Escape into the breathtaking wilderness of Glacier National Park, where towering peaks, shimmering lakes, and cascading waterfalls await. Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our curated guide to the best hikes under 5 miles, tailored for adventurers seeking an invigorating yet accessible escape. From panoramic vistas to intimate encounters with wildlife, these trails promise an immersive experience that will leave an enduring mark on your memory.
For those seeking a gentle introduction to the park’s grandeur, the Hidden Lake Trail beckons. This 2.1-mile loop meanders through a verdant forest before emerging at the pristine Hidden Lake. Gaze upon the majestic Grinnell Glacier from afar, capturing the awe-inspiring scale of this icy sentinel. As you continue your journey, the trail loops back towards Lake McDonald, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains reflected in its turquoise waters.
If you crave a more challenging yet equally rewarding experience, venture onto the Highline Trail. This 5-mile out-and-back trail hugs the sheer cliffs of the Garden Wall, providing unparalleled panoramic vistas. Navigate switchbacks that ascend through towering cedars, leading you to a grassy plateau. Along the way, keep an eye out for the resident mountain goats that grace the rugged slopes. The trail culminates at Granite Park Chalet, a historic lodge perched atop Logan Pass, where you can savor breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
Hidden Lake Overlook: A Picturesque Panorama
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Glacier National Park at the Hidden Lake Overlook. This enchanting trail leads you 2.5 miles uphill to an elevation of 5300 feet, rewarding you with an awe-inspiring panoramic vista. The trail meanders through lush forests, vibrant meadows, and past babbling brooks, providing a symphony of sights and sounds throughout your ascent.
As you crest the summit, the Hidden Lake Overlook unfolds before you like a surreal painting. The pristine emerald waters of Hidden Lake shimmer in the sunlight, framed by towering peaks and magnificent glaciers. Perched on a rocky platform, you can spend hours marveling at the mesmerizing interplay of nature’s elements. Capture the breathtaking views with your camera or simply soak in the serene atmosphere, letting the grandeur of the park wash over you.
For those seeking a leisurely hike with unforgettable rewards, the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is an absolute must. Allow ample time to savor the panoramic splendor and embrace the serene beauty that makes Glacier National Park a treasured destination.
Two Medicine Lakes Loop: Serenity Amidst Pristine Waters
Nestled amidst the heart of Glacier National Park, the Two Medicine Lakes Loop is an enchanting trail that weaves through a symphony of towering mountains, shimmering lakes, and lush forests. With its moderate elevation gain and manageable distance of 4.4 miles, this loop trail offers a blissful respite for hikers of all levels.
A Kaleidoscopic Canvas of Nature
As you embark on this enchanting journey, the trail unfolds before you like a vibrant tapestry. You’ll traverse lush meadows carpeted in wildflowers, marvel at towering cedars, and witness the majestic beauty of towering mountains that cradle the crystal-clear waters of Upper and Lower Two Medicine Lakes. The trail meanders along the lakeshore, offering breathtaking panoramic views that will linger long after you’ve left. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as this area is home to a diverse array of animals, including bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
| Trail Details | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4.4 miles |
| Elevation Gain | 546 feet |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Trailhead | Two Medicine Lake Trailhead |
Grinnell Glacier Trail: A Glacial Masterpiece
Distance: 4.8 miles (round trip)
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
This iconic hike takes you to the foot of the stunning Grinnell Glacier, where you can marvel at its icy grandeur and listen to the thunderous sound of its movement. The trail winds through a lush forest, past vibrant wildflowers, and along the edge of sparkling lakes before reaching the glacier’s terminus.
A Journey to the Glacier’s Edge
As you embark on the Grinnell Glacier Trail, you’ll be met with an immediate sense of awe and wonder. The trail leads you through a verdant forest, where towering trees cast long shadows on the forest floor. Wildflowers burst with color in every direction, adding vibrancy to the scenery. The air is filled with the sweet scent of pine and the gentle rustling of leaves.
After a few miles, the forest gives way to breathtaking vistas of mountains and glaciers. You’ll pass by Swiftcurrent Lake, where you can pause to admire its crystal-clear waters and the majestic peaks that surround it. As you continue your ascent, you’ll cross rocky slopes and traverse rushing streams, each step bringing you closer to the glacier’s edge.
Finally, you’ll reach the Grinnell Glacier overlook, where you can stand in awe of this magnificent natural wonder. The glacier stretches out before you, its icy surface dotted with crevasses and seracs. You can hear the thunderous rumble of ice as it shifts and moves, creating a symphony of sounds that echoes through the valley.
| Distance | Elevation Gain | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| 4.8 miles (round trip) | 1,200 feet | Moderate |
Avalanche Lake Trail: Reflections of the Rockies
Nestled in the heart of Glacier National Park, the Avalanche Lake Trail offers a captivating hike under 5 miles, promising breathtaking views and a tranquil alpine experience.
Reflections of the Rockies
The trail’s highlight is its stunning finale at Avalanche Lake, a crystal-clear body of water nestled at the base of towering mountains. Surrounded by lush meadows and towering peaks, the lake provides an idyllic setting for reflection and awe. As the sun sets, the surrounding mountains cast their golden hues upon the water’s surface, creating an ethereal and unforgettable spectacle.
| Distance: | 4.5 miles (out-and-back) |
|---|---|
| Elevation Gain: | 300 feet |
| Difficulty: | Easy to Moderate |
| Average Time: | 2-3 hours |
The trail begins amidst a dense forest, gradually ascending through switchbacks. As it emerges from the tree line, the path skirts the edge of Avalanche Lake, offering stunning glimpses of its turquoise waters. The trail ends at the lakeshore, where visitors can soak in the beauty, enjoy a picnic, or embark on a paddleboarding adventure.
Swiftcurrent Mountain Trail: A Panoramic Peak
The Swiftcurrent Mountain Trail is a challenging but rewarding 4.8-mile hike that rewards hikers with stunning panoramic views of the Many Glacier Valley and surrounding mountains. This popular trail is well-maintained and features a gradual incline, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
The trail begins at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and follows the Swiftcurrent River for the first mile. After crossing a bridge, the trail begins to climb through a dense forest, offering occasional glimpses of the surrounding mountains. As the trail ascends, the views become more expansive, including spectacular panoramas of Lake Josephine, Grinnell Mountain, and the Swiftcurrent Glacier.
Trail Highlights:
Besides the breathtaking views, the Swiftcurrent Mountain Trail offers several highlights along the way:
- Swiftcurrent Falls: A picturesque waterfall located 1.2 miles from the trailhead.
- Swiftcurrent Lake: A secluded lake with crystal-clear waters, located 2.3 miles from the trailhead.
- Ptarmigan Lake: A small alpine lake nestled in a glacial cirque, located 3.2 miles from the trailhead.
Trail Information:
Here is a summary of the trail information:
| Length | 4.8 miles (round-trip) |
|---|---|
| Elevation Gain | 1,400 feet |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Average Time | 3-5 hours |
| Trailhead | Swiftcurrent Motor Inn |
Highline Trail: A Mountaintop Odyssey
The Highline Trail is a breathtaking, must-do hike that traverses the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park. This 11-mile trail offers a variety of options for hikers of all abilities, including a challenging 7.6-mile section that rewards you with stunning mountaintop vistas.
Section 6: Logan Pass to the Loop
This 3-mile section is a gradual descent from Logan Pass to the Loop, offering panoramic views of the Garden Wall and Clements Mountain. The trail winds through alpine meadows, past meltwater streams, and offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings.
The highlights of this section include:
| Mile | Landmark | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| 0.6 | Oldman Lake | 6,370 ft |
| 1.2 | Big Bend | 5,600 ft |
| 1.8 | Granite Park Chalet | 6,640 ft |
| 2.4 | The Loop | 5,520 ft |
This section can be completed in 2-3 hours, making it an ideal option for those looking for a shorter, yet equally stunning, hike on the Highline Trail.
Redrock Falls Trail: Cascading Beauty in the Wilderness
7. Hidden Paradise
This 1-mile loop trail may be short, but it packs a punch with stunning views and cascading waterfalls. The well-maintained boardwalk leads hikers through a lush cedar forest to the base of Redrock Falls, where an observation deck offers breathtaking panoramas. The trail continues through a series of ravines and viewpoints, providing ample opportunities to capture the beauty of the falls from various angles. Along the way, visitors can enjoy a light snack or rest at the designated picnic area with tables. The trail is relatively flat, making it accessible to hikers of all ages and abilities.
Trail Profile
|Characteristic| |Detail|
|—|—|—|
|Length| |2 miles round trip|
|Elevation gain| |275 feet|
|Estimated time| |1.5-2 hours|
|Difficulty| |Easy|
|Access| |Logan Pass Visitor Center|
|Fees| |$35 per vehicle (entrance fee)|
Sun Point Trail: A Lakeside Lookout
Length: 1.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
The Sun Point Trail is a moderately challenging hike that leads to stunning views of Lake McDonald and the surrounding mountains. The trail begins at the Lake McDonald Lodge and follows along the shoreline for a short distance before ascending into the forest.
The trail is mostly uphill, but the climb is gradual and there are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way. The trail surface is a combination of dirt and rocks, and there are a few sections with loose footing.
After about 1.5 miles, the trail reaches Sun Point, a rocky outcropping that offers panoramic views of the lake and mountains. The views from Sun Point are breathtaking, and it’s worth taking some time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Here’s a table summarizing the key details of the Sun Point Trail:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 1.8 miles |
| Elevation Gain | 500 feet |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trail Surface | Dirt and rocks |
| Views | Panoramic views of Lake McDonald and the surrounding mountains |
Loop Trail: A Nature Lover’s Delight
The Loop Trail is a short and easy hike that is perfect for nature lovers of all ages. The trail is a loop, so you can start and end your hike at the same place. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, and it takes about 2 hours to complete. Along the way, you will see a variety of wildflowers, trees, and wildlife. You may even see a moose or a bear! The Loop Trail is a great way to experience the beauty of Glacier National Park.
Highlights
- Easy to follow
- Suitable for all ages
- Variety of flora and fauna
Difficulty Level
Easy
Distance
2 miles
Elevation Gain
200 feet
Estimated Hiking Time
2 hours
Trailhead
The Loop Trail trailhead is located at the Many Glacier Hotel.
Camping
There are no camping facilities on the Loop Trail.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on the Loop Trail.
Additional Information
| Length: | 2 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 200 feet |
| Estimated Hiking Time: | 2 hours |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
| Trailhead: | Many Glacier Hotel |
| Camping: | Not available |
| Pets: | Not allowed |
Siyeh Pass Trail: Into the Heart of the Mountains
The Siyeh Pass Trail is a challenging yet rewarding hike that takes you deep into the heart of Glacier National Park. The trail is 6.6 miles round-trip and gains 3,000 feet in elevation, but the stunning scenery and panoramic views make it worth the effort.
10. Plan Your Trip
The Siyeh Pass Trail is a popular hike, so it’s important to plan your trip in advance. The trailhead is located on the east side of Logan Pass, and the hike typically takes 6-8 hours to complete. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, and dress in layers as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
| Section | Distance (miles) | Elevation Gain (feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Logan Pass to Siyeh Bend | 1.5 | 500 |
| Siyeh Bend to Granite Park Chalet | 2.2 | 1,000 |
| Granite Park Chalet to Siyeh Pass | 2.9 | 1,500 |
The first section of the trail is a gradual climb through a forest of lodgepole pines and subalpine firs. After about 1.5 miles, you’ll reach Siyeh Bend, where the trail crosses the Siyeh Creek. From here, the trail becomes steeper as you climb up to Granite Park Chalet (6,600 feet). Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Garden Wall and Mount Siyeh.
From Granite Park Chalet, the trail continues to climb to Siyeh Pass (8,520 feet). The final climb is challenging, but the views from the summit are worth the effort. From the pass, you can see Mount Oberlin, Mount Cleveland, and Glacier Peak. You can also see the Jackson Glacier and the Sperry Glacier, two of the largest glaciers in Glacier National Park.
The Siyeh Pass Trail is a challenging hike, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. The stunning scenery and panoramic views make the hike worth the effort.
Best Hikes in Glacier National Park Under 5 Miles
Glacier National Park is home to some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery in the United States. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, there is something for everyone, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips. If you’re looking for a hike that is both scenic and accessible, here are a few of the best options under 5 miles:
- Trail of the Cedars: This 0.8-mile loop trail is located in the Avalanche Lake area and offers a chance to see towering red cedars, giant hemlocks, and a roaring waterfall.
- Lake McDonald Loop Trail: This 3.6-mile loop trail follows the shores of beautiful Lake McDonald and offers stunning views of the mountains and glaciers.
- Hidden Lake Trail: This 2.8-mile hike leads to a scenic alpine lake nestled in a cirque below towering peaks.
- Sun Point Trail: This 1.8-mile hike offers panoramic views of St. Mary Lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Grinnell Glacier Trail: This 4.8-mile hike leads to a stunning glacier-fed lake with icebergs floating in it.
People Also Ask About Best Hikes in Glacier National Park Under 5 Miles
Is it difficult to hike in Glacier National Park?
The difficulty of hiking in Glacier National Park depends on the trail you choose. There are trails for all levels of hikers, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips. If you’re new to hiking, it’s a good idea to start with one of the easier trails, such as the Trail of the Cedars or the Lake McDonald Loop Trail.
What should I bring on a hike in Glacier National Park?
When hiking in Glacier National Park, it’s important to bring the following items:
- Plenty of water
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- First-aid kit
- Map and compass
- Flashlight
- Rain gear
- Warm clothing
Are there any bears in Glacier National Park?
Yes, there are black and grizzly bears in Glacier National Park. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid encounters with bears. When hiking, make noise to let bears know you’re there and store your food properly.
