glacier national park backpacking trips: 8 epic routes
Dreaming of pristine alpine lakes, towering peaks, and the solitude of the wild? Glacier National Park is a backpacker's paradise, offering some of the most dramatic and rewarding backcountry experiences in North America. Planning, however, is key. From securing a coveted permit to navigating challenging terrain, a successful trip requires careful preparation. This guide breaks down 8 of the absolute best Glacier National Park backpacking trips, providing the detailed, actionable insights you need to choose the right route for your skill level and turn your dream trek into a reality.
We'll cover everything from classic high-alpine traverses to secluded river valleys, ensuring you have all the information to plan a safe, memorable, and breathtaking adventure in the Crown of the Continent. Each route profile includes:
Key Statistics: Distance, elevation gain, and difficulty rating.
Logistics: Ideal season, permit details, and designated campsites.
Route Highlights: What makes each trek unforgettable.
This comprehensive roundup is designed to move beyond generic advice, giving you a practical framework for your wilderness journey. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker seeking a monumental challenge like the Dawson-Pitamakan Loop or a first-timer looking for a stunning multi-day hike, you'll find a trip that fits your ambitions.
While we do not offer guided backpacking trips inside Glacier National Park, this guide focuses on empowering you to confidently plan your own adventure within Glacier's backcountry. Our guided adventures explore the equally stunning, adjacent Flathead National Forest. Let's dive into the trails that define this incredible wilderness.
1. Gunsight Pass to Gunsight Lake Loop
For backpackers seeking a classic Glacier National Park experience, the Gunsight Pass to Gunsight Lake Loop is a must-do. This iconic route showcases the park's dramatic, high-alpine scenery over a challenging yet rewarding 3-4 day journey. Starting near Lake McDonald, the trail traverses diverse landscapes, from lush lakeside forests to exposed, rocky ridges above the treeline, offering a comprehensive look at Glacier's pristine wilderness.
The loop is renowned for its spectacular views of towering peaks, glacial-fed lakes like Gunsight Lake, and the chance to spot wildlife such as mountain goats and bighorn sheep. The feeling of cresting Gunsight Pass and looking down into the St. Mary Valley is an unforgettable highlight for any adventurer. This trip is more than just a hike; it's a full immersion into the raw beauty that defines the best of glacier national park backpacking trips.
Route Details & Itinerary Tips
This route typically covers about 20 miles with significant elevation gain, making it best for experienced backpackers.
Difficulty: Strenuous. Expect steep switchbacks and potentially snowy conditions on the pass, even in summer.
Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 days. This allows for manageable 4-5 hour hiking days, giving you time to enjoy the scenery.
Campsites: Popular backcountry sites include Lake Ellen Wilson and Gunsight Lake. Securing permits for these spots is highly competitive, so apply as soon as the reservation window opens.
Navigation: While the trail is generally well-marked, conditions can change rapidly. Always carry a map, compass, and GPS device. Check avalanche and weather reports right before you depart, as the pass can be hazardous.
Planning Your Adventure
Success on this trail requires careful preparation. Due to its popularity and challenging nature, planning well in advance is crucial. Because park access and shuttle systems can change, it's wise to stay updated on the latest park news. For instance, understanding access changes in other popular areas can help you better strategize your permit applications and travel logistics. You can learn more about planning ahead for Glacier National Park access to stay informed. While we do not offer guided backpacking trips inside Glacier National Park, we do offer custom-guided adventures in the surrounding Flathead National Forest for those looking to explore the region with an expert.
2. Beartop Lake and Mount Jackson Traverse
For seasoned backpackers craving solitude and high-alpine grandeur, the Beartop Lake and Mount Jackson Traverse offers an unforgettable adventure away from the park's more crowded corridors. This challenging 4-5 day route is a high-elevation journey that rewards hikers with sprawling vistas, pristine sub-alpine meadows, and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Following less-trafficked paths, this traverse provides a deeper sense of immersion into the wild heart of Glacier.
The route is renowned for its sustained time above the treeline, offering continuous, breathtaking views while traversing near 7,000-foot elevations. Hikers often spot mountain goats navigating the rocky crags and hear the distinct calls of pikas among the talus slopes. This traverse is one of the more demanding glacier national park backpacking trips, delivering a profound connection to the park's rugged and untamed beauty for those prepared to tackle its challenges.
Route Details & Itinerary Tips
This point-to-point traverse requires careful logistical planning and is best suited for backpackers with significant off-trail and high-altitude experience.
Difficulty: Strenuous to Very Strenuous. Involves significant elevation gain, potential for route-finding, and exposure on high ridges.
Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 days. This pace allows for proper acclimatization and time to safely navigate the more technical sections of the route.
Campsites: Backcountry campsites are limited and require advance permits. Popular options can include Sperry, Gunsight Lake, or other sites depending on your exact itinerary. Plan your route around available campsites.
Navigation: A detailed topographic map, compass, and GPS device are absolutely essential. Start in early July for optimal snow conditions on the passes, but always be prepared for lingering snowfields. Turn back immediately if thunderstorms approach the ridges.
Planning Your Adventure
Success on this high-elevation traverse hinges on meticulous planning and physical readiness. Given its remote nature and demanding terrain, you must prepare for self-sufficiency. Acclimatizing to the altitude for a day or two before starting is highly recommended. Always plan your water stops carefully around established camps, as sources can be scarce along the high ridges. While we do not offer guided backpacking trips inside Glacier National Park, we do offer custom-guided adventures in the surrounding Flathead National Forest for those looking to explore the region with an expert.
3. Dawson-Pitamakan Loop
For those who want to experience the dramatic, ridge-walking grandeur of Glacier National Park, the Dawson-Pitamakan Loop is an unparalleled adventure. This legendary circuit on the park's east side is famous for its long stretches of high-elevation traversing, offering continuous, jaw-dropping views of the Continental Divide. The journey links two spectacular passes, Dawson and Pitamakan, creating a challenging loop that rewards hikers with some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery imaginable.
Often considered one of the quintessential glacier national park backpacking trips, this route features a stunning panorama of towering peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and vast, sweeping valleys. Hikers often spot grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep along the exposed ridges. The feeling of walking along the narrow spine between the passes, with the park laid out beneath you, is a core memory for anyone who completes this iconic trek.
Route Details & Itinerary Tips
This demanding loop typically covers around 18-20 miles with significant exposure and elevation changes, making it suitable for seasoned backpackers comfortable with heights and variable weather.
Difficulty: Strenuous. The trail involves long, exposed ridge sections and steep climbs to both passes. Afternoon storms are common, making an early start essential.
Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 days. A 3-day trip is popular, often staying at Oldman Lake and Morning Star Lake. Spreading it over 4 days allows for a more relaxed pace.
Campsites: Oldman Lake, Morning Star Lake, and Pitamakan Lake are the key backcountry sites. Permits are extremely competitive and should be booked months in advance, especially for July and August.
Navigation: The trail is well-defined, but weather can move in quickly, reducing visibility to near zero on the passes. Always have a reliable map and GPS, and start your high-elevation hiking early in the day to avoid storms.
Planning Your Adventure
A successful Dawson-Pitamakan trek hinges on meticulous planning and physical readiness. Permits are the biggest hurdle, so be prepared to apply the moment the reservation system opens. Check trail conditions right before your trip, as lingering snow can make the passes treacherous well into July. While we do not offer guided backpacking trips inside Glacier National Park, we do offer custom-guided trips in the magnificent Flathead National Forest, which borders the park.
4. Belly River Trail to Peck Glacier
For those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in Glacier's remote eastern wilderness, the Belly River Trail to Peck Glacier offers a truly wild adventure. This longer, 4-6 day route takes backpackers deep into a stunning river valley characterized by lush subalpine forests, expansive meadows, and dramatic views of glacier-carved peaks. The journey provides a sense of solitude that is increasingly rare in popular national parks.
This trek is defined by its pristine environment and the rewarding challenge of reaching seldom-seen glaciers like Peck Glacier. As you follow the Belly River, the landscape opens up to reveal waterfalls, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. This is one of the classic multi-day glacier national park backpacking trips for experienced adventurers seeking a deeper connection with the untamed heart of the park.
Route Details & Itinerary Tips
This route covers significant mileage, often over 40 miles round trip, and requires careful logistical planning, especially regarding river crossings.
Difficulty: Strenuous. The length, remoteness, and multiple river fords make this a serious undertaking for seasoned backpackers.
Ideal Duration: 4 to 6 days. This allows for a comfortable pace, with time for layover days to explore side trails and soak in the scenery.
Campsites: Backcountry sites like Mokowanis Junction, Glenns Lake, and Cosley Lake serve as excellent basecamps. Permits are required and should be secured well in advance.
Navigation: While the main valley trail is straightforward, navigating to Peck Glacier requires off-trail skills. Always carry a map, compass, and GPS. Check river conditions with park rangers before departure, as high water can make crossings impassable and dangerous.
Planning Your Adventure
Success on this remote trail hinges on meticulous preparation and self-sufficiency. Planning far ahead for permits is essential due to the limited number of campsites in this pristine area. Time your river crossings for the early morning when water levels are typically at their lowest, and use trekking poles for stability. Always stay informed about the latest park conditions and regulations. While we do not offer guided backpacking trips inside Glacier National Park, we do offer custom-guided adventures in the surrounding Flathead National Forest for those looking to explore the region with an expert.
5. Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet Loop
For an adventure that keeps you high above the valleys with non-stop, jaw-dropping vistas, the Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet Loop is an unparalleled choice. This route follows one of North America's most celebrated trails as it carves a path across the Garden Wall, offering continuous views of the park's iconic peaks and sprawling U-shaped valleys. This journey is a quintessential high-alpine traverse that immerses you in dramatic mountain scenery from the very first step.
The loop connects the famous Highline Trail with the historic Granite Park Chalet area, providing a unique backcountry experience with a touch of park history. The feeling of walking along an exposed but well-trodden path with the massive Mount Oberlin and Heavens Peak dominating the skyline is simply unforgettable. This is one of the most rewarding glacier national park backpacking trips for those who crave soaring heights and expansive, open landscapes.
Route Details & Itinerary Tips
This route can be done in various ways, but all options demand strong legs and a head for heights. The primary loop covers about 19-20 miles.
Difficulty: Strenuous. The trail is often narrow and exposed, and the descent via the Loop Trail is exceptionally steep.
Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 days. A 3-day trip could involve hiking the Highline to Granite Park, then returning via the Loop Trail. A 4-day option might extend south toward Gunsight Lake.
Campsites: The Granite Park backcountry campground is the primary objective. Alternatively, you can try to book a rustic room at the Granite Park Chalet for a different type of overnight experience. Both are highly competitive.
Navigation: Start your hike from Logan Pass extremely early, ideally by 5 or 6 AM, to avoid dangerous afternoon thunderstorms. Water sources are scarce along the Highline, so carry a capacity of 2-3 liters. Trekking poles are essential for managing the steep downhill sections.
Planning Your Adventure
Thorough preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable Highline adventure. The weather in the high country is notoriously unpredictable; turn back immediately if thunderstorms begin to develop. Checking the forecast religiously before and during your trip is non-negotiable. Proper physical conditioning is also critical for handling the elevation and steep terrain. You can learn more about how to prepare for a Glacier hike to ensure you're ready for the challenge. While we do not offer guided backpacking trips inside Glacier National Park, we do offer custom-guided adventures in the surrounding Flathead National Forest for those looking to explore the region with an expert.
6. North Fork to Polebridge Loop
For backpackers craving solitude and a taste of Glacier's untamed wilderness, the North Fork to Polebridge Loop offers an unparalleled remote experience. This 3-4 day journey ventures into the park's less-trafficked northern section, showcasing a different side of Glacier away from the bustling crowds. The route winds through dense, quiet forests and opens into expansive meadows, providing a profound sense of immersion in the wild and a truly authentic backcountry adventure.
This loop is celebrated for its pristine, untouched landscapes and exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly moose and bears. The journey connects you to the charming and rustic community of Polebridge, a unique outpost that feels like a step back in time. Finishing your trek with a huckleberry bear claw from the Polebridge Mercantile is a beloved tradition and a perfect reward, making this one of the most memorable glacier national park backpacking trips.
Route Details & Itinerary Tips
This route's remoteness requires strong backcountry skills and self-sufficiency, covering varied terrain over approximately 25-35 miles depending on the exact loop chosen.
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. Navigation skills are essential as some trail sections may be less maintained.
Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 days. This pace allows for unhurried exploration and time to appreciate the serene environment.
Campsites: Backcountry sites like Bowman Lake or Quartz Lake are popular starting points. Permits are still required and can be competitive, so plan ahead.
Safety: The North Fork is prime bear country. Carry bear spray, make noise while hiking, and be diligent about food storage. Always filter water, as sources are shared with abundant wildlife.
Planning Your Adventure
A successful North Fork trip hinges on logistical planning and a commitment to Leave No Trace principles. Transportation to and from the remote trailhead near Polebridge must be arranged in advance, as cell service is non-existent. It's crucial to check with park rangers about trail conditions and water source reliability before you begin your hike. While we do not offer guided backpacking trips inside Glacier National Park, we do offer custom-guided adventures in the surrounding Flathead National Forest for those looking to explore the region with an expert.
7. White River to Jackson Glacier Viewpoint Traverse
For backpackers wanting to experience Glacier’s majestic ice fields up close, the White River to Jackson Glacier Viewpoint Traverse is an exceptional east-side journey. This route climbs through the scenic White River valley into stunning alpine terrain, culminating in breathtaking views of Jackson Glacier. It offers a taste of high-elevation adventure without the extreme exposure found on some of the park's more intimidating passes, making it an excellent choice for intermediate hikers.
The trail provides a steady elevation gain, allowing for good acclimatization as you ascend toward the glacial views. The payoff is immense: standing near Piegan Pass, you are rewarded with an expansive panorama of glaciers and jagged peaks. This trip delivers some of the most dramatic scenery found on any of the glacier national park backpacking trips, showcasing the powerful forces that sculpted this landscape.
Route Details & Itinerary Tips
This out-and-back or one-way traverse typically covers around 17-20 miles, depending on your endpoint. It is a fantastic trip for seeing active glaciers from a relatively accessible trailhead.
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. The climb is gradual but sustained, with some challenging sections near the pass.
Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 days. A longer itinerary allows for a rest or acclimatization day, which can be spent exploring the area around Piegan Pass.
Campsites: White River Campground serves as a great starting point, with backcountry sites like Piegan Creek and Morning Star Lake available along the route. Permits are required and competitive.
Navigation: The trail is well-defined, but weather can change in an instant, especially at higher elevations. Always carry a map and GPS. It's crucial to check with park rangers about stream crossing conditions on the White River before you start, as water levels can fluctuate dramatically.
Planning Your Adventure
Careful logistical planning is key for this traverse. Ensure you have reliable transportation arranged if you plan a one-way trip ending at the Jackson Glacier Viewpoint on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Because of its alpine nature, be prepared for cold temperatures and high winds, even in mid-summer. Proper layering and quality weather protection are non-negotiable. While we do not offer guided backpacking trips inside Glacier National Park, we do offer custom-guided adventures in the surrounding Flathead National Forest for those looking to explore the region with an expert.
8. Marias Pass to Badger-Two Medicine Loop
For those seeking solitude and a deep connection with the park's southern wilderness, the Marias Pass to Badger-Two Medicine Loop is an exceptional choice. This route offers a different flavor of Glacier, traversing historic landscapes along the Continental Divide and dipping into the culturally significant Badger-Two Medicine area. Over a 4-5 day journey, backpackers experience everything from dense, forested valleys to expansive, windswept alpine ridges.
This loop is celebrated for its stunning mountain vistas and a quieter, more remote feel compared to the park's northern corridors. It provides access to some of Glacier's most diverse ecosystems and a higher likelihood of spotting wildlife, especially grizzly bears. This journey is a standout among glacier national park backpacking trips for adventurers wanting to explore off the beaten path while still witnessing classic Rocky Mountain grandeur.
Route Details & Itinerary Tips
This challenging loop requires strong navigation skills and backcountry experience, covering rugged terrain with significant elevation changes.
Difficulty: Strenuous. The route includes less-trafficked sections, requiring excellent map-reading skills and preparedness for variable conditions.
Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 days. This pace allows for navigating challenging sections and appreciating the solitude and scenery.
Campsites: Designated backcountry campsites are available, but planning is key. Securing permits for sites like Morning Star Lake or Pitamakan Lake is essential.
Navigation: Portions of this trail are less defined than more popular routes. A map, compass, and GPS are mandatory. Always inform someone of your itinerary, as this area sees significant grizzly activity and fewer hikers.
Planning Your Adventure
A successful trek on this loop hinges on meticulous planning and self-sufficiency. Because of the area's remote nature and high concentration of wildlife, it's crucial to be well-prepared. This includes being proficient with bear safety protocols, such as proper food storage and carrying bear spray. The passes often hold snow until early July, so timing your trip is critical. While we do not offer guided backpacking trips inside Glacier National Park, we do offer custom-guided adventures in the surrounding Flathead National Forest for those looking to explore the region with an expert.
Ready for Your Glacier Adventure? Let's Talk Logistics and Alternatives
You've explored some of the most spectacular multi-day treks Glacier has to offer, from the iconic grandeur of the Dawson-Pitamakan Loop to the remote solitude of the Belly River Trail. Each route presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a landscape carved by ice and time, where grizzlies roam and alpine wildflowers paint the meadows. Planning and executing one of these incredible glacier national park backpacking trips is an achievement that rewards you with unparalleled solitude and breathtaking vistas.
The common thread weaving through all these adventures is preparation. Success in the backcountry isn't just about physical endurance; it's about meticulous planning, from securing the right permits to packing the appropriate gear and understanding Leave No Trace principles.
Key Takeaways for Your Glacier Backpacking Trip
As you move from dreaming to doing, keep these crucial points at the forefront of your planning:
The Permit System is Your First Hurdle: Glacier's backcountry permit system is highly competitive. Be ready to apply the moment the window opens, have multiple itineraries planned, and consider walk-up permits as a viable, albeit less certain, alternative. Flexibility is your greatest asset.
Safety is Non-Negotiable: This is grizzly country. Proper food storage, carrying and knowing how to use bear spray, and making noise on the trail are mandatory practices, not optional suggestions. Always check trail conditions and weather forecasts before you depart.
Pack Smart, Not Heavy: Every ounce counts. Your packing list, from your shelter system to your food, should be dialed in. For comprehensive meal planning, especially if you have dietary preferences, you might consult a best vegan camping food guide to ensure you have lightweight, high-energy provisions.
Mastering these logistical elements transforms a potentially stressful process into an empowering part of the adventure. It ensures that when you finally step onto the trail, your focus is entirely on the wild beauty surrounding you, not on what you might have forgotten.
Navigating Overwhelming Logistics and Exploring Alternatives
We understand that navigating the permit lottery and planning a multi-day trip can be daunting. The competition for campsites on classic routes like the Highline Trail can be intense, and sometimes, the logistics just don't line up with your vacation schedule. If this sounds familiar, don't be discouraged. An incredible backcountry experience is still within reach.
While we do not offer guided backpacking trips inside Glacier National Park, our expertise extends to the equally wild and majestic lands that border it. We specialize in leading custom guided backpacking adventures in the stunning Flathead National Forest. These trips offer the same jaw-dropping mountain scenery, pristine alpine lakes, and sense of solitude you seek, but without the complexities of the national park's permit system.
Choosing a guided trip in the Flathead National Forest allows you to bypass the logistical hurdles and dive straight into the adventure. We handle the route planning, gear, and meals, allowing you to simply show up and immerse yourself in the wilderness with the confidence of having an expert guide lead the way. It’s an ideal solution for first-time backpackers, families, or anyone who wants a guaranteed backcountry experience without the planning stress.
Your journey into the Crown of the Continent is a profound one, whether you secure a permit for a classic Glacier route or explore the hidden gems of the surrounding national forest. The important thing is to get out there, to walk the trails, and to let the raw, untamed spirit of the mountains inspire you.
Ready to plan your hassle-free adventure? While we don't guide inside Glacier National Park, we offer expert-led day hikes and backpacking trips in the spectacular Flathead National Forest. Visit Glacier Hikes & Bikes to book a tour or learn more about our custom adventures.
