Child exploring one of the best hikes in glacier national park

Glacier National Park is one of the most breathtaking places we’ve ever explored. With its seemingly endless mountains and Going-to-the-Sun Road that takes you into the sky, it offers some of the most unforgettable hiking experiences in the country. Every year, thousands of families visit to take in its stunning scenery and explore the best hikes in Glacier National Park.

Among all the national parks we’ve explored, Glacier had the most wildlife activity, with only Yellowstone’s bison coming close. The animals at Glacier National Park are abundant and easy to spot, making every hike an incredible opportunity to witness them in their natural environment. Almost everyone in our family had a relatively close bear encounter, and if you knew where and when to look, spotting one through binoculars was surprisingly easy. There’s something about this place that feels truly unmatched—its high-elevation views, crisp mountain air, wildflowers in full bloom, bighorn sheep wandering by (look, but don’t touch!), and of course, the incredible grizzly bears. It’s easily my favorite national park to date. Make sure to check out our Glacier National Park itinerary and information on airports here!

Best Hikes in Glacier National Park - West Side

Child relaxing on the beach of Lake McDonald

West Glacier is the easiest part of the park to access and a great starting point for exploring. With thick forests, waterfalls, and stunning lakes, it offers some of the best hikes in Glacier National Park for families and anyone looking for a scenic but less strenuous experience. This side of the park is home to Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier, and several beautiful, easy-to-reach trails that wind through the forest and lead to beautiful waterfalls. Wildlife is also abundant, and it's not uncommon to spot animals at Glacier National Park, like deer, black bears, and mountain goats, along the trails or even near the roads.

Here are the best hikes in Glacier National Park that can be easily accessed via the West Side.

Hidden Lake Overlook

Distance: 2.7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 540 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

Hidden Lake Overlook is one of the most iconic hikes in West Glacier. Starting at Logan Pass, the highest point in the park accessible by car, this well-maintained boardwalk leads to breathtaking mountain views and Hidden Lake.

This trail is a fantastic option for families, as most school-aged kids can complete it at a slower pace. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are frequently spotted along the way, and many hikers have reported seeing black bears feeding near the lake. Depending on the season, snow may still be on the trail, so sturdy hiking boots and crampons are recommended. Since this is one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park for a wide range of ability levels, it does get crowded—arriving early is the best way to enjoy it with fewer people and to find a parking spot!

Highline Trail

Distance: 11.8 miles point to point (or shorter options available)
Elevation Gain: 1950 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

The Highline Trail is one of the most breathtaking and well-known hikes in Glacier National Park. Starting at Logan Pass, the trail follows the Continental Divide, offering stunning views of the park’s rugged peaks, glacial valleys, and diverse wildlife.

One of the most famous sections of the hike is the "Garden Wall", a narrow ledge with dramatic drop-offs and a cable handrail for extra security. Some sections of the trail are steep and very exposed, making it important to use parental discretion if hiking with children. This hike is better suited for older kids and experienced hikers, as younger children may struggle with the narrow path and steep drop-offs.

We did not do this hike due to our children’s ages, but it is one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park for those looking for an adventurous trek with incredible views. Many hikers complete the full 11.8-mile route to The Loop, where a shuttle can take you back to Logan Pass, but shorter out-and-back sections are also an option. The animals at Glacier National Park are in full swing over here as well, with mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and even grizzly bears frequently spotted along the way.

McDonald Creek Trail

Grandfather showing his grandson McDonald Falls in Glacier National Park

Distance: 5.3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 210 feet
Difficulty: Easy

This peaceful, tree-lined trail follows McDonald Creek, leading hikers to McDonald Falls and Sacred Dancing Cascade. The gentle terrain makes it an excellent hike for families and a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty without much elevation gain. This is a great way to just relax and enjoy the beauty of this incredible environment without feeling the pressure of an intense hike! A great option for later in the day after you have already completed a larger hike, too.

Avalanche Lake Trail

Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 730 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

One of the popular hikes in West Glacier, the Avalanche Lake Trail winds through a forested canyon before opening up to Avalanche Lake, a breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls. This trail is manageable for older kids (around 8 and up) and a rewarding choice for families. Parents with younger kids who don’t mind carrying them on their shoulders will also find this hike well worth the effort.

Best Hikes in Glacier National Park - East Side

A child looking through binoculars at Many Glacier Lodge

East Glacier is home to some of the park’s most dramatic scenery. It is also where many of the best hikes in Glacier National Park offer higher chances of wildlife encounters. This side of the park is known for its rugged, backcountry feel, with fewer crowds and more opportunities to experience Glacier’s wild beauty up close. Many Glacier, one of the most scenic areas on the east side, is a prime spot for hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing.

One of the highlights of visiting East Glacier is staying at or stopping by Many Glacier Lodge, where you can take in the views of Swiftcurrent Lake and the surrounding mountain peaks. The animals at Glacier National Park are frequently spotted right from the deck of the lodge, including moose, bears, and bighorn sheep grazing along the shoreline or in the nearby hills.

Here are the best hikes in Glacier National Park that can be accessed via the east side.

Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine Trails

Swiftcurrent Lake and a doc at sunset, one of the best hikes at Glacier National Park

Distance: Varies (4-7 miles round trip)
Elevation Gain: 80-130 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

The Swiftcurrent and Lake Josephine trails in Many Glacier are some of the best hikes in Glacier National Park for breathtaking lake and mountain scenery with relatively easy terrain. These trails provide a peaceful escape and are ideal for families.

The route follows Swiftcurrent Lake’s shoreline before leading to Lake Josephine, a serene setting where moose are commonly seen near the water’s edge. Many visitors opt to take a boat from Many Glacier Hotel across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine, reducing the hiking distance while still offering spectacular views.

Even close to the hotels and campgrounds, wildlife sightings are common. During our hike, we had a grizzly bear encounter, which was a powerful reminder that the animals at Glacier National Park live here year-round. We were making plenty of noise, so the bear knew we were there and we calmly backed away. Always carry bear spray and stay alert, especially when hiking in bear country.

Grinnell Glacier Trail (Shortened Boat Route)

family in front of an alpine lake at Grinnel Glacier Trail

Distance: 7.2 miles round trip (with boat)
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

One of the most iconic hikes in East Glacier, Grinnell Glacier Trail offers jaw-dropping glacier views, waterfalls, and turquoise alpine lakes. With younger hikers, we opted for the boat ride from Many Glacier Hotel across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine, which cut the hike from 10.6 miles to 7.2 miles round trip.

Even with the shortened distance, this hike is still challenging, with steep sections after getting off the boat. We hiked about 2.5 miles before our kids were ready to turn back, but the views were absolutely spectacular, so we didn’t feel like we missed out. Even if you don’t complete the full hike, this remains one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park for its stunning scenery.

Ptarmigan Tunnel

Distance: 10.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous

When we had the chance to hike without the kids, we chose Ptarmigan Tunnel, a rewarding but challenging trek through wildflower meadows, past waterfalls, and up steep terrain. The trail climbs steadily before reaching the historic Ptarmigan Tunnel, a 240-foot passage blasted through the mountain in the 1930s. On the other side, the landscape dramatically shifts, revealing a breathtaking view of remote valleys and a glacier-fed lake far below. It’s no surprise that this unforgettable trek is considered one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park.

Staying Safe: Animals in Glacier National Park & More

Black bear in a field in Glacier National Park — Look closely! A black bear…

Before embarking on any of the best hikes in Glacier National Park, it’s crucial to check for trail conditions and closures. Some trails may be closed due to bear activity, snow and ice conditions (especially earlier in the season), or other environmental factors. The animals in Glacier National Park are active throughout the park, so understanding wildlife safety is essential.

If you’re hiking with children, we highly recommend stopping by a ranger station beforehand. Rangers provide up-to-date trail conditions, safety tips, and important information specific to the area you’ll be exploring. Glacier’s terrain is wild and unpredictable, so it’s always best to be prepared.

Animals in Glacier National Park, a mountain goat looking at a litle boy from a distance — Someone is spying on him…look behind his left shoulder!

Wildlife encounters are one of the most magical parts of hiking in Glacier, but it’s important to take the right precautions. The animals in Glacier National Park are truly wild, and while spotting a bear, moose, or bighorn sheep can be an unforgettable experience, it’s crucial to keep a safe distance and respect their space. Always carry bear spray, hike in groups, and make noise along the way to avoid surprising wildlife.

Many of the best hikes in Glacier National Park take you through prime wildlife territory, from alpine meadows filled with grazing mountain goats to dense forests where bears are known to forage. Following safety guidelines not only protects you but also ensures these incredible animals continue to thrive in their natural habitat. Being mindful and prepared allows you to fully enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of hiking among some of the most stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife in the country.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hikes in Glacier National Park

It’s not about picking the perfect trail—you really can’t go wrong. Choosing between the best hikes in Glacier National Park is like flipping to a new chapter in an epic adventure, each one revealing something different. Maybe it’s a hidden lake, a wide-open valley, or a grizzly wandering in the distance. The magic of Glacier isn’t just in the views but in those unexpected moments that make you stop and take it all in. No matter where you go, you’ll be dreaming about coming back. We know we can't wait for our next visit!