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12 September, 2025

Hiking Glacier National Park – Our Grinnell Glacier Adventure

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Glacier National Park

Imagine a place where sharp mountain peaks slice the sky, turquoise lakes sparkle like gems, and waterfalls tumble down lush green valleys. That’s Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana. 

Nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent,” this park feels wild, raw, and completely magical. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, it’s the kind of place where you can wander through ancient forests, climb into glacier-carved landscapes, and maybe even spot mountain goats—or a grizzly (from a safe distance, hopefully!).


National Park on our bucket list



At the heart of the park is the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic drive that’s an adventure all by itself. Waterfalls, towering peaks, sweeping valleys—every turn feels like a postcard. No wonder nearly three million visitors make their way here each summer. Since the road is only open from July to early October, timing is everything.


How to Reach?

Getting here takes a little planning. The closest airport is in Kalispell, MT, and Amtrak also operates a seasonal route. However, many travelers opt for Bozeman, as it typically offers more flight options and better prices, followed by a 4.5-hour drive to the park.

Here are some flight options:


Just a heads-up: you’ll need a park pass and, in peak season, a reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road (especially from the west side).


Accommodations:

The accommodations book early. We stayed for 2 nights in East Glacier at St. Mary. We stayed for 4 nights in Columbia Falls.

We stayed in this Airbnb cabin near Browning, which is cozy and comfortable.  There is no AC, but portable fans. It is very near St Mary's entrance(may be within 2 miles). Here are more options for accommodations:


The Grinnell Glacier Trail

Now, let’s talk about one of the park’s showstoppers: the Grinnell Glacier Trail. This hike is about 11 miles round trip with a 1,500-foot elevation gain—challenging but oh-so-worth it. If you’d like to make it a little easier, you can shave off a couple of miles by taking a boat across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. But, the Many Glacier boat tour tickets book very early. We couldn't get tickets when we tried 4 months before the trip.

Either way, the views will blow you away. Think alpine lakes glowing turquoise, waterfalls streaming down cliffs, and finally, the icy blue beauty of Grinnell Glacier itself.


Pin it for later!





Our July 2025 Hike

This summer, construction in the Many Glacier area meant we had to reserve shuttle tickets online at nps.gov well in advance (and trust me, those tickets are not easy to get). Another option is to book a ride through the Blackfeet Indian Reservation taxi service.


Getting tickets for shuttle was tough. They open 1 week before and again one day before. They get booked just within 2 mins. But, I think, travellers need not face this step from 2026 summer as construction might be over. You can then directly park at Many Glacier Lodge and start the hike.


Many Glacier Hotel



We started early from the east entrance, parked at the designated area, and hopped on the shuttle to the Many Glacier Hotel. It’s a great spot to fuel up with breakfast, fill water bottles, use the restrooms, and grab boat tickets if you’re lucky. We managed to snag return boat tickets, which meant two fewer miles on foot—a huge win since we were hiking with kids (our youngest is 10).


By 9:40 am, we hit the trail. The path wound past Swiftcurrent Lake and around Lake Josephine before starting to climb. The early part felt manageable—beautiful lake views, cool air, and plenty of energy. We took breaks every 1.5–2 hours, carrying about two liters of water each, plus protein bars, yogurt cups, and muffins to keep us going. Hiking sticks made a big difference, especially for our knees.


Lake Josephine



Narrow path to hike



Around 11 am, things got tougher as the trail climbed higher. The reward? Our first glimpse of Grinnell Lake, sparkling far below. Along the way, we spotted a Bighorn sheep right near the trail (we waited until it wandered off—always give wildlife space). We also passed a pit toilet about 1.5 miles before the glacier, which was a welcome break.


Grinnel Lake


The three lakes that we crossed! such a long distance we hiked


Big horn sheep



waterfalls on the way



Waterfalls crossed our path, sometimes drenching us in the mist. We snapped countless photos—seriously, this trail is Instagram gold. The final stretch was steep and exhausting, but when we finally stood before Grinnell Glacier, words (and even photos) didn’t do it justice. Floating ice blocks, emerald-green water, a waterfall pouring down beside the glacier—it was pure magic.

Grinnel Glacier


Waterfall



We dipped our feet into the icy water (refreshing, but wow, so cold!) and rested with snacks before heading back. The descent was easier on the lungs but tough on the knees—thank goodness for those walking sticks. By 5:40 pm, we were back at the boat dock, tired but happy. A quick boat ride returned us to the hotel, where snacks and a rest were waiting before the shuttle picked us up.


Travel Tips for Glacier National Park

If you’re planning your own trip to Glacier, here are a few tips that made our hike smoother:

✅ Reserve early – Both shuttles and Going-to-the-Sun Road passes sell out fast in summer. Plan months in advance.

✅ Start early in the day – Trails get crowded, and mornings are cooler and safer for hiking.

✅ Pack plenty of water & snacks – At least 2 liters per person plus energy-packed food (protein bars, nuts, trail mix).

✅ Bring bear spray – Glacier is bear country. Even if you don’t see one, it’s essential for safety.

✅ Use trekking poles – They really help with steep climbs and save your knees on the way down.

✅ Dress in layers – Weather changes fast in the mountains. Bring a rain jacket even on sunny mornings.

✅ Don’t forget sun protection – Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen are must-haves at higher elevations.

Recommended Hiking Gear (Amazon Favorites)

If you’re gearing up for Glacier (or any big hike), here are a few must-have items you can easily grab online:

Final Thoughts

Hiking to Grinnell Glacier was tough, beautiful, and unforgettable. Between the turquoise lakes, waterfalls, wildlife sightings, and that jaw-dropping glacier at the end, it’s a memory we’ll hold onto forever. If you’re visiting Glacier National Park, put this trail at the very top of your list—you won’t regret it.


Until next time,


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