best time to hike grinnell glacier

Be prepared for changing weather! And oh my god, when you start to hike up to the overlook, your legs might hate you. Grinnell Glacier continuously stands out as one of the best, most-beautiful trails I have ever hiked in my life. Like the hike to Grinnell Glacier, you are treated to spectacular alpine views, wildflowers, and a beautiful alpine lake. The view of the Grinnell Lake from Grinnell Glacier Trail Grinnell Lake Hike - Easy To shorten the hiking effort, one can also take Boat tours by Glacier Park Boat Company from Many Glacier Hotel that is a 2-lake cruise with a 0.25 mile walk over moderate hills between the Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes. On those trails, you’re likely to encounter a “trail closed beyond this point” sign somewhere along the way, but getting that far could be rewarding. This hike has everything-alpine lakes,drop offs,waterfalls,wildlife, great views and a glacier-up close. Hikers who make it here will be delighted with sweeping views that encapsulate much of Glacier National Park, including the stunning Grinnell Glacier, The Garden Wall, and many of the other hiking destinations on our list. While this did require a pretty significant time commitment (and as you can see from our Top 10 Things to Do in Glacier National Park post, there’s a ton to see there), it was completely worth the time and effort. This is when everything is open, the flowers are blooming, and the rivers are flowing with snowmelt. When is the best time to visit GNP for hiking and the Going to the Sun Road? Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint is where the best views are at. The trail climbs through stunning alpine scenery to the edge of Upper Grinnell Lake, with a view across Grinnell Glacier to the Salamander ice shelf. This is a great area for spotting wildlife. This was the pickup point for return boat rides, but it was now time for the hike to begin. I typically like to travel when it's not too crowded but it seems like July and August are best for these. If you start late you will be on the trail with upwards of 50-100 people, especially on the most common trails. While this is the most pleasant time for hiking and camping, the trails and campgrounds are packed, and the traffic on Going-to-the-Sun Road can come to a standstill. As mentioned in the hiking section, the 7.6 mile hike via Grinnell Glacier Trailhead offers spectacular, breathtaking views of the Many Glacier area as you climb 1,600 feet in elevation. I saw 2 black bears, a bighorn sheep, too many mountain goats to count, and even a mama moose and her calf! The hiking season here is too short because it is normally covered in heavy ice. The trail is incredibly steep, gaining 900 feet, and is very exposed so you’ll need to take your time. Visible by a very challenging day hike from the Many Glacier area; 5.1 miles one way via Grinnell Glacier Trailhead ; 4.5 miles one way via concessioner boat from Many Glacier Hotel ; 1,600 feet of elevation gain; Grinnell is perhaps the most famous glacier in the park Rangers can let you know what the best hikes are for your interests and abilities, ensuring that you’ll have the best time possible while out exploring Glacier’s forests, alpine meadows, and lakes. After hiking the Highline Trail for 6.8 miles, it’s time to hike up to Grinnell Glacier Overlook. 17 Reviews . Recommended Reading: The Best Hiking Jackets for Every Season. You can park and begin at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead, about 20 minute drive from the Many Glacier entrance. Grinnell and the Swiftcurrent Glacier poke through between the shoreside forest. If there’s one takeaway that I got from visiting Montana, it’s this: I want to go back. Related: What are the most popular tours in Glacier National Park? The best time of year to go to Glacier depends on the type of experience you’re hoping to have. Easiest remaining glacier to hike to in the park. The hike is 10.6 miles but if you take the boat tour from Many Glacier Hotel over Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes you can cut 3 miles off that distance. Late June is the BEST time to see Glacier National Park’s waterfalls. I have your Day Hikes map and it is great! Get up early and be at the desired trailhead at first light especially during July and August months. Thinking back on it, my idea of Montana before visiting Glacier National Park was very wrong. Overall, it’s challenging but rewarding trail and 100% worth the effort. Grinnell Glacier Trail Map . […] Reply. Gina Dunning. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is in July and August. Grinnell Glacier Trail Description – the Josephine Walk Trail. Go to GNP as soon as you can.We have a video of this hike on YouTube (Day Hiking Duo) Date of experience: July 2019. The road normally preferred, going-to-the-sun does not open until late June; this is one of the reasons why you should think of visiting Grinnell Glacier in the August month. This relatively strenuous trail takes you to the emerald waters of Grinnell Lake, passing Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes along the way. Half Day Glacier National Park Scenic Float. This article is based on a hike I took with a group, Sunday, July 31st, 2005 on Grinnell Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park; a 11 - 12 mile roundtrip hike considered by most to be moderate in difficulty. Not only that; it was my first time in Montana as a whole. 3. I mean, mine did! The Grinnell Glacier Hike is the easiest way to get up close to a glacier in GNP, and we highly suggest you do so this summer. From the southeastern shores of Lake Josephine, the hike briefly went around the southern shore of the lake before traversing a long boardwalk going over the marshiest parts of the area. There are no bad views here! The late spring and summer months are among the most popular to visit the Glacier National Park. Grinnell Glacier is our favorite hike of all time! Continue up to the pass itself, then drop over the western side to Granite Park Campground to set up camp. The Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park. Read more: Best hikes in the USA. Grinnell Glacier lost 45% of its area between 1966 and 2015. 9km) with an elevation gain of about 2000 feet. The hike to Grinnell Glacier ranks as one of the park’s most popular hikes for many reasons; breathtaking views, alpine meadows, and a spectacular glacier as the end-reward of a challenging hike. Or start from the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead. The tickets were a steep $26 per person. After a lot of research, my friend and I decided to hike to #4 Grinnell Glacier which is about a one-way trip of 5.7 mi (approx. Overall, the Grinnell Glacier Trail hike was absolutely worth doing, and I have absolutely no regrets about the experience. A great spot for a group photo and a snack break. Distance: 10.6 miles Total Ascent: 2300 feet Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 5 to 7 hours Trailhead: Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. Bullhead Lake, the third in the string, offers a clear look at Swiftcurrent Mountain’s often snow-capped summit from the shore. Hiking to Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park is a bucket list item! Views of Mt. Before boarding, remember to take some cash with you because both these boats have fees. Also, check the Trail Status Reports for up-to-date information on snow and water hazards, inclement weather, animal activity, and campground closures. A Toughie but a goodie! Grinnell Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park. You can see all of that on the Grinnell Glacier blog post. The first two miles follow the north shores of Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine (Boat rides across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine can shorten the hike to about 7 miles). On the way back to the Many Glacier Hotel, you can take the shuttle boat again or opt to hike around the lake adding some extra miles and opportunities to see wildlife. 4.) Grinnell Glacier in the Many Glacier area is possibly the most famous of all the glaciers in Glacier National Park — and for good reason. Back in July of 2017, I stepped foot on the Grinnell Glacier Trail for the first time. The actual writing was prompted by reading Tim Sharp’s insightful “Mutiny on Gray Wolf Peak” found here on SummitPost. With over 700 miles of trails spread throughout this massive national park in northern Montana, it's hard to quantify what makes any hike in Glacier better than the others. We hit the trail early and did not take the boat rides. To access both trailheads of the Highline Trail, begin from the Going-to-the-Sun Road at either the Logan Pass Visitor Center or The Loop. Documentary of the hike to Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park by Writer producer Steve Salis. Ptarmigan Tunnel. (Also suggestion that I wished we had time for was #6 Iceberg Lake) It is 10.3 miles long. See all. May 22, 2018. Report inappropriate content . Additional Information: Hiking Glacier. If you ever find yourself in Glacier National Park, you’ve gotta save time to complete this 11-mile+ trek out to the most frequently visited glacier in the area. We were going to do it this way since we were pressed for time. Grinnell Glacier Trail is about 17 km heavily trafficked out and back trail located near East Glacier Park, Montana that features a lake and is rated as moderate. This hike shares the trail to Iceberg Lake. Best Time to Hike: May – October. Get Ready for Glacier Depart from Many Glacier Hotel, where you have the option to put your feet up and take a ferry service across the lakes, shortening your hike by about 7 miles. Getting to the Highline Trailhead. The last time Kristen was in the Many Glacier area, it was for Grinnell Glacier and we saw five moose and two of them were fighting. Grinnell Glacier . The trail to Grinnell Glacier is straightforward, you can get a paper map from the visitor center or you can use a digital map. Hiking Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, and Ptarmigan Tunnel should be at the top of your Glacier National Park bucket list. We opted to try to make it to Grinnell Glacier. Two friends and I plan to hike the Grinnell Glacier trail on Sunday, August 12. Do you think it matters which boat ride we take? Answer 1 of 7: We are debating whether to reserve a boat ride for 9am or 11am from Many Glacier Hotel across the lakes and then we will hike at least part way along the Grinnell Glacier trail. With warm weather and low rainfall, July and August are the most popular months to visit. This 10.3-mile out-and-back hiking trail is rated as strenuous and encompasses 1700 feet of total elevation change. Leading to iconic spots like Grinnell Glacier, Ptarmigan Tunnel, and Iceberg Lake, the best hiking trails in Glacier National Park really take you somewhere special. More parking is available at Logan Pass which is why we preferred that. The path to get to Grinnell Glacier Overlook is a grueling half a mile (ish) that will have you gain about 1000 feet in elevation. Grinnell Glacier is right at the heart of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. We boarded the boat and set off on the tour. Grinnel Glacier Trail is one of the best trails in Glacier National Park and offers amazing views of pristine nature including Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine as well as Grinnell Glacier. The magnificent Grinnell Lake with Grinnell Glacier nestled in the nearby peak in the background. If you decide to extend your Highline Trail experience and hike the Grinnell Glacier Overlook spur trail, factor in at least an extra hour. North Fork & Goat Haunt. Along with the trails already mentioned, portions of such trails as Iceberg Lake and Grinnell Glacier may be open. The hike up to Grinnell Glacier is a straightforward but high trek from the popular hiking base of Many Glacier up to the largest glacier in the National Park. When To Plan – August is the best time to visit this glacier; however, you can visit anytime from July to September. These lots fill up very early so getting here before 8 AM is more than necessary. If you would like, you can ride a boat across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. In all honesty, I believe bear spray should be carried at all times on this hike. This will shorten the hike to about 7 miles. Time Your Trip. All times on this hike has everything-alpine lakes, drop offs, waterfalls, wildlife, great views a! 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