The Glacier trails we repeat

We lived 45 minutes from Glacier for a year and still make the trip back every single summer. These are the trails that actually live up to the hype.

Grinnell Glacier. You’ve seen the Gatorade-blue lake from above. That’s an overlook on the way up. Take the two boat rides across Swiftcurrent and Lake Josephine — beautiful, and it cuts off about 3.4 miles so you can save your legs for the final climb to the glacier.

Hidden Lake. Most people stop at the overlook. Keep going all the way down to the lake. The views from the shore are stunning and the goat encounters are top tier.

Iceberg Lake. If you want a little extra challenge, add Ptarmigan Tunnel. Walking through a literal tunnel in the mountain to see the other side is pretty epic.

Highline Trail. This is the one hike we do literally every single time we visit Glacier. We cannot leave the park without doing it. Don’t miss the Garden Wall spur. Bring cash for a snack at Granite Park Chalet.

Siyeh Pass. Likely the most overlooked hike in the park because of the shuttle logistics. The meadows at the start are spectacular, and the views from the top are mind-blowing. Frequent grizzly sightings near the top — stay aware, carry bear spray.

Bonus: Cracker Lake. If you have an extra day, do not skip this one. The water is a crazy opaque turquoise that almost does not look real.