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

Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

Strenuous backcountry hike; not wheelchair-accessible

Best Season

Late June through September

Busiest Season

Summer (July–August)

Features

Pyramidal peak; glacier-sculpted ridges; Agassiz Glacier; Kintla Lake; Belt Supergroup granite; Mesoproterozoic rock

Elevation

10,106 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

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.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Elevation

10,106 ft

Access

Strenuous backcountry hike; not wheelchair-accessible

Main Features

Pyramidal peak; glacier-sculpted ridges; Agassiz Glacier; Kintla Lake; Belt Supergroup granite; Mesoproterozoic rock

What You'll See

Expansive alpine terrain; glacier-sculpted ridges; views of Agassiz Glacier and Kintla Lake; Livingston Range

What Makes It Special

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

Best Time to Visit

Late June–September; golden-hour light on the alpine silhouette; avoid midday glare at high elevations.

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

Visitor Tips

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.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Geological Formation

Elevation: 10,106 ft

Distance from Entrance: About 15 miles one-way from Kintla Lake Campground trailhead

GPS: 48°56′38″N 114°10′16″W

What Makes It Unique:

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

Water Feature Details

Height: Not available

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.

Flow/Best Viewing: Not available

Geology

Formation Type: Pyramidal Peak; Belt Supergroup granite; glacially sculpted

Scientific Interest:

Visible glacial processes; ancient Belt Supergroup geology; high-elevation landforms and tectonics

Getting There

Directions:

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.

Access Type: Strenuous backcountry hike; not wheelchair-accessible

Road: Rough, unpaved access road to trailhead

Seasonal Access: Open late spring through fall; snowfields linger into early season; winter access is not practical

Parking: Limited parking at Kintla Lake Campground trailhead; trailers discouraged due to rough access road

Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Kintla Lake Campground trailhead

Connecting Trails:

Kintla Lake Trail to base; connections toward Upper Kintla Lake and surrounding peaks

Photography & Viewing

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

Best Photo Spots:

Sunrise over Kintla Lake with the peak silhouetted; ridge lines from ascent viewpoints; distant Agassiz Glacier

Sunrise/Sunset: Alpenglow on jagged ridges; golden-hour light over alpine terrain

Stargazing: Excellent on clear nights; dark skies at high elevation

Facilities

Restrooms (Vault toilets)
Potable Water

Cell Service: Limited; unreliable in remote areas

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Bears (grizzly and black), mountain goats, and other alpine wildlife

Best Wildlife Viewing: 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

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Late June through September

Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon; favorable weather windows in summer

Road Opens: Seasonal; typically late spring to early fall; dates vary with snowpack

Busiest: Summer (July–August)

Parking Fills: Parking tends to fill early in peak season (July–August); plan for overflow

Snow Until: 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:

Alpine climate with rapid changes; afternoons may bring thunderstorms; strong winds common

Activities

Fishing

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Agassiz Glacier, Kintla Lake, Upper Kintla Lake, Kinnerly Peak

Nearby Services:

Polebridge; Columbia Falls, MT

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.

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Backcountry; not wheelchair-accessible

Family Friendly:

Not suitable for young children due to distance, hazards, and fatigue; prepare accordingly

Nearby Facilities:

Polebridge; Columbia Falls; Kalispell area

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.4 /5

Based on 7 Google reviews

Based on 7 guest reviews

" 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."

Reviews from Google

I have not climbed Kintla but I know in my heart of hearts that she is something special. Truly special. 12/10 mountain.

I think it briefly found me. Was able to turn around.

I have been here for almost 2 years. It has not found me

Showing 3 of 7 reviews

FAQs

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?

Is there a drive-up viewpoint?

Will my cell phone work out there?

What about safety—bear encounters and weather?

📖 wikipedia.org 📖 kiddle.co 📖 usgs.gov 📖 youtube.com 📖 bchmt.org 📖 parkrangerjohn.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 reddit.com 📖 glacier.org 📖 glacierbearcabin.com 📖 mmrvpark.com 📖 usgs.gov 📖 smokybear.com 📖 socalhiker.net 📖 Current time information in Flathead County, US. 📖 peakery.com 📖 mountain-forecast.com 📖 listsofjohn.com 📖 sverdina.com 📖 backcountrypost.com 📖 nationalparkschat.com 📖 npshistory.com 📖 hikinginglacier.com 📖 recreation.gov 📖 npca.org ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Kintla Peak

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

Details

Location & Features

Water Feature Details

Geology

Getting There

Trails

Photography & Viewing

Facilities

Wildlife & Nature

Seasonal Information

Activities

Nearby

Insider Tips

Visitor Information

Location

Address & Directions

Proximity

Reviews

The YNPG Verdict

Reviews from Google

FAQs

Kintla Peak

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

Vulture Peak

Elk Mountain

Glacier Peak

Numa Peak

Pyramid Peak

Grace Lake

Counter Assault Bear Spray Review: 44-Foot Range

Comfort Deluxe Self Inflating Sleeping Pad: R-7.7 Warmth

Eureka SPRK Camp Stove Review: Simmer Control for Camp Cooking

ASOLO Hike Boots Review: Pre-Broken-In Vibram Outsoles

📚 Explore 1 Article About Kintla Peak

Mountains & Peaks of Glacier National Park