Grinnell Glacier
Trail
10.3 mile
16.6 kilometer
out and back
Intermediate/Difficult
Elevation
Ascent:
1,774'
541 m
Descent: -1,777' -542 m
High: 6,508' 1,984 m
Low: 4,889' 1,490 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 7% (4°)
Max Grade: 35% (19°)
Dogs
No Dogs
Weather
Getting forecast...
All Clear
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“An incredible out-and-back hike to the most visited glacier in all of Glacier National Park.”
— Jake Bramante
Features
Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife
Family Friendly While the full route might be a bit too strenuous for youngsters, there are scenic views to be had along the whole route, and any point can become a turn-around spot.
Bring bear spray. The trail has a section that has late season snow chutes with dangerous angles which melts to tricky snow bridges before it opens in early to mid-July.
Overview
Grinnell Glacier sees the highest number of visitors of any glacier in Glacier National Park. With abundant scenic views, great opportunities to see a variety of Glacier's megafauna, a mix of environments, and the most beautiful reward waiting at the end of the route, it's no surprise visitors are drawn to this hike.
That being said, the distance and effort needed to complete this route make for a full journey.
That being said, the distance and effort needed to complete this route make for a full journey.
Need to Know
Boat shuttles are available for purchase across both Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine, this can shorten the hike by approximately seven miles. Always bring a warm hat and gloves as well as a rain jacket as travel through this area, even on a hot summer day, can change quickly. Make sure that you either purchase or rent bear spray. It can be rented in Apgar Village.
Description
Access the start of this route from the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead parking area, west of Swiftcurrent Lake.
Start out on the first two level miles along Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine’s eastern and northern shores on the appropriately named North Shore Lake Josephine Trail. Towards the end of Lake Josephine, look for the right-hand turn onto the Grinnell Glacier Trail. This is where the elevation begins to increase for the next two or so miles.
As you climb up the flanks of Mt. Grinnell, the views keep getting better. From these higher vantage points, there's an increased chance of seeing wildlife in the surrounding meadows and down into the drainages below.
The tall cliffs of Angel Wing rise abruptly to the south while you can begin to see Grinnell Lake's incredible emerald color. This almost artificial hue is due to very small particles of rock that have been ground down by glaciers, that are suspended in the water of the lake. These particles are called "glacial flour." You'll notice the higher up the hike goes, the more vivid the color of the water becomes.
As the trail begins to level out, just below the glacier, there is a nice picnic and sitting area and a pit toilet. Please be sure to pack out any trash. Continue for the last climb up 0.34 miles through the rock until you arrive at Upper Grinnell Lake with Grinnell Glacier to your left. Straight ahead, Salamander Glacier hugs the cliffs of the Garden Wall.
The Continental Divide runs along the top of the Garden Wall and Going-to-the-Sun Road is just on the other side.
This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.
Start out on the first two level miles along Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine’s eastern and northern shores on the appropriately named North Shore Lake Josephine Trail. Towards the end of Lake Josephine, look for the right-hand turn onto the Grinnell Glacier Trail. This is where the elevation begins to increase for the next two or so miles.
As you climb up the flanks of Mt. Grinnell, the views keep getting better. From these higher vantage points, there's an increased chance of seeing wildlife in the surrounding meadows and down into the drainages below.
The tall cliffs of Angel Wing rise abruptly to the south while you can begin to see Grinnell Lake's incredible emerald color. This almost artificial hue is due to very small particles of rock that have been ground down by glaciers, that are suspended in the water of the lake. These particles are called "glacial flour." You'll notice the higher up the hike goes, the more vivid the color of the water becomes.
As the trail begins to level out, just below the glacier, there is a nice picnic and sitting area and a pit toilet. Please be sure to pack out any trash. Continue for the last climb up 0.34 miles through the rock until you arrive at Upper Grinnell Lake with Grinnell Glacier to your left. Straight ahead, Salamander Glacier hugs the cliffs of the Garden Wall.
The Continental Divide runs along the top of the Garden Wall and Going-to-the-Sun Road is just on the other side.
This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.
Flora & Fauna
Features many fantastic alpine flowers from the iconic beargrass to the small favorite of the grizzlies, the glacier lily. Alpine birds such as grosbeaks and white-crowned sparrows keep you company through most of the trip. Small mammals such as columbian ground squirrels, marmots, and pikas contrast with the mountain goats, bighorn sheep, deer, and occasional bear found along the trail.
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History & Background
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Contacts
Land Manager: NPS - Glacier National Park
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Check-Ins
Aug 19, 2019
Anna Ortung
With Jackson. Making out on a rock overlooking the glacier may have been the highlight of my life thus far
Aug 16, 2019
Scott Piper
Amazing hike, big elevation gain but gradual slope. Views the entire way. Saw bear scat, a family of 4 goats right on the trail, and 10 sheep.
11.3mi
—
8h 00m
Aug 7, 2019
Qi Moss
Took us 5.5 hours total. We went down really fast and it is really hot today.
11mi
—
13h 25m
Aug 7, 2019
Alyssa Konsko
Awesome hike! Make sure you start early and bring plenty of water, most of the trail has little to no shade. 6 hrs with 1.5 hrs at the top.
—
6h 00m
Jul 29, 2019
Jonathan Otten
Great trail, starts off very mild along the shores of the lake before heading up towards the glacier. Perfect for a day hike.
10.5mi
Jul 18, 2019
Scott Johnson
Danielle. We had a big downpour of rain and hail that we had to wait out on the trail under a tree. Saw ram sheep and a grizzly bear.
10.3mi
—
5h 45m
Jul 11, 2019
Matt Goolsby
Beautiful hike. A few snow obstacles still present on this day, but were passable if you were careful. Saw two moose.
10.5mi
—
8h 38m
Jul 3, 2019
Scott Gillilan
Beautiful hike. Didn't continue all the way to the Upper Grinnell Lake because of trail advisory.
8mi
—
4h 00m
Jun 1, 2019
Kristen Lloyd
trail closed 3.5 miles in due to snow pack. amazing trail and views. saw a moose.
6mi
Sep 6, 2018
Robyn Hanna
North pass is closed for grizzlies atm, do have to take south pass around lake, adds two miles
Sep 5, 2018
Andrew Heffner
Moderate smoke from the fires, but it's not as bad as other areas are today. Also there is a section at the base closed off due to bear activity. T…
11.8mi
Sep 5, 2018
AJ Wright
North side closed due to bears. Started on south side of Josephine lake and came across the end.
Stunning all along the way
12mi
Aug 30, 2018
Rachel Cloninger
North Josephine Lake Trail closed due to bear activity which added an extra 0.5 miles each way.
13mi
Aug 19, 2018
Shay McPhail
Josephine lake trail detoured to south side so added mileage. Also missed cut off and ended at hidden falls and backtracked adding more miles.
Aug 17, 2018
Logan Conner
Hiked this trail With Emily. it was tough but we made it. We loved the view at the end of upper Grinnell Lake. So cool and so cold.
12mi
Aug 14, 2018
Greg Steinmetz
Probably my favorite hike in the park so far. The views are fantastic everywhere. We did the boat ride and thus cut off about 3 miles. Nice ride.
7.8mi
Aug 10, 2018
Will Reynolds
This trail has some of the most amazing views along the path and is open the majority of the way so prepare if it is a hot day. You'll be in the sun
11mi
Aug 9, 2018
Dylan Taylor
Extremely beautiful ascent, especially in the rising sunlight. However, considerably crowded descent detracts from trail's serenity.
10.5mi
—
4h 56m
Aug 7, 2018
Debi Laird
Hiking through the waterfall on the way up was an unexpected but refreshing surprise. Gave us our second wind to finish the trail on up
Sep 16, 2017
Steve Schildwachter
Ranger Bob led boat tour & hike. Weather finally cleared. Saw a bald eagle, a golden eagle, either a spruce grouse or Ptarmigan, a marmot & a m...
8mi
Sep 6, 2017
Doug Graham
This was a great hike- but rough. The fires didn't make it easier. Loved the Glacier though. Saw some big horn sheep!
Sep 2, 2017
Kathy Szczesny
1st 15 min. and last 15 min. steep climb. Waterfall wall scary but fun and cool. Favorite hike so far. Saw iceberg split, sad but exciting to watch.
Aug 26, 2017
Tessa Vande Velden
Tim & steph
Took the boats across the two lakes on the way there. Had to hike the extra mile(s) on way back on horse trails with lots of poop/blisters
Jul 16, 2017
Coray Hoffner
Snow advisory on the upper trail. Have to cross some snow/ice fields and hug some cliffs but worth it.
Jul 7, 2017
C Dizzle
Trail was closed 3.1 mile up. So you can not get to Upper Grinnell Lake. Snow bridge was failing and unstable. We saw a grizzly cub 100' on trail.
6.6mi
Jun 5, 2017
Heather Barth
Trail closed at 3.2 miles in. Got as far as lower Grinnell Lake. Grizzly sighting & snow covered in about 4 spots.
Nov 22, 2016
Bobrunning Running
Hike up until the snow was mid calf and turned around. Nobody else was on the trail. What a wonderful hike.
8mi
—
2h 30m
Aug 19, 2016
Aruna Kumaran
Very beautiful scenery all through the trail. The Grinnell glacier is the icing on the top. Totally worth it. take the boat ride you can shave 3miles
8mi
Jul 19, 2016
Nanette Ha
Awesome hike! It was a warm day so glad we left early! Flowers, waterfalls, lakes, glacier...all was breathtaking! A must hike!!!
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