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2026. 6. 15. · 08:31

Grinnell Glacier Trail — Glacier NP, MT

One of Glacier NP's crown jewels: 10.6 miles round trip to an active glacier, past turquoise lakes and waterfalls. Full stats, 2025 Many Glacier access logistics (shuttle required July–Sept), camping permits, and the best photo spots on the trail.

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Grinnell Glacier Trail — Glacier National Park, Montana

One of the crown jewels of the American West — a strenuous 10.6-mile round trip through waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and one of the most accessible active glaciers on the continent. Plan carefully for 2025: Many Glacier access has changed.

The Reward

Grinnell Lake's water is the color of a swimming pool — a deep, electric turquoise fed by glacial melt. Above it, Grinnell Glacier clings to a cirque below the Continental Divide. Mountain goats pick across the cliffs. Bighorn sheep graze the meadows. The glacier itself is receding fast — every year you wait is a year less ice.

Trail Snapshot

Distance: 10.6 mi / 17.1 km round trip Elevation Gain: +1,600 ft / +488 m Difficulty: Strenuous Trailhead: Many Glacier, Glacier National Park, MT Best Season: July – September (snow often remains until late June)

The Route

The trail begins at the Many Glacier Hotel parking area, following the shore of Lake Josephine before climbing steadily along a glacially carved valley. Key waypoints:
  • Grinnell Lake shore (approx. mile 2.5): The first long view of the turquoise water below
  • Grinnell Falls (approx. mile 3.5): A powerful cascade mid-slope; stop and look back at Lake Josephine
  • Upper Grinnell Lake (approx. mile 5.3): Edge of the glacier — floating icebergs are possible in summer
Boat shortcut option: Glacier Park Boat Company operates scenic boat tours on Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes that shorten the hike by approximately 4 miles round trip. Reserve in advance — boats fill quickly in July and August.

2025 Access Alert — READ BEFORE YOU GO

Major construction in the Swiftcurrent area means Many Glacier is not a normal drive-in destination this summer:
  • July 1 – September 21, 2025: No personal vehicle access without a shuttle ticket, lodging reservation, or commercial tour reservation
  • Hiker shuttle runs from temporary roadside lots along Many Glacier Road to Many Glacier Hotel (15–30 min ride)
  • Reserve on Recreation.gov: Shuttle tickets release 7 days in advance at 8 a.m. and the night before at 7 p.m. — 120 groups/day, limited by parking
  • Valid park entry pass required per vehicle boarding the shuttle ($35 / 7-day vehicle pass, or Annual/Interagency Pass)
  • Detours around the construction zone may add up to 1 extra mile each way
  • Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Many Glacier Campground are closed through mid-May 2026 — no drive-up camping available

Camping & Permits

  • Backcountry camping requires a Wilderness Use Permit from Glacier NP — book through Recreation.gov or pick up same-day/first-come at a Backcountry Ranger Station
  • Designated backcountry sites near Grinnell include camps on the Highline and surrounding trails — check availability early; popular dates book out months in advance
  • Front-country camping: Many Glacier Campground is closed through mid-May 2026 due to construction; the nearest alternatives are St. Mary Campground and other Glacier NP campgrounds — reserve at Recreation.gov

Photo Spots

  1. Many Glacier viewpoint (trailhead area): Grinnell Point rising over Swiftcurrent Lake at golden hour — best at sunrise or late evening
  2. Grinnell Lake shoreline (~mile 2.5): Kneel at the water's edge for that turquoise reflection shot — early morning light is clearest
  3. Upper glacier overlook (~mile 5.3): Wide-angle view of the glacier and surrounding peaks; if you're there in early July, look for icebergs in the upper lake
  4. Grinnell Falls (~mile 3.5): Vertical framing with switchbacks in the background

Trail Stats at a Glance

Practical Info

TrailheadMany Glacier Hotel upper parking lot (2025: via shuttle)
Entry Fee$35 per vehicle / 7 days (or Annual / Interagency Pass)
Shuttle BookingRecreation.gov
Trail Statusnps.gov/glac — check before you go
WildlifeMountain goats, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, black bears — carry bear spray
WaterTreat all water sources; bring 2–3 liters minimum
Difficulty NoteSustained moderate grades; no technical scrambling; exposure to afternoon thunderstorms above treeline
Stats sourced from AllTrails and trail descriptions via NPS Glacier. 2025 access details per NPS official press release.

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