Apikuni Falls Trail

Steep waterfall crusher: 0.8 miles, 651ft elevation gain. Short burst, big payoff.

Trail

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

CHOOSE YOUR NEXT WALK

Is this the right hike for your day?

Why choose this hike?

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.
Trail Features
  • Apikuni Falls
  • Mount Altyn
  • Lake Sherburne
  • Apikuni Creek
  • Forest
  • Rocky mountainside

What the outing demands

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.

Where and when it fits the day

Trailhead Location
Apikuni parking area, 1.1 miles east of Many Glacier Hotel. Limited parking; arrive early.
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.

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
Trail Surface
Rocky and rooted. Forest floor transitions to exposed scree and loose stone on the upper mountainside.

Trailhead & access

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
No
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

Permits Required
No
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
No
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
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.
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
Yes
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.

Avalanche Lake Trailhead

5.65 miles round-trip, 757 ft gain. Pack water, bear spray, and start before dawn to beat crowds.

Swiftcurrent Lake Trail

Flat 2.6-mile loop. Lake views, historic buildings, accessibility options. Start early to dodge crowds.

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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 June 2026. Report an issue.