Glacier National Park in Montana offers a range of trails for all ages and experiences, starting with easy day hikes to more strenuous multi-day trails to challenge experienced hikers.
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If you're planning to visit but don't know where to start, here's a guide to the top 10 hikes in Glacier National Park.
Difficulty: moderate
Distance: 11.6 miles
Duration: 7½ hours one way
Highline Trail
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A Glacier classic, the Highline Trail contours across the face of the famous Garden Wall to Granite Park Chalet — one of two historic lodges only accessible by trail.
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The summer slopes are covered with alpine plants and wildflowers while the views are nothing short of stupendous. With only 800ft elevation gain over 7.6 miles, the treats come with minimal sweat.
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The trail presents stunning early views of Going-to-the-Sun Road, snowcapped Heaven's Peak and the white foaming waters of 500ft Bird Woman Falls.
Difficulty: difficult
Distance: 11.6 miles
Duration: 8 hours round-trip or drawn out as a multi-day trip
Dawson-Pitamakam Loop
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This lengthy hike can be squeezed into a one-day itinerary if you’re fit and up for it.
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Alternatively, it can be tackled over two or three days with sleepovers at the No Name Lake and Oldman Lake backcountry campgrounds (permit required).
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Blessed with two spectacular mountain passes and teeming with myriad plant and animal life, this is often touted by park rangers as being one of Glacier’s hiking highlights.
Difficulty: easy-to-moderate
Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 2½ hours round-trip
Avalanche Lake Trail
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This low-commitment introduction to Glacier hiking pays big dividends in the form of a pristine alpine lake, waterfalls and cascades.
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The 2.3-mile hike is relatively gentle and easily accessed by the shuttle.
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It's, therefore, invariably mobbed in peak season with everyone from flip-flop-wearing families to stick-wielding seniors making boldly for the tree line.