Apikuni Falls Trail

Apikuni Falls Trail

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 0.8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Lung buster. Steep elevation gain in a short burst tests your fitness hard.
Elevation Gain Feet: 651

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 0.8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Lung buster. Steep elevation gain in a short burst tests your fitness hard.
Elevation Gain Feet: 651
Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours up if you're fit, 45 minutes down. Add time if you're acclimatizing to elevation or stopping for photos at the falls.
Trail Surface: Rocky and rooted. Forest floor transitions to exposed scree and loose stone on the upper mountainside.
Trail Features: Apikuni Falls
Mount Altyn
Lake Sherburne
Apikuni Creek
Forest
Rocky mountainside
Trail Highlights: The crowning view—Apikuni Falls thundering into Apikuni Creek. From the base, Mount Altyn towers overhead to the west and Lake Sherburne spreads below to the south. The waterfall is the objective; don't settle for photos from the approach trail.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Apikuni parking area, 1.1 miles east of Many Glacier Hotel. Limited parking; arrive early.
Parking Lot Size: Small lot, fills quickly in peak season.
Parking Fill Time: Full by 8 AM on summer weekends. By 9 AM most weekdays in July-August.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required. Trailhead is accessible by private vehicle. No shuttle service to Apikuni trailhead; park shuttle system serves Logan Pass only (July 1 – September 7).

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required for day hiking in Glacier National Park.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass) for Glacier National Park entrance. Winter rate (November 1 – April 30) is $25.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Likely inaccessible November through May due to heavy snow at higher elevations. Verify trail conditions with ranger station before heading out in shoulder season.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Filter from Apikuni Creek along the trail. Do not rely on untreated water. Bring your own source or purification method.
Accessibility: Rooty and steep. The forest floor is uneven with roots and rocks; the open section features scrambling over loose stone. Not suitable for young children, people with knee problems, or those unaccustomed to steep terrain.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep elevation gain
Rocky terrain
Cliff edges near the falls
Slippery rocks when wet
Mountain stream crossing
Wildlife
Afternoon thunderstorms
High sun exposure on exposed sections
Hazard Details: Steep dropoffs near the falls—the terrain is unstable and unforgiving. Wet rocks turn into ice rinks. Creek crossings can be tricky after snowmelt or rain. Wildlife (bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep) is present—make noise and keep distance. Afternoon thunderstorms develop fast; lightning is a real threat on exposed ridges.
Cell Service: Spotty to nonexistent in the canyon. Do not plan on cell service for emergencies.
Crowd Level: Popular. Many Glacier is the busiest corridor in the park. Expect hikers on the trail most days June through September.
Peak Crowd Times: Summer weekends (July-August) before 9 AM, holiday weeks. Weekday mornings (before 10 AM) are quieter but still moderately busy.
Best Season: Late June through September. Road to Many Glacier opens late June; verify Going-to-the-Sun Road status before traveling.
Best Time To Visit: Start before 7 AM to beat the Many Glacier crowds. Early morning means cooler temps on exposed sections and better parking odds. June-September window, but verify snow status before heading out after September; higher elevations hold snow longer.
Tips Advice: Bring 2L water minimum—the elevation gain burns hydration fast.
Tighten your boots; rooty terrain and steep descents punish loose ankles.
Make noise constantly for bears—the forest is dense.
Start before sunrise to avoid afternoon thunderstorms on exposed ridges.
Sunscreen on your ears—the rocky section reflects hard.
The descent is steeper psychologically than physically; take your time.

More details

Park Area: Many Glacier
Trail Markers: Well-marked with cairns and worn path. Trail is easy to follow.
Dogs Allowed: false
Biking Allowed: false
Shade Level: Mostly shaded through the forest section. Fully exposed on the rocky mountainside—no cover for the final 0.3 miles. Sun exposure is real.
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 if you have cell service. Nearest ranger station: Many Glacier Ranger Station (contact via trailhead signage). Carry a personal locator beacon or satellite communicator if hiking solo in poor conditions.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Heavy snow typically November through May. Verify trail conditions before visiting outside June-September.
Mud Season: April through June. Snowmelt and spring rains turn the trail to mud and create creek surge conditions.
Insider Tips: Don't stop at the initial overlook—the best view of the falls is at the very end where the trail reaches the base.
The scramble near the top looks harder than it is; use your hands.
Sunrise hikes catch the falls backlit in mist—dramatic photography angle.
If the trail is muddy, you'll slide on descent; consider skipping after heavy rain.
Family Friendly Notes: 0.8 miles is short, but the elevation gain is punishing. Realistic for fit children 10+, but younger kids will struggle. Supervise closely on the rocky sections—steep dropoffs require constant hand-holding. This is not a family stroll.
Nearby Facilities: Many Glacier Hotel (1.1 miles west of trailhead) has restaurants, lodging, and ranger services. Apgar Village (larger services, fuel, groceries) is 10+ miles south. Plan water and restroom stops before arriving at the trailhead.
Review Summary: Hikers consistently report the elevation gain is relentless but the waterfall payoff justifies the lung-buster. Most praise the short distance and high reward ratio. Some note the crowds in peak season can dampen the experience.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes. The dense forest is good bear habitat. Make constant noise, hike in groups if possible, and carry bear spray. Never approach wildlife.

How steep is it really?

Very. 651 feet in 0.8 miles is about 814 feet per mile—one of the steepest gradients in the park for day hikes. If you struggle on stairs, this will hurt.

Can I do this trail alone?

Yes, but not recommended. The trail is popular and well-marked, but solo hikers are riskier in bear country and on steep terrain. Hike in pairs or groups.

What about the scramble at the end?

It's not technical Class 3 scrambling—just steep, loose rock. Use your hands, move deliberately, and test rocks before weight-bearing. Takes 10-15 minutes from the forest line.

Is the elevation gain worth it?

Objectively yes. The waterfall and creek views are dramatic. But if you're looking for an easy stroll, this isn't it. The payoff demands the pain.

Do I need special gear?

Good boots are mandatory—the terrain is loose and steep. Trekking poles help on descent. Carry 2L water, sun protection, and a map. No technical climbing gear needed.