Grinnell Glacier Trailhead

10.6 miles out-and-back to Grinnell Glacier. Start before dawn, hydrate, and use the shuttle to trim miles.

Insider tip

Use the boat shuttle to dramatically cut mileage

Insider tip

Start by 7 AM to secure parking and beat heat

When to come

Start by 7 AM to beat crowds and heat. Reserve shuttle tickets well in advance.

Trail

TrailCLOSED TEMPORARILY★ 4.9

YOUR VISIT, YOUR WAY

What would you love to do here?

A glacier viewpoint is the reward for a demanding Many Glacier hike. NPS lists 5.3 miles one way and 1,600 feet of climbing from the trailhead. Boats from Many Glacier Hotel can reduce the walking distance, but not the elevation gain; check tickets and current trail access.

Make the glacier viewpoint the day’s goal

Keep the day centered on this demanding hike rather than adding another major outing. Check current snow and trail conditions; the return journey also needs time.

Grinnell Glacier Trailhead · High effort

With children

Choose this only when the whole group can manage a long mountain hike. Set a turnaround time and keep easier alternatives available; reaching the viewpoint is optional.

Consider the boat-assisted approach

Compare concession boat departures from Many Glacier Hotel. NPS lists 3.6 hiking miles one way after the boat, still with 1,600 feet of climbing. Fees apply; reservations are recommended.

Many Glacier Hotel boat departure, then the Grinnell Glacier route · High effort

With children

The boat reduces distance, not the climb. Check departure and return arrangements before committing the group; saving this option does not reserve seats.

Saved choices are ideas, not reservations. Check current access, conditions and opening times before travel.

Planning sources · checked September 7, 2026

Grinnell Glacier Trailhead offers a challenging 10.6-mile out-and-back to Grinnell Glacier. The route features rocky ledges, scree, and exposure in the upper sections, with bear country a consideration. Start early or use the shuttle options to shorten the day.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
10.6
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty
easy
Difficulty Level
Strenuous

CHOOSE YOUR NEXT WALK

Is this the right hike for your day?

Why choose this hike?

Trail Highlights
Close-up views of Grinnell Glacier, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and distant peaks. High reward for the effort.
Best For
  • Experienced hikers
  • Photographers
  • Wildlife watchers
  • Alpine scenery enthusiasts

What the outing demands

Effort Verdict
Effort verdict: Strenuous; 10.6 miles round-trip with 1,600–2,470 ft of gain. Full hike typically 5–7 hours; a shortened 7.2-mile option is available via the Glacier Park Boat Company shuttle across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine.
Estimated Time
5-7 hours

Where and when it fits the day

Trailhead Location
Grinnell Glacier Trailhead, Many Glacier Road, Glacier National Park, MT. Coordinates: 48.79721, -113.66843
Best Time To Visit
Start by 7 AM to beat crowds and heat. Reserve shuttle tickets well in advance.

Explore your choices Choose your visit options.

Trail profile

Distance Miles
10.6
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty
easy
Difficulty Level
Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
2047
Trail Surface
Primarily packed dirt and loose scree, with some boulder fields and rock terraces
Trail Features
  • Grinnell Glacier view
  • Grinnell Falls
  • Grinnell Lake
  • Upper Grinnell Lake
  • alpine meadows
  • wildflowers

Trailhead & access

Parking Lot Size
Small, limited parking lot
Parking Fill Time
Typically full before 7-8 AM, especially on weekends
Shuttle Required
Yes
Shuttle Details
Many Glacier Hiker Shuttle requires advance reservations via Recreation.gov. Boat shuttles across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine shorten the hike by about 3.4 miles; reservations for boat shuttles are highly recommended and often sell out in advance.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
Yes
Permit Details
Park entrance pass required. In the Many Glacier area (July 1–September 21), a reservation or shuttle ticket may be required; park entrance passes available at Recreation.gov or in person at the park entrance.
Fees
Glacier National Park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for seven days. Boat shuttle fees apply.
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Snow can linger on upper sections; check conditions. Typically snow-free mid-June to early September; closures possible outside that window due to weather.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
Yes
Water Sources
Potable water pump at trailhead picnic area; creeks may be present, filtering recommended

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bear country (grizzly and black bears)
  • Afternoon thunderstorms
  • Sun and wind exposure
  • Lingering snowfields early in the season
  • Slippery wet rocks near waterfalls
  • Steep drop-offs on final push
Cell Service
Limited or no service in remote mountain areas
Crowd Level
Very popular and can be crowded, especially during peak season and with shuttle boat users
Peak Crowd Times
Peak mid-summer; mornings are busiest; weekends see larger crowds
Parking Strategy
Parking strategy: The main Grinnell Glacier Trailhead lot is small and typically fills by 7:00 AM. Overflow parking is available along Many Glacier Road. With limited parking, the Many Glacier Shuttle is recommended. For a shorter route, use the Glacier Park Boat Company shuttle across Swiftcurrent Lake to Lake Josephine to shave miles. Restrooms: vault toilets at the trailhead and about 0.5 miles from Grinnell Lake.
Ideal Hiker Profile
Ideal hiker: An experienced day hiker comfortable with long distances, elevation gain, and exposed ledges. Prepare for 10+ miles and up to 2,470 ft of gain, with rugged footing on loose rock and bear country nearby. Carry 2–3 liters of water, wear sturdy boots, and consider using shuttle services to shorten the day.
Best Season
Mid-June through September
Tips Advice
  • Carry 2 liters of water minimum
  • Bear spray and knowledge of use
  • Trekking poles for rocky sections
  • Layered clothing for changing mountain weather
  • Start cold and pace yourself

More details

Shade Level
Limited shade, especially in the latter half of the hike
Map Recommended
Yes
Snow Dates
Typically snow-free from mid-June to early September; snow can linger on upper sections
Mud Season
Mud and slick footing expected during snowmelt in early season
Bug Season
Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be present during summer months
Insider Tips
  • Use the boat shuttle to dramatically cut mileage
  • Start by 7 AM to secure parking and beat heat
  • Consider taking the boat one-way to reserve energy for the climb or for the descent
  • Bear spray and windproof layers are a must
  • Trekking poles help on rocky sections
Recent Updates
Check recreation.gov for 2026 timed-entry vehicle reservation dates for Going-to-the-Sun Road and Many Glacier areas. Trail conditions vary; check NPS Glacier status page before your trip.
Family Friendly Notes
Strenuous and long; generally not recommended for children under 10 due to distance, elevation, and hazards. Older, experienced children (10+) may manage with proper prep.
Nearby Facilities
Vault toilets at trailhead and a quarter-mile from the glacier basin
Photo Ops
Photo ops: Capture Grinnell Glacier and surrounding peaks from exposed ledges; sunrise over Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine from the boat shuttle; close-ups of scree and boulder fields on the approach; reflective lake scenes along Swiftcurrent Lake.
Review Summary
Hikers report a demanding climb with a lasting payoff: glacier access and alpine lakes. Crowds can be heavy during peak season and with boat shuttles; arriving early and using the shuttle improves the experience. Prepare for a long day and carry adequate water and sun protection.

Location

Grinnell Glacier Trailhead at the turquoise Grinnell Lake in Glacier National Park.Grinnell Glacier Trailhead at Glacier National Park rises above talus and waterfalls with jagged peaks setting a dramatic alpine scene.Grinnell Glacier Trailhead sign at Glacier National Park marks distances to Josephine Lake, Grinnell Lake, and Grinnell Glacier in lush forest.Grinnell Glacier Trailhead hikers navigate rocky ledges beside a waterfall along Glacier National Park’s Grinnell area.

Frequently asked questions

Are bears common on this trail?

Yes. Travel in groups, make noise, and carry bear spray; store food properly and stay alert.

Is there a shuttle and how do I book it?

Yes. The Many Glacier Hiker Shuttle requires advance reservations via Recreation.gov. Boat shuttles across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine can shorten the hike; reserve early as they sell out.

Is this trail suitable for beginners?

Not ideal for beginners. It’s long and strenuous with exposed sections and potential hazards. Proper conditioning and gear are essential.

Do I need a permit or special ticket?

A park entrance pass is required; in the Many Glacier area, summer reservations or shuttle tickets may be required.

What gear is non-negotiable?

Sturdy boots with grip, trekking poles, layers for mountain weather, sun protection, and bear spray.

When is the glacier most accessible by hike?

Mid-June to early September is the typical window when snow is off the upper sections; conditions can shift fast with weather.

What’s the best energy plan for this hike?

Start early, hydrate aggressively, and consider using the boat shuttle to preserve energy for the ascent and descent.

Avalanche Lake Trailhead

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

Apikuni Falls Trail

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

Swiftcurrent Lake Trail

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

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.