kintla Lake; Belt Supergroup granite; Mesoproterozoic rock
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
Best Viewpoints
Summit viewpoints along the ridge; overlook toward Agassiz Glacier; views over Kintla Lake
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
Geological Formation Type
Pyramidal Peak; Belt Supergroup granite; glacially sculpted
Scientific Interest
Visible glacial processes; ancient Belt Supergroup geology; high-elevation landforms and tectonics
Stargazing Quality
Excellent on clear nights; dark skies at high elevation

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Vault toilets
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
Yes
Cell Service
Limited; unreliable in remote areas
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Backcountry; not wheelchair-accessible
Accessibility Level
Strenuous backcountry hike; not wheelchair-accessible
Nearby Services
Polebridge; Columbia Falls, MT
Nearby Facilities
Polebridge; Columbia Falls; Kalispell area
Family Friendly Notes
Not suitable for young children due to distance, hazards, and fatigue; prepare accordingly

Safety

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Agassiz Glacier, Kintla Lake, Upper Kintla Lake, Kinnerly Peak
Connecting Trails
Kintla Lake Trail to base; connections toward Upper Kintla Lake and surrounding peaks
Trailheads Here
Kintla Lake Campground trailhead

Planning advice

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.
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.

More details

Park Area
Livingston Range, Glacier National Park
Recent Updates
No major changes to access or conditions reported.
Elevation Feet
10106
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
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
Yes
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
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.

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.

Two Medicine Picnic Area

Two Medicine’s lake and peaks reward a future picnic; road access is closed as of September 9, 2026.

Monument Falls

215 ft waterfall fed by glacial meltwater; view from Avalanche Lake shore.

Lake McDonald

A west-side lakeshore pause: choose Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge, then leave room for a separate walk or boat outing.

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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.