Local’s Guide to the Best Hikes in Glacier National Park
The Best Hikes in Glacier National Park, Revealed
The best hikes in Glacier National Park:
- Highline Trail trail
- Grinnell Glacier trail
- Hidden Lake trail
- Virginia Falls trail
- Fishercap Lake trail
After years of hiking western Montana, the Glacier Highline team is here with their favorite hikes! Read on for a hidden gem, family friendly activities and the best hike of them all. If we inspire you to go on one of these hikes, email us and let us know! We’d love to hear what you think of the best trails in Glacier National Park.
If you’re a visitor and want more information about the park, check out our Ultimate Trip Planning Checklist and Glacier National Park Guide.
Highline Trail
Trail length: 14.9 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 2,578 ft
Difficulty: 9 out of 10
The Highline is a top pick from our staff – as it’s our namesake! But besides our partialness to the name, we also can’t speak more highly of the views you’ll witness! The beauty speaks for itself, and once you make it through the hike, it’ll be a fan favorite we’re sure. Make sure you leave early to beat the afternoon heat, pack plenty of water and a camera.
The hike isn’t for beginners or people without good gear and shoes. It’s fairly long, with a lot of elevation gain. It’s still family friendly, as long as your family is used to hiking and is ready for a fun day!
Grinnell Glacier
Trail length: 7.6 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,840 ft
Difficulty: 7 out of 10
Grinnell Glacier is another hike that will give you plenty of stunning views, wildlife and is a must do on your Glacier National Park bucket list. Make sure you check the trail status before you go as sometimes there can still be snow into late summer.
This hike is more suited for experienced hikers, just because of the endurance level that is needed. If you’re part of a group of avid hikers, you’ll be fine! The trailhead is located at the boat dock on the South end of Lake Josephine.
Hidden Lake
Trail length: 2.8 miles round trip, optional 2.4 extra to make it to the lake
Difficulty: 3 out of 10
This is a nice, short trail to stretch your legs after making it to the top of Logan’s Pass. There is an elevation gain of 460 ft. At some point it might ~ feel ~ like it’s more, but it’s a nice, well traveled boardwalk type of trail. Wide enough for many people to enjoy the trail and travel at their own pace.
This is a very family-friendly hike and even if you turn around early, it’s beautiful the whole way in.
Virginia Falls
Trail length: 3.2 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 285 ft
Difficulty: 3 out of 10
Hike by many of the falls here in Glacier while you’re headed up to Virginia Falls. This is a moderate hike in Glacier, suited for many.
Fishercap Lake
Trail length: 1.5 miles out and back
Difficulty: Easy, not too steep and quick!
This is a hidden gem. The lake’s shallow waters appeals to moose and other wildlife. Highly likely you will see a moose eating a snack from the lake shore when you get in. It’s family-friendly, perfect for little kids who are being introduced into hiking. You can find it by the Many Glacier Campground.
About Glacier Highline
Be sure to pay us a visit after your hike! Glacier Highline has the best family-friendly things to do in Glacier National Park. Our aerial adventure park is the perfect way to keep your group of all ages happy and create Montana zipline memories that everyone is sure to enjoy. Our Adventure Pass includes two-hour access to the high and low ropes course portion of the park and unlimited use of the inflatables as long as you are at Glacier Highline. Our 5 zip lines are inside our upper and lower ropes courses – the final zip line is 250’ long!
Stop by today to swing, balance, leap, and climb to your heart’s content just minutes from Glacier National Park!