See more ideas about glacier national park montana, national parks and glacier park. The following list is designed for a nonguided backpacking trip in glacier national park. With over 700 miles of trails, glacier park is a hikers dream. I bought a pair of vasque goretex hiking boots before leaving and i was glad i did. When in glacier, we only do day hikes, yet we end up averaging 1012 miles a day. The trail brings you to an iconic emerald lake surrounded by steep cliffs reaching up more than 2,000 feet above the water. Daily guided hiking in glacier national parks worldclass wilderness.
Glacier guides is proud to be an authorized outfitter for guided day hikes in glacier national park, and has been the exclusive backpacking guide service in the park since 1983. The loop trail in glacier national park is a popular trail due to being a cut off of sorts for people doing a day hike on the highline trail. Purchasing the best hiking boots glacier national park. At least two months before the trip, you will receive a list of requiredrecommended clothing and equipment. Waterproof boots are a musthave for glacier, where the trails intertwine with over 500 streams.
Glacier national park backpacking and hiking trails. The established trails at glacier are pretty well definedbut there are some rocks, tree roots, uneven areas, etc. Finding the best hiking boots to use on trails in glacier national park is a difficult process. With over 700 miles of trails winding through glacier national park, it can. The first lake that you will come to along your glacier park hiking adventure through the olson creek valley is lake janet, which is about 3. Hiking tours near glacier national park glacier adventure. A 110mile segment of the continental divide national scenic trail cdt runs through glacier. Hikers should always be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions while hiking in glacier national park. Hiking glacier and waterton lakes national parks, 4th. Hikers need to assume individual responsibility for planning their trips, staying safe, and reducing their impact on the park. Along this quaint road are a collection of private inholdings. Best waterproof hiking boots glacier national park travel.
The fifty mountain area along the northern highline trail of glacier park is one of those iconic glacier park hikes that takes you as far away from civilization as you can get. Glacier national park is a hikers paradise boasts over 700 miles of trails ranging from short nature walks to extended backpacks traveling through some of the most spectacular and wild country in the rockies. Together with albertas waterton lakes national park, glacier makes up the watertonglacier international peace park. A good mix of forest and highalpine hiking, the piegan pass trail begins at the siyeh bend, 2. Guests will explore the trails of the flathead range and kootenai national forest, pristine areas many other visitors never see met our guide devin at montana coffee traders in whitefish. Boots with a sturdy sole and ankle support will make all the difference as the miles add up. The trails are nice, but they are rugged hiking trails with rocks and uneven surfaces.
The asolo piuma are lightweight, ultracomfortable hiking boots designed to move completely naturally over a variety of terrains. If youre ready to explore glaciers backcountry, heres a checklist to help you plan your trip. The trail of the cedars and running eagle falls trails are. Proper foot and ankle support are important for that kind of walking. May 28, 2018 thoughts and ideas in preparation for upcoming excursion to glacier national park. When hiking in glacier national park, do not wear sneakers, sandals or other shoes that are lacking in any form of ankle support. Apr 12, 2020 take a virtual tour of nature trails and stunning lakes at glacier national park in montana. When hiking in glacier national park or other high altitude, mountainous regions, the combination of these materials provides numerous benefits, including. Hiking boots give better traction, better ankle support. But, lets be honest, youre headed into mountainous bear country where weather can shift quickly and unexpectedly. Hidden lake is one of the most iconic images of glacier national park and because of this, its also one of the most popular trails. If you plan to hike anywhere in america outside of the southwest, you will be investing a decent sum of money in hiking boots.
So, youve booked your trip to go camping in glacier national park. Guided glacier national park hiking glacier guides and. If you head west from apgar in glacier national park and cross over mcdonald creek, the first road on your right is called grist road. The park is considered the centerpiece of a vast region of protected land that includes some 16,000 square miles 41,440 km2. I almost never wear hiking boots, i just wear sneakers, as do my two 12 year old boys. For your glacier national park packing list, a zoom lens is optional. Top 10 tips for visiting glacier national park get inspired. Best waterproof hiking boots glacier national park. Glacier national park backpacking and hiking trails glacier.
Cdt throughhikers mexico to canada, who plan on entering glacier at marias pass, should call the backcountry office at 406 8887857 prior to starting. Discover the wonder of these two spectacular parks as hiking glacier and waterton lakes national parks leads you along 850 miles of trail from short nature hikes to backcountry treks. Instead of buying discounted, inadequate hiking boots, spend the extra hundred dollars for a goretex lined boot. For information about visiting the park, see our guide. Combine glacier national park hiking trails, a daypack and tennis shoes, and you have a recipe for ankle rolls. Having waterproof hiking boots is vital in glacier national park. Plan your hiking trip glacier national park conservancy. The hiking gear to take on the swiftcurrent pass trail is pretty much the same as on other backcountry hikes in the park. The best hiking boots are made of a fullgrain leather material with goretex as a breathable, waterproof protection. The list includes some environmentspecific options for the parks backcountry. The trailhead is at an elevation of 6,200 feet and climbs more than 1,600 ft.
Glacier park hikes lake francis lake janet glacier park mt. Hike 734 blogs on every trail in glacier national park. Glacier national park ranks among north americas most epic backpacking destinations. While many people get by with lesser footwear, i agree that boots are important. Backpacking season in glacier is relatively short due to the fact that snow. We provide detailed information on more than 65 hikes in glacier national park, including trail descriptions, photographs, key. Hi greengirl5, just returned from our 1st trip to glacier where we hiked close to 60 miles. This post includes my full list of photography gear that i bring when i hike. Maybe youve even picked out which hiking trails you want to explore. Some selfguided walks interpret trailside features with signs.
With low altitude yet big relief, this route in glacier national parks littlevisited northeast corner is perfect in early season. Glacier adventure guides custom hiking tours take you away from the crowds of glacier park and into the vast surrounding wilderness. Oct 15, 2018 glacier national park lodges hikers shuttle. I wait all year for my trip to glacier and i wouldnt want to ruin my vacation by twisting an ankle on the first day.
Unless youre buying extreme hiking boots for long distances with a pack. Dont forget wool or synthetic hiking socks to keep your feet warm, dry and blisterfree. There are national park service nps campgrounds in glacier. Several hikes in the park are selfguided and interpretive, allowing hikers to explore the trail at their own pace. With more than 700 miles to explore, lace up your boots and follow these general glacier national park trail guidelines. Take the time to break in your boots before your first hiking day. Check out the best hiking shoes and boots of 2020 to find the shoe. Hiking in glacier national park, montana backpacker.
Glacier national park hiking information and trail descriptions. With towering peaks, glistening turquoise lakes, wonderful wildlife sightings, and the possibility to get up close to a glacier, your options are endless. Glacier national park backpacking guide cleverhiker. Waterproof boots are a musthave for glacier, where the trails. Veteran hiker erik molvar provides all the information you need to get the most out of hiking this international peace park with its glistening glaciers, scenic lookouts, peaceful lakes, and. We provide detailed information on more than 65 hikes in glacier national park, including trail descriptions, photographs, key features, difficulty ratings, maps and elevation profiles. Bear spray available for purchase at all glacier national park lodge retail locations note. Most of them are available on a firstcome, firstserved basis. The best hikes in glacier national park 2020 update. My sons ages and 15 want to forgo regulate hiking boots for the new trail running shoes. Guided day hikes in glacier national park glacier guides.
Lake janet in glacier park is an incredibly beautiful lake, especially in the morning when the water is completely still and the mountains are glowing in the morning sun. Paw prints, tribal customs, and fall day hikes in glacier. Guests will explore the trails of the flathead range and kootenai national forest, pristine areas many other visitors never see. Temperatures in the mountains typically fluctuate as weather patterns change, especially at the higher elevations. We will be doing hikes such as iceberg lake, grinnell glacier, part of highline, garden wall, avalanche lake, cedars. The trail of the cedars, forest and fire, hidden lake, running eagle falls, and swiftcurrent nature trails encourage hikers to experience glacier national park at their own pace. Apr 06, 2020 if you head west from apgar in glacier national park and cross over mcdonald creek, the first road on your right is called grist road. Bear spray is available for purchase at all glacier national park lodge retail locations.
A hiker should have a good pair of hiking boots dont use sandals or sneakers, a rain jacket that can double as a wind break, sunglasses, 2 quarts of water use a hydration system, and a decent day pack. We tailor trips to your fitness level and schedule. Pack clothes that can be layered and hiking boots or shoes that are already brokenin. Take a virtual tour of glacier national park in montana.
If youre into photography, its a playground of inspiration that youll want to capture. Generally, hikers hike the highline trail beginning at logan pass to the granite park chalet. A guide to the parks greatest hiking adventures regional hiking series molvar, erik on. Bear spray is considered a weapon and cannot be brought onto commercial flights. The best places to hike in glacier national park video.
Glacier national park backpacking packing list rei coop. The ranking is most bang for your buck starting with the classic highline trail. Nothing over 10 miles round trip, and nothing too strenuous. Were incredibly lucky to have glacier national park, a place people travel from all over the country and internationally to see, right here in montana. Veteran hiker erik molvar provides all the information you need to get the most out of hiking this international peace park with its glistening glaciers, scenic.
Bear spray available for purchase at all glacier national park lodge retail. Oct 24, 2018 with over 700 miles of trails winding through glacier national park, it can be hard to choose what areas you want to explore. Glacier park trail accessibility may be limited early season. Glacier park hikes fifty mountain hiking glacier park. Best hiking boots glacier national park travel guide. The designated cdt route and an earlylate season alternate route are marked in blue on the map. The road deadends and one of glaciers few bikeable trails continues on to the fish creek campground road. Glacier guides was chosen as the exclusive provider of guided glacier national park hiking by the national park service in 1983. In the meantime, you will undoubtedly buy a new pair of hiking boots, walking sticks and. What to pack for glacier national park glacier national park lodges. Picking the best hiking shoes glacier national park. Trail conditions due to high elevations and cold winters, snowmelt often stretches into midsummer. The best hiking boots are designed to aid your ankles in dealing with extra weight from packs. Bartlett cove dock paddling through the pristine waters of glacier bay national park in southeastern alaska is one of those adventures that remain on your bucket list even after you complete it because its so beautiful and so special that one visit could never possibly be enough.
Mary visitor center and many glacier hotelswiftcurrent motor inn operates from june 8 through september 18, connects to the national park service nps free goingtothesun road shuttle system, and like that shuttle service is first come, first servedno advance reservations. Learn how to waterproof your hiking boots and the best hiking boots that are already waterproofed. Varied terrain from dense forests to dry, rocky slopes to alpine meadows, it never gets old. Mary can be reserved in advance, along with half of the campsites at many glacier and half of the group sites at apgar. With over 700 miles of trail providing outstanding opportunities for both short hikes and extended backpacking trips, there is something for everyone.
The park stretches across 1,000,000 acres of montanas northernmost reaches, right up to the canadian border. Hike among towering mountain peaks, alpine meadows, sapphire glaciers, emerald lakes, wildflowers, and prolific wildlife. Take a virtual tour of nature trails and stunning lakes at glacier national park in montana. Over half of the visitors to glacier national park report taking a hike. Any thoughts on durability and support for all our hiking plans. The park is immense, with 1 million acres 4,047 km2, 300 lakes and a reach of 1,584 square miles 4,103 km2. Travel into canadas waterton international peace park, the worlds first peace park. Advice on purchasing the best hiking boots to meet your vacation needs. Glacier national park with more than 700 miles of trails in the park, outstanding opportunities for short hikes and multiday backpacking trips abound. Glacier park hikes lake francis lake janet glacier. Hiking the swiftcurrent pass trail in glacier national park. Glacier s western valleys generally receive the most rainfall. Glacier national park hikes are an incredible experience, and there is something for every age and every fitness level. Take the time to break in your boots before your first hiking day even wearing them around the house helps.
612 968 564 769 1477 1558 471 1475 546 258 17 1048 1092 324 783 1083 830 716 1065 131 484 348 781 308 1646 242 390 661 11 1428 1069 398 234 486 811 1407 256 941 257 1383 1091 1369 998 1244