Hiking the Grinnell Glacier – Is it Worth It?

HIKING THE GRINNELL GLACIER – IS IT WORTH IT?

Spoiler alert: the Grinnell Glacier was our favorite hike in Glacier National Park (and Shannon’s favorite hike of all time), hands down. And while we talk this hike up to people all the time, it definitely isn’t for everyone. Read on for our full review of the Grinnell Glacier trail, plus some tips for if you decide to make the journey.

RATING

5/5

Spoiler alert: the Grinnell Glacier was our favorite hike in Glacier National Park (and Shannon’s favorite hike of all time), hands down. And while we talk this hike up to people all the time, it definitely isn’t for everyone. Read on for our full review of the Grinnell Glacier trail, plus some tips for if you decide to make the journey.

DIFFICULTY

4/5

LENGTH

11.5 miles round trip
Out and back type trail

SIGHTS

Grinnell Glacier, glacial lakes, waterfalls, alpine landscape, trees, flowers, wildlife

TERRAIN

The Grinnell Glacier trail is well maintained, likely due to the heavy traffic it sees. It is mostly a dirt pathway, though it is rocky in spots. There is a waterfall crossing on the Grinnell Glacier trail which is mild to moderate in difficulty, depending on the time of year and the amount of water flowing. 

GOOD FOR KIDS?

*No* While we did take our daughter on the Grinnell Glacier trail, we carried her in our Osprey backpack carrier. We felt comfortable with this due to our hiking experience and our fitness level. However, this may not be a good option for everyone. There are areas of the Grinnell Glacier trail that are very steep, narrow, rocky and slippery. Some areas are difficult to traverse as an individual, let alone with a child. We passed several hundred other hikers on the Grinnell Glacier trail but only passed one other family with a child. 

GOOD FOR DOGS?

No. Pets are not permitted on the Grinnell Glacier trail, nor any other trails within Glacier National Park. There are a multitude of reasons for this, but primarily for preserving the park and allowing the (abundant) wildlife to live undisturbed in their natural habitat.

OUR EXPERIENCE

We started out to the Grinnell Glacier trail very early in the morning. We arrived at the parking area around 6:30 am. We recommend going early for several reasons… 

1. The parking area at Grinnell Glacier is very small and fills up quickly. At 6:30 am, the parking lot was already almost full. There were a few spots left, but none that our F450 would fit into. We were able to park just a short distance up the road. 

2. Grinnell Glacier is a very popular trail. The earlier you get started, the less crowded it will be. You will definitely encounter fewer other hikers, at least early on. 

3. Grinnell Glacier is a long hike and there is not much shade. In our opinion, you really don’t want to be hiking (at least the strenuous parts) in the mid afternoon or during peak sun. It gets really hot and you are completely exposed to the sun. This is especially true in the summer months. 

As we started our trek, we found the first portion of the Grinnell Glacier trail to be flat and easy. The trail took us around Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. However, after this, it became steep fairly fast and was an uphill journey the rest of the way. Don’t fret though, this is where the amazing views come from! 

Hiking up the Grinnell Glacier trail, we had breathtaking views of the glacial lakes below and the mountains in the distance. It was an experience that had us pinching ourselves in disbelief that this could be reality. You’ll stand there and look out at the vista and think there is no way what you’re seeing is real. What you see is like something out of a movie or a magazine. But the reality is, it is completely unfiltered, unedited, natural beauty. Yes, the water really is that blue. 

Towards the end of the ascent, we encountered the waterfall portion of the Grinnell Glacier trail. Depending on the time of year and the gear you have, it might not be possible to continue on beyond this point. Most of the year, this area is filled with ice and snow is and impassible. 

But, if you go in the summer months like we did, you’ll get to cross under a refreshing summer waterfall. Just be careful! Sometimes the water comes down with pretty good force. And even when it doesn’t, it’s always narrow and slippery from the water. You definitely don’t want to slip or fall off the edge. 

Finally, we came to the lunch area of the Grinnell Glacier trail. Lots of other people assumed this was the end of the trail. They would stop, eat their lunch, use the pit toilet and turn back around. Don’t be like them! If you quit there, you’ll miss the best part of the Grinnell Glacier trail -the Grinnell Glacier. Keep going, it’s worth it, we promise!

This last portion was short but strenuous. Once you get there, you’re rewarded with an up close view of the Grinnell Glacier and your very own glacial lake to enjoy. Pack a lunch, sit on the rocks and enjoy a well deserved break. Dip your toes in if you dare. Or if you’re really adventurous, the group next to us took a polar plunge, though we strongly advise against it… the water is from the melting glacier and has giant chunks of ice in it. The temperature is as icy as it sounds!

We relaxed and played at the Grinnell Glacier for well over an hour before turning back. In hindsight, we should’ve stayed a little longer. Hiking down in the peak afternoon sun was not fun. It was brutal. And we didn’t have enough water left in our packs. When we crossed the waterfall again, we actually walked through it a few times just to cool off. A few minutes down the path and we were already dry again. And the sunburn, it lasted for days… 

At last, we made it back to our truck. Exhausted, but so fulfilled and just in awe of the beauty of nature. The Grinnell Glacier is one of the few places we think back on and both agree we’ll return to again some day. 

Looking back, the Grinnell Glacier truly is one of those places in the world that makes you feel small. It makes you reflect. And it also brings up a harsh reality. The Grinnell Glacier and the other glaciers of Glacier National Park are disappearing rapidly. The majority of the glaciers that once existed there are gone. And what’s left, they estimate, will disappear completely within the next few decades. 

It’s hard to believe that the beautiful landscape we witnessed with our daughter while she was small may not be there for her to return to in the future. Or that our son, who was growing inside at the time, may never see it with his own eyes. Visiting the Grinnell Glacier is being a part of history, having respect and appreciation of Mother Nature and realizing that not everything good can stay. 

We highly recommend experiencing the Grinnell Glacier and all of Glacier National Park as soon as you can, while you still can.

TIPS

• Start early
• Bring enough water (at least 3L per person)
• Gear up
• Pace yourself
• Don’t forget sun protection (sunscreen, glasses, hats and UV clothes)
• Pack a lunch
• Use the pit toilet (it’s your only opportunity)
• Don’t turn around at the lunch area, go all the way to the Grinnell Glacier
• Plan to spend time at the Grinnell Glacier
• Hike back during a cooler portion of the day

IS IT WORTH IT?

YES. Hiking the Grinnell Glacier was EPIC. We’ve hiked quite a few trails in our lives, but this one is our favorite (so far)! The Grinnell Glacier and all of Glacier National Park have earned a special place in our hearts. We highly recommend the Grinnell Glacier trail!

WANT MORE OF THE GRINNELL GLACIER? WATCH OUR VIDEO ON YOUTUBE FOR A GLIMPSE OF ALL THE BEAUTY!

PLANNING TO GO TO GLACIER? HERE’S SOME IMPORTANT INFO YOU NEED ABOUT GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD

FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY AS WE CONTINUE TO TRAVEL DOWN THE ROAD WE’RE ON