Grinnell Glacier
The signature day hike of Glacier National Park: about 10.6 miles round trip climbing roughly 1,600 feet past turquoise, glacier-fed lakes to a viewpoint above Grinnell Glacier and its milky meltwater basin. You can trim a few miles by taking the summer boat shuttle across Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes, but the climb from the lakes up to the glacier is where the real work — and the best scenery — is.
By The US Hikers editorial team · Last verified July 31, 2026
- Distance
- 10.6 mi RT
- Elevation gain
- 1,600 ft
- Permit
- Not required
- Best season
- Mid-July to late September, once the upper trail clears of snow; sections above the lakes often stay closed into July
Trail overview and the boat-shuttle shortcut
Most hikers start at the Grinnell Glacier trailhead near the Many Glacier Hotel and follow the shoreline of Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes before the trail turns uphill and climbs steadily to the glacier overlook. The full round trip from the trailhead is roughly 10.6 miles with about 1,600 feet of elevation gain.
In summer, a concessioner-run boat shuttle crosses the two lakes and can cut roughly 3.4 miles off the round trip. Tickets sell out, so book ahead; even with the boat, the steep upper section to the glacier is unchanged, so this is still a strenuous day, not an easy one.
Grizzly country: hiking Glacier safely
Many Glacier is prime grizzly and black bear habitat, and this is one of the most bear-active corridors in the park. Carry accessible bear spray and know how to use it, hike in a group, make noise on blind corners, and never run from a bear. The park regularly posts trail-specific bear warnings and closures — check them at the ranger station the morning you go.
Because the upper trail hangs on open ledges above the lakes, afternoon thunderstorms are a real hazard. Start early, watch the sky, and turn around rather than pushing to the overlook in a storm.
Snow, timing and the reservation system
This is a short-season hike. The upper switchbacks hold snow and ice well into summer and the park often keeps the final stretch closed until crews clear it, so mid-July to late September is the reliable window. Even in August you can meet lingering snowfields near the top.
Getting to the trailhead is its own step: Glacier uses a timed vehicle reservation for the Many Glacier area in peak season, separate from the entrance fee, and Many Glacier has also seen construction-related access limits in recent years. Confirm current road status, reservation dates and shuttle options on the official NPS page before you commit to a date.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Grinnell Glacier hike?
About 10.6 miles round trip from the Many Glacier trailhead with roughly 1,600 feet of elevation gain. Taking the summer boat shuttle across Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes shortens it by around 3.4 miles.
Do you need a permit for Grinnell Glacier?
No permit is required for the day hike, but in peak summer you need a timed vehicle reservation to drive into the Many Glacier area, plus the standard park entrance fee. Reservations are released on recreation.gov.
When is the best time to hike Grinnell Glacier?
Mid-July to late September, once the upper trail clears of snow. The final section is often closed earlier in the season, and even midsummer can hold snowfields near the top.
Are there bears on the Grinnell Glacier trail?
Yes — Many Glacier is active grizzly and black bear habitat. Carry bear spray, hike in a group, make noise, and check the ranger station for current bear warnings and closures before you set out.
Make it a trip
Where to stay, what else to do and how to build an itinerary around Glacier National Park.
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Sources
- NPS — Day Hikes, Glacier National Park (Grinnell Glacier)
- NPS — Vehicle Reservations, Glacier National Park
Primary sources only for facts that change (fees, permits, closures): nps.gov, fs.usda.gov and official recreation.gov permit pages. We stamp every guide with a "last verified" date and re-check seasonal figures each year.