Grinnell Glacier in Glacier NP
Browning, Montana
Details
Distance
11.33 miles
Elevation Gain
1840 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Michael Johnston
Take in beautiful views of Grinnell Glacier and several alpine lakes. Jump on the trail early in the day to get it all to yourself. If you have extra time, bring your fishing pole for some casts into Swiftcurrent Lake.
The Grinnel Glacier Hike begins at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead just past the Many Glacier Lodge. A fee of $25 is required to enter Glacier National Park for a seven-day pass. The Many Glacier region is entered from the east side of the park from the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
The Grinnell Glacier Hike is one of the most beautiful hikes in the world with beautiful views of the glacier, as well as the views of Swiftcurrent Lake, Lake Josephine, and Grinnell Lake. If you leave early enough, you’ll get there before the crowds. The glacier itself is absolutely breathtaking with views of the falls, and the lakes on the way.
Parking is located near the Many Glacier Hotel located on Swiftcurrent Lake. Parking can be very limited in the summer, so arriving earlier in the day is highly recommended. There are many hikes in the area, so be sure to follow the signs designating the trail to Grinnell Glacier so you don’t get lost. There is an optional boat that crosses Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine for a fee.
Once you're done, head to the bar and restaurant located at the Many Glacier Hotel with beautiful views of Swiftcurrent Lake. This is the perfect place to stop after the grueling yet beautiful hike to the lake.
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Grinnell Glacier in Glacier NP Reviews
The hike to Grinnell Glacier is a nice little butt-kicker and has an incredible reward at the end. It's surreal to see a glacier in the middle of summer. Sad to think that this may not be a glacier in 50 years or so. If you're ambitious, bring a bathing suit and take a 30-second plunge into the glacial lake, but make sure you do it as soon as you make it to the top when your body is still hot. It will feel refreshing for about 10 seconds, and then you'll start to feel the pain of a lake just above freezing temperatures :)
5.0
First boat out is a ranger led hike- you get some great info. Beautiful hike. Would recommend. We wanted to do it before there were no more glaciers. It was awesome
5.0
This one was a tough one, especially the last mile and a half. For someone coming from Florida, the altitude definitely had me feeling winded. We were there on a weekday in mid-September and the trail still had a solid flow of people on it. There was moments when we were by ourselves but it was usually only 3-4 minutes before we passed someone coming down or going up. The glacier is totally worth the hike though.
5.0
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Nearby
Hike to Grinnell Lake
Camp at Many Glacier Campground in Glacier National Park
Redrock Falls
Kayak Swiftcurrent Lake
Ptarmigan Tunnel
Glacier's North Circle Route (North East Section)
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