Grinnell Glacier Trail Hiking Guide
The Grinnell Glacier Trail climbs from the lakes of Many Glacier up a long shelf above turquoise Grinnell Lake to the moraine where one of the park's best-known glaciers still sits under the Continental Divide. It is a full day with a steady climb and some exposed stretches. Here is how far it really is, how the boats change it, and what to expect in fall.
Permit: Entering Glacier National Park costs $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle or $20 per person on foot or bicycle (ages 16 and up), each good for 7 days; reduced winter rates of $25, $20 and $15 apply November 1 to April 30. A $70 Glacier annual pass or an America the Beautiful pass covers the vehicle. Non-US residents 16 and older owe an additional $100 each unless they enter on an annual or America the Beautiful pass. Cards only. No vehicle reservation was needed for Many Glacier in 2026. The optional concession boats charge their own fares.
Distance With and Without the Boats
AllTrails measures the out-and-back from the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead at 11 miles with 1,948 feet of gain, figuring most hikers need most of a day. The park lists 5.3 miles each way to the Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint with 1,600 feet of climbing, starting from the trailhead or the Many Glacier Hotel. In summer, concession boats across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine cut the walk to 3.6 miles each way; the park says fares apply and reservations are highly recommended. Once the boats stop for the season, everyone walks the lakeshore.
What the Climb Is Like
The first few miles along Swiftcurrent and Josephine are nearly flat forest walking. After the head of Lake Josephine the trail turns uphill and stays there, traversing a steep slope with Grinnell Lake's milky blue water below and Mount Gould ahead. Expect sections with a sharp drop-off, small waterfalls running across the tread, and a final set of steep switchbacks to the moraine.
Bears and Loud Water
On May 28, 2026 a hiker surprised a grizzly in a snowfield about 3.5 miles up this trail; the park said the roar of rushing water kept either from hearing the other, and the bear broke his arm before moving off. Closures like that can come and go within days, so check the status map before you set out. The lesson holds all season: near cascades and creeks, shout and clap more than feels necessary, and hike in a group. The park reports no attacks on parties of four or more.
Fall in Many Glacier
Autumn is quieter but less predictable. The park warns of a growing chance of significant snow from September on, and snow at higher elevations can bury the trail and turn the last switchbacks icy. Lodging in the valley closes after summer, so plan on driving in. The Many Glacier Road itself usually stays open until the third weekend of November, weather permitting, which keeps this trailhead reachable well after Logan Pass has shut for the winter.
Fees and the Entrance Station
The park fee covers Many Glacier like everywhere else in Glacier. The summer vehicle fee is $35 for seven days and drops to $25 from November 1, and the park does not take cash. No vehicle reservation was required for Many Glacier in 2026; the park instead turned cars around temporarily on the most congested days.
Hiking tips for Grinnell Glacier Trail
- Start at the trailhead and budget the full 11 miles once the boats have stopped for the season.
- Make deliberate noise near every creek and waterfall, where rushing water hides your approach.
- Turn around if the final switchbacks are snow-covered and you lack traction and an ice axe.
- Carry a filter or all your water; the park says surface water may be unsafe to drink.
- Pack a warm layer and gloves; the glacier basin is windy and cold even on a sunny fall day.
Nearby trails to explore
- Iceberg Lake Trail (Glacier)
- Cracker Lake Trail
- Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Grinnell Glacier is a long day in grizzly country, and the park's own numbers favor groups of four. Use TrailMates to find Glacier hikers heading up from Many Glacier. Download the TrailMates app to connect.