Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail Hiking Guide
The Ptarmigan Tunnel is a short passage cut through the Ptarmigan Wall above Ptarmigan Lake, and walking out the far side onto a view of the Belly River country is one of Glacier's great reveals. The catch is timing: the tunnel has doors, and they are open only part of the year. Here is the climb, the door schedule and how to plan around it.
Permit: Glacier National Park's entrance fee applies: $35 for a private vehicle, $30 for a motorcycle, or $20 per person (16 and older) arriving by foot or bicycle, valid for 7 days; winter rates from November 1 to April 30 are $25, $20 and $15. Annual ($70) and America the Beautiful passes are honored. Non-US residents aged 16 and up pay an added $100 apiece unless admitted on an annual or America the Beautiful pass. No cash accepted. Many Glacier had no vehicle reservation requirement in 2026. Day hikes need no permit.
Trailhead to Tunnel
From the Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead, AllTrails measures 10.7 miles round trip and 2,352 feet of gain, a 6 to 6.5 hour day by its reckoning. The park lists 5.3 miles one way and 2,300 feet. The route shares its first 2.7 miles with the Iceberg Lake trail as far as Ptarmigan Falls, then climbs through forest to Ptarmigan Lake, which the park puts at 4.3 miles. AllTrails calls the short final push from the lake to the tunnel mouth a steep climb up switchbacks.
When the Doors Are Open
The park says the tunnel doors generally open in mid-July and close by late September, and the trail beyond them is the route into the Belly River. Once they shut, you can still hike to Ptarmigan Lake and up the switchbacks to the closed tunnel, but there's no walking through. Check the status map or ask a ranger before committing to the full climb late in the year.
Inside and Beyond
AllTrails describes the passage as roughly 250 feet long and dark enough that a headlamp is worth carrying. The trail continues on the far side toward the Belly River valley, and AllTrails says the view from the exit is often spectacular, though smoke or weather can block it. The park removed the Elizabeth Lake suspension bridge on that side for the season on September 28, 2026. The park's trail database lists this route as foot traffic only, closed to stock.
Snow, Wind and Bears
Fall weather here changes quickly. The park warns that autumn storms can leave lingering snow that hides the trail, and AllTrails notes snow can sit on the upper part of this route well into summer. This is also prime grizzly habitat in the season when bears feed hardest. Go with a group, make noise, keep spray reachable, and turn back on snow you aren't equipped for.
Many Glacier Access
You start beside the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. Cars can normally reach it into November, when the park closes the valley road for the winter on the third weekend; lodging and stores shut after summer. Bring food, water and a full tank from outside the park.
Hiking tips for Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail
- Confirm the tunnel doors are open before you go if walking through is the point of the trip.
- Pack a headlamp for the dark tunnel passage.
- Save energy for the final switchbacks above Ptarmigan Lake, the steepest part of the day.
- Start early; AllTrails estimates six hours or more for the round trip.
- Carry traction or turn around if the upper switchbacks are snowy or icy.
Nearby trails to explore
- Iceberg Lake Trail (Glacier)
- Grinnell Glacier Trail
- Cracker Lake Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Ptarmigan Tunnel is a long climb with a big reward, and better with a partner in grizzly country. Use TrailMates to find Glacier hikers heading up from Many Glacier. Download the TrailMates app to connect.