Search a hike or location

search
GET PRO+
Best backpacking hikes in Glacier County
Share:

Best backpacking hikes in Glacier County

Ready for some outdoor fun? These hikes offer everything you could want for an unforgettable adventure!

Here are some great hikes to explore in Glacier County.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Haystack Pass and Garden Wall Trail via Highline Trail

Glacier County, Montana · star 4.4 (44) · 24.4 km · Est. 6 hrs 36 min

2

Medium

Cracker Lake Trail

Glacier County, Montana · star 4.8 (10) · 20.9 km · Est. 5 hrs

3

Medium

Ptarmigan Lake and Elizabeth Lake and Cosley Lake via Ptarmigan Trail

Glacier County, Montana · star N/A (0) · 43.6 km · Est. 2 days

4

Easy

No Name Lake and Two Medicine Lake via Dawson Pass

Glacier County, Montana · star 4.5 (29) · 15.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 45 min

5

Easy

St Mary Lake and Red Eagle Lake

Glacier County, Montana · star N/A (0) · 44.2 km · Est. 2 days

6

Medium

Gunsight Lake and Gunsight Pass Trail

Glacier County, Montana · star 4.5 (27) · 24.6 km · Est. 6 hrs 5 min

7

Medium

Gunsight Pass, Lake Ellen Wilson and Gunsight Lake via Piegan Pass

Glacier County, Montana · star N/A (0) · 43.1 km · Est. 2 days

8

Medium

Red Eagle Lake via Pitamakan Pass

Glacier County, Montana · star N/A (0) · 49.0 km · Est. 2 days

9

Medium

Lake Josephine and Lake Grinnell via CDT

Glacier County, Montana · star 4.5 (25) · 35.0 km · Est. 2 days

10

Easy

Kootenai Lakes via CDT Trail

Glacier County, Montana · star 4.6 (31) · 8.9 km · Est. 2 hrs 1 min

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for backpacking hikes in Glacier County

Jeanett Carroll avatar

Haystack Pass and Garden Wall Trail via Highline Trail

MountainForester81 · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

Mrs. Tamela Roberts avatar

Cracker Lake Trail

WoodlandTrailstar88 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for Ptarmigan Lake and Elizabeth Lake and Cosley Lake via Ptarmigan Trail.

Filiberto Smith MD avatar

No Name Lake and Two Medicine Lake via Dawson Pass

WandererPathfinder58 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for St Mary Lake and Red Eagle Lake.

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Glacier County

What is the climate like for hiking in Montana?

With Montana's continental climate, the summer season, from June to September, offers the most comfortable hiking conditions. The weather is typically warm and sunny, making trails in areas like Glacier National Park particularly inviting. However, afternoon thunderstorms are common, so hikers should be prepared.
Autumn, from September to November, showcases vibrant fall colors, with milder temperatures ideal for hiking. Winter, though, is severe, with heavy snowfall limiting access to many trails. Spring can be unpredictable, with lingering snow and wet conditions in many areas, delaying the hiking season.
Therefore, the best time to hike in Montana is generally summer, particularly in July and August. Hikers should always check weather conditions and trail status ahead of time, using resources like the Montana Wilderness Association (https://wildmontana.org/discover-the-wild/hike-wild-montana) for detailed information.

Do I need a permit to hike in Montana?

Hiking in Montana often doesn't require permits, but certain areas like Glacier National Park require them for backcountry camping. Check specifics with relevant park services or on the official U.S. National Park Service website (https://www.nps.gov/index.htm) to ensure adherence to local rules and regulations.

Is wild camping allowed in Montana?

Wild camping in Montana's national forests is generally permitted, subject to specific rules and restrictions. It's recommended to verify local regulations via the U.S. Forest Service website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/superior/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=36905&actid=34). Always follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment.

Are there mountain rescue services in Montana?

In case of an emergency while hiking in Montana, contact local authorities by dialing 911. The county sheriff's office typically coordinates search and rescue efforts. Hikers can also refer to the Mountain Rescue Association's website (https://mra.org/) for additional resources and safety information.

Are there dangerous plants in Montana?

Montana's trails take hikers through diverse ecosystems, from grasslands to alpine meadows, populated by prairie flowers, Ponderosa pines, and western larch. Hikers should be aware of poison ivy in lower altitudes. More information can be found on the Montana Field Guide website (http://fieldguide.mt.gov/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Montana?

Hikers in Montana may encounter diverse wildlife such as elk, moose, bears, and mosquitoes. It's crucial to keep a safe distance from large mammals and carry bear spray when in bear country. The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website (http://fwp.mt.gov/) offers detailed wildlife encounter guidelines.

More hikes in Glacier County

by difficulty

by type

by activity

Choose which optional cookies and similar technologies HiiKER can use on this device. Privacy & cookie policy