Long Knife Peak, 9,789 ft — Northernmost 9,000+ ft peak in the

Long Knife Peak towers above conifer forests in Glacier National Park, offering sweeping alpine views.

From Upper Kintla Lake, the knife-edge crest dominates the skyline. The scene pairs calm water with a razor-sharp summit that hints at a tectonic origin and later glacial sculpting. Proterozoic rocks tell a 1.4+ billion-year story embedded in the peak’s rugged profile.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48°59′50″N 114°12′28″W
Accessibility: Backcountry; not wheelchair accessible

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 1

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Upper Kintla Lake; Clark Range; West Glacier area
Nearby Facilities: Park visitor centers; nearby communities outside park boundaries
Best Time To Visit: Mid-June through mid-October is the main window when Glacier National Park roads are typically open; higher-elevation trails may still have snow until late June. In the morning, eastern exposures catch softer light, while late afternoon highlights western slopes. Avoid the harsh midday sun and watch for potential afternoon alpine storms.
Tips Advice: Backcountry day requires map/compass; plan for a full day.
Parking fills quickly at popular trailheads in peak season; arrive early or use shuttle where available.
Bear spray is essential; maintain distance from wildlife and travel with companions.
Weather shifts rapidly in alpine terrain; pack layers and traction for shoulder seasons.
Insider Tips: The knife-edge crest is the standout feature; plan for stable weather before attempting.
Start early; parking at trailheads fills quickly in peak season.
Bear spray is essential; keep distance from wildlife.
Use map and compass; cell service is unreliable in this backcountry area.

More details

Park Area: Clark Range, Glacier National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Backcountry route with rugged, uneven terrain and exposure to mountain conditions; not suitable for young children.
Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Elevation Feet: 9789
Distance From Entrance: Full-day backcountry hike; distance not published
Accessibility Level: Backcountry hike required; not wheelchair accessible
How To Get There: Navigate via park maps; plan backcountry route starting near Upper Kintla Lake; there is no official Long Knife Peak page.
Parking Availability: Parking at popular trailheads fills quickly in peak season; arrive early; shuttle options may be available
Road Type: Rugged forest roads to trailheads; not paved to the peak
Seasonal Access: Summer, weather permitting; alpine conditions can close access
Entry Fees: Park entrance fee applies; backcountry permit may be required
Main Features: Knife-edge crest; Proterozoic Belt Supergroup rocks; northern U.S. peak above 9,000 ft
What Youll See: Upper Kintla Lake views with a distant knife-edge summit; rugged ridges and Precambrian rock exposures
Unique Characteristics: Most northerly contiguous U.S. peak above 9,000 ft; Belt Supergroup rock records Proterozoic history; the region is tied to the Blackfeet Nation lineage as the ‘Backbone of the World’
Safety Considerations: Gravity and loose rock on cliffs; rapid weather shifts; bear country; cell service unreliable. Stay on routes, carry bear spray, and use map/compass; maintain distance from wildlife
Best Viewpoints: From Upper Kintla Lake shoreline; along the lake’s west shore toward the crest
Photo Opportunities: Early light on the crest; alpine reflections in the lake; dramatic contrasts between rock and sky
Photography Spots: Upper Kintla Lake foreground with the knife-edge crest framed by alpine scenery; early morning or late afternoon light
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow potential
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 0
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Unreliable in backcountry
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Backcountry access via Upper Kintla Lake; no established Long Knife Peak trail
Connecting Trails: Backcountry routes linking to Clark Range; no formal Long Knife Peak trail
Nearby Services: West Glacier, St. Mary; park visitor centers for information
Common Wildlife: Mountain goats, pikas; bears may be present
Best Wildlife Times: Goats on ridges; pikas on talus; bears possible; best sightings at dawn/dusk
Geological Formation Type: Knife-edge crest; Belt Supergroup exposures; Precambrian age
Scientific Interest: Proterozoic Belt Supergroup rocks; evidence of early life; tectonic uplift history
Road Opening Dates: Late June through mid-October (Going-to-the-Sun Road window)
Snow Lingering: Snow may persist into early summer at higher elevations
Winter Access: Not accessible in winter; snowbound backcountry routes
Best Visit Times: Dawn or late afternoon; summer for access
Best Season: Summer (July–August)
Weather Patterns: Afternoon alpine storms possible; rapid shifts in temperature and wind
Peak Fill Times: Parking at trailheads fills early in peak season; plan accordingly
Busiest Season: Summer (July–August)
Lake Size: Upper Kintla Lake nearby
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 1
Review Summary: Experienced hikers seeking dramatic alpine scenery and geologic context will find value here; parking challenges and backcountry logistics are the main friction points; plan ahead and weather-check before sunrise.

Location

Photos

Long Knife Peak looms above Glacier National Park's rugged valley, with pinkish rock strata and green pines.

Long Knife Peak looms snowcapped above a dark forest and tranquil lake in Glacier National Park.

Long Knife Peak rises above a green forest under a bright blue sky in Glacier National Park, rugged and majestic.

Long Knife Peak overlook in Glacier National Park frames a valley with red rock slopes and dense evergreen forests.

Frequently asked questions

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

Parking at popular trailheads fills quickly in peak season; arrive early or use shuttle where available.

Is it worth the 1-day backcountry hike just to see Long Knife Peak?

Yes; the route yields dramatic alpine scenery and a clear record of deep-time geology; plan for a full day and variable weather.

Is the Long Knife Peak area accessible for someone with limited mobility?

Backcountry hiking is required; not wheelchair accessible.

What should I know about weather and safety in this backcountry area?

Alpine weather shifts rapidly; carry layers, map and compass, bear spray, and be prepared for loose rock and cliff hazards; cell service is unreliable.

Will I see wildlife along the approach or near the peak?

Goats frequent ridges; pikas inhabit talus; bears may be present; maintain safe distances and travel in groups.