Grinnell Glacier
Grinnell Glacier
5
Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
Read more
About
A large glacier offering 300 acres of beauty.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Attractions
15 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
675 reviews
Excellent
619
Very good
43
Average
8
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Dovi G
32 contributions
Aug 2022
We did this hike as a family trip 17 pple from age 7 years to 73 years, it was incredible.
Took some pple 9 hours but we all made it!
Took some pple 9 hours but we all made it!
Written 14 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeffrey R
Spring Branch, TX228 contributions
Sep 2022
Beautiful hike. Quite a bit of elevation gain. Recommend you plan your trip well in advance and book your space on the boats from Many Glacier. The boats will cut out 4 miles of the 11 mile trail. We were too late in requesting reservations (7 weeks prior to our trip) and had to hike around Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes.
Written 13 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EC13091
Ellicott City, MD1,118 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
What can we say about Grinnell Glacier that hasn’t been said? Just a few tips:
-Remember, Glacier is a huge park. If planning to hike to Grinnell Glacier, stay in St. Mary or at Many Glacier. You’ll then be able to start your hike early in the day. If you stay in West Glacier, Columbia Falls or Whitefish, you’ll drive a really long time to get to Grinnell Glacier Trail.
-With so little shade on the walk, bring sun block and a hat, and lots of water. And again,start early in the day.
-You can use boats to shorten the walk. Some people took them both ways, others took them at the end of their walk. But note: If you want to use them, you must buy tickets before your hike. You cannot say, “Hey, I’m too tired” and simply by a ticket to return across the two lakes to Many Glacier.
-Remember, Glacier is a huge park. If planning to hike to Grinnell Glacier, stay in St. Mary or at Many Glacier. You’ll then be able to start your hike early in the day. If you stay in West Glacier, Columbia Falls or Whitefish, you’ll drive a really long time to get to Grinnell Glacier Trail.
-With so little shade on the walk, bring sun block and a hat, and lots of water. And again,start early in the day.
-You can use boats to shorten the walk. Some people took them both ways, others took them at the end of their walk. But note: If you want to use them, you must buy tickets before your hike. You cannot say, “Hey, I’m too tired” and simply by a ticket to return across the two lakes to Many Glacier.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mel52088
Woodville, WI160 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
This is our favorite hike and Grinnell Lake is my husband’s favorite lake he’s ever encountered. It’s a strenuous, long hike, but absolutely worth it. We almost had to skip it on this trip due to closure, but it opened up the day we arrived! We did have to cross some snow, but it wasn’t bad and added some bonus fun.
Few notes:
- parking is limited and fills quickly. Eight years ago, we had no problems with parking. This year, the lot was full at 8am, but we were being dropped off, so it didn’t matter for us.
- pit toilets at the top don’t have toilet paper. Pack it in and pack it out.
- dress in layers. The temps can vary a lot at different points.
- don’t jump in the glacial lake. It’s not impressive. It’s stupid. This water is literally freezing, it’s not clear (beautiful turquoise!), the rocks are slippery, and there’s no one to administer medical attention if your body goes into shock. Two idiots jumped full body in and struggled to get back out and needed help. We left after that, so no idea how the rest of their experience went. Just don’t.
Few notes:
- parking is limited and fills quickly. Eight years ago, we had no problems with parking. This year, the lot was full at 8am, but we were being dropped off, so it didn’t matter for us.
- pit toilets at the top don’t have toilet paper. Pack it in and pack it out.
- dress in layers. The temps can vary a lot at different points.
- don’t jump in the glacial lake. It’s not impressive. It’s stupid. This water is literally freezing, it’s not clear (beautiful turquoise!), the rocks are slippery, and there’s no one to administer medical attention if your body goes into shock. Two idiots jumped full body in and struggled to get back out and needed help. We left after that, so no idea how the rest of their experience went. Just don’t.
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ArKrWa
133 contributions
Jul 2022
We did this hike at the end of the July and it wasn’t open all the way to the top. We caught the 9:00 boat from the hotel across both lakes. According to the guide at the information kiosk, the trail from that point was 4 miles round trip.
When you get off the boat, you circle around Josephine Lake and walk about half a mile to connect with the Glacier Trail. There is a bit of an incline in the section before you join the main trail.
After joining the main trail, you start going up. After about a mile, you start to see glimpses of Lower Grinnell Lake. Keep going and you are rewarded with one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, due to snow, you can’t hike all the way to the top and see the Upper Lake. It was still worth going as this is on the most beautiful sites I’ve ever seen.
As other reviewers have mentioned, the boat service can be tricky. The return boat comes at 11:45 am and makes multiple trips at that time to get all patrons back. We got to the dock at 11:50 and thought the boat would come back and get the people there. It did not as they hadn’t purchased tickets The next boat wasn’t until 1:45. As we waited more and more people were waiting for 1:45 boat. At 12:45, we decided to just walk back to the Many Glacier hotel. That hike was two miles. Flat and shady and we got to hotel before 1:45. Hated that I paid for return ticket, though. We felt our time was more valuable. In hindsight, I would’ve kept a closer eye on the time and made the 11:45 shuttle.
Wonderful, wonderful hike!! Highly recommend!!
When you get off the boat, you circle around Josephine Lake and walk about half a mile to connect with the Glacier Trail. There is a bit of an incline in the section before you join the main trail.
After joining the main trail, you start going up. After about a mile, you start to see glimpses of Lower Grinnell Lake. Keep going and you are rewarded with one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, due to snow, you can’t hike all the way to the top and see the Upper Lake. It was still worth going as this is on the most beautiful sites I’ve ever seen.
As other reviewers have mentioned, the boat service can be tricky. The return boat comes at 11:45 am and makes multiple trips at that time to get all patrons back. We got to the dock at 11:50 and thought the boat would come back and get the people there. It did not as they hadn’t purchased tickets The next boat wasn’t until 1:45. As we waited more and more people were waiting for 1:45 boat. At 12:45, we decided to just walk back to the Many Glacier hotel. That hike was two miles. Flat and shady and we got to hotel before 1:45. Hated that I paid for return ticket, though. We felt our time was more valuable. In hindsight, I would’ve kept a closer eye on the time and made the 11:45 shuttle.
Wonderful, wonderful hike!! Highly recommend!!
Written 3 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
George K
Vienna, VA206 contributions
Jul 2022
Did it twice. Ran out of words to say how spectacular it was. Did it both late afternoon and early morning. Both were great.
Written 3 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NeoAxion
Detroit, MI491 contributions
Jul 2021
This was definitely the highlight of our trip at Glacier National Park. It's a long hike but 100% worth it. We went during the summer and we saw people actually jump into the water! Pictures don't do justice to this beautiful treasure whatsoever.
Written 16 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
solyluz
Boulder, CO157 contributions
Jun 2021
We did this hike on June 29th. Park rangers told us that we could not reach the glacier viewpoint due to snow banks and run-off on last mile of trail. Regardless, this was our most strenuous hike in GNP on a clear sunny day with temperatures in the 80's.
We reached the Grinnell Glacier trailhead parking at 7.30am and secured one of the last parking spaces. The first part of the hike is quite flat following Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes. Just beautiful! The boats were not running yet and the trail was quite busy already.
At the end of Josephine Lake, the trail started to gain altitude with a right turn. That is where we encountered the bear. A large group of hikers ahead of us signaled to us to stop. They were shouting and throwing rocks. The groups behind us also stopped and waited. There was no panic but everyone was unlocked and loaded with bear spray. After 5 minutes, the forward group signaled all clear and we proceeded. Apparently the bear was heading to the lake and crossed the trail ahead of the group.
There were no more wildlife interruptions as the trail climbed significantly. Views were stunning. There was little shade at the higher elevation.
The end point of the trail was a chain with signs "do not pass - danger" and "people have died beyond this point". Most ventured past the chain for 400 meters to the first snow bank covering the trail for photos. Snow bank was at a high angle with some runoff.
We were about 45 minutes from the end of the trail and had to turn at this first snowbank. The walk back was equally enjoyable with welcome shade next to the lakes in the heat of the afternoon. The boats had started operating and we met large groups of hikers taking the boat as a shortcut. If you have the energy for this 6-8 hour hike, then the walk lakeside is worthwhile.
We reached the Grinnell Glacier trailhead parking at 7.30am and secured one of the last parking spaces. The first part of the hike is quite flat following Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes. Just beautiful! The boats were not running yet and the trail was quite busy already.
At the end of Josephine Lake, the trail started to gain altitude with a right turn. That is where we encountered the bear. A large group of hikers ahead of us signaled to us to stop. They were shouting and throwing rocks. The groups behind us also stopped and waited. There was no panic but everyone was unlocked and loaded with bear spray. After 5 minutes, the forward group signaled all clear and we proceeded. Apparently the bear was heading to the lake and crossed the trail ahead of the group.
There were no more wildlife interruptions as the trail climbed significantly. Views were stunning. There was little shade at the higher elevation.
The end point of the trail was a chain with signs "do not pass - danger" and "people have died beyond this point". Most ventured past the chain for 400 meters to the first snow bank covering the trail for photos. Snow bank was at a high angle with some runoff.
We were about 45 minutes from the end of the trail and had to turn at this first snowbank. The walk back was equally enjoyable with welcome shade next to the lakes in the heat of the afternoon. The boats had started operating and we met large groups of hikers taking the boat as a shortcut. If you have the energy for this 6-8 hour hike, then the walk lakeside is worthwhile.
Written 11 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
patn03
Minneapolis, MN661 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
What a beautiful trail! Plan plenty of time- even if you hike quickly there are lots of spots just to take in the view or take photos. We did the full hike (did not shorten it with the boat ride) and would do it again. The mileage the boat cuts out is shady and flat, and it looked like people had to wait a long time at each boat dock. Glad I brought hiking sticks- I only rarely needed them but they were nice at the end and when we needed to walk down over wet rocks under a little waterfall. Be prepared for the road construction on the way here- the workers will lead you through the construction site each way so even if there isn't a lot of traffic at the time you are there, you may need to wait for a pilot car to come back from the other side, which can be a 15 minute or more wait easily. Still worth it for the amazing views - while the hike has some elevation and so it challenging, the trail is well marked and not slippery, and it's a huge payoff in beautiful glacier and lake views for the effort. Even with the smoke this last week, we were thrilled.
Written 11 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Edward C
San Diego, CA33 contributions
Sep 2021
We did not hike to the glacier but we took plenty of pictures. The glaciers here may not be here much longer. Travel now before it is too latr.
Written 10 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
msgoyette
Clarkston, MI52 contributions
My husband and I booked a trip to GNP for mid-June. After finding out that the Grinnell Glacier hiking path might not be fully open yet, we are debating cancelling our reservations and going back in July the following summer. We don’t want to travel that far and have lots of hiking trails closed. Any advice?
we are plalnning a trip to GNP in Sept. we are looking for some shorter hikes and not to strenuous. any suggestions?
Hi,
Can someone please let me know if there is another way to hike to the Grinnell Glacier when when the Many Glacier road is closed.
Thanks
Hi. I am visiting Glacier NP from 05/31 to 06/02. The trail status for Grinnell Glacier says "Projected initial clearing date: 7/23/21 per 650". I am wondering if we can still go ahead and do this hike? We don't have any experience with snow hiking and wanted to assess the dangers/risks involved. We are a group of 3 guys and we have experience on hiking long trails (just not in the snow). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Mary
Northville, MI14 contributions
This glacier is a huge part of the reason we wanted to go to Glacier. I cannot find out if there is any way to get to this glacier despite current road closures. Is there only one trail, the one that is closed? I'm just wondering if there is another way to access it without having to go on the portion of the trail/road that is closed. I've looked at several websites and it's not clear. Going in two weeks. Thank you to anyone who can answer this!
EmilyKallen716
Indianapolis, IN6 contributions
Did you ever make it to this hike? I’m
Going in July and thought this looked amazing. Wondering about Road closures. Thanks
Alev T
1 contribution
Hi! We are headed to Glacier National Park in 2 days and have had to plan everything last minute. My husband and I are traveling with our 9 year old son and hoping you could suggest the most scenic areas we should concentrate on as it seems many places are closed? Would greatly appreciate any insight you could give us!!
Many thanks,
Alev
Chitownchristmasgirl
Saint Charles, IL16 contributions
Hi! Can I ask how you signed up for a Ranger led hike? Thanks!
NapervilleTraveller
Naperville, IL76 contributions
Through the glacier park boat’s website. Have fun!!
We'd like to do the hike tomorrow or Sunday - where did you stay/travel from to get to the trail? We are having a difficult time finding lodging on the East side. Did you stay west and drive? If so, how long was the drive and how long was the hike to Grinnell Glacier? Thanks for any info you can share.
Meghan B
3 contributions
We stayed in the east side in St. Mary Village. You can park at the take the Many Glacier hotel and take the trail directly from there. The ride from St Mary to the hotel took us about 30 minutes but we left around 7am. They also offer a boat which will take you about 2 miles in (mostly flat) if you want to save time. We took the boat and got up to the top in about 1.5 hours. We spent 30 minutes at the top and hiked all the way back down in about an hour.
Grinnell Glacier (Glacier National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Grinnell Glacier
- Hotels near Grinnell Glacier:
- (4.23 km) Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins
- (5.23 km) Many Glacier Hotel
- (5.23 km) Many Glacier Lodge
- (4.35 km) Glacier National Park Campgrounds
- (4.35 km) Many Glacier Campground