Thrilling Three-Day Hiking Traverse through Glacier National Park
Embark on an unforgettable backpacking journey through Glacier National Park, as we explore the Grinnell Glacier Trail loop, a scenic route that showcases breathtaking views, alpine scenery, and two glaciers.
The trip, spanning over 3 days and 2 nights, begins at Many Glacier and covers approximately 10 miles one way, with an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet. To modify the route or accommodate time constraints, boat shuttles are available to cross Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. However, reservations are necessary, and they limit flexibility.
Backcountry camping in Glacier National Park requires specific permits. Campsites such as Hermit Meadows and Sir Donald may require reservations, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campfires are prohibited, and only gas stoves are allowed.
Essential packing list items include a backpack fitted for multi-day hikes, a tent and sleeping bag suitable for alpine conditions, a gas stove, bear spray, bear canisters, layered clothing, navigation tools, a water filtration system or purification tablets, a first aid kit, trekking poles, and sun-protective clothing.
Tips for the trip include arriving early at trailheads to secure parking or using shuttle boats where available, carrying plenty of water and using water purification for natural sources, following wildlife safety advice, particularly regarding mountain goats, reserving backcountry sites well in advance during peak months, checking for trail and weather updates, and packing more food, toilet paper, and essentials.
The route includes hiking near Many Glacier, with highlights such as the switchbacks in the final push to Red Gap Pass offering stunning views of alpine wildflowers, turquoise lakes, mountain goats, and endless steep mountain peaks. The trail portion from Elizabeth Lake Foot to Elizabeth Lake Foot Backcountry Campground offers a general decline, while the trail from Poia Lake to Apikuni Falls Trailhead has heavy bug activity and requires heavy-duty bug spray and possibly a bug net.
Camping at Elizabeth Lake Foot Backcountry Campground offers a spectacular location right on the shore of Elizabeth Lake, with wildlife sightings including bald eagles, osprey, elk, and a beaver. The campground features four campsites, a cooking/food prep area with a bear box, a dirty vault toilet, and views of colorful rocks that rival Lake McDonald.
To ensure a smooth trip, it is recommended to do lots of research about the trail and Glacier National Park before the backpacking trip, pack more food for the backpacking trip to fuel properly, collect water at most stream crossings as seasonal creeks may not be flowing, wear sun-protective clothing for the overgrown forested portions of the trail, bring swimsuits and pack towels for swimming in the cold water, avoid the Sherburne Cutoff, which is called "The Luge" due to being straight down and very rocky, and start hiking earlier to avoid hot afternoons on the exposed rocky trail.
Lastly, it is recommended to spend more time in Glacier National Park to explore more of the park, pack more toilet paper for the pit toilets at each campground, fill up with water before leaving Poia Lake as there are no water crossings or access to Kennedy Creek after leaving the campground, and download the right apps before the backpacking trip.
With its stunning scenery, clear permitting protocols, and essential preparation guidelines, this plan prioritizes the Many Glacier region, making it an ideal choice for a memorable backpacking adventure.
- For an unforgettable adventure, embark on a backpacking journey through Glacier National Park's Grinnell Glacier Trail loop, spanning 3 days and 2 nights.
- Backcountry camping in Glacier National Park necessitates specific permits, with campsites like Hermit Meadows and Sir Donald requiring reservations, while others are first-come, first-served.
- Prepare for the trip with essential gear such as a backpack for multi-day hikes, a tent and sleeping bag suitable for alpine conditions, a gas stove, bear spray, bear canisters, layered clothing, navigation tools, a water filtration system or purification tablets, a first aid kit, trekking poles, sun-protective clothing, and necessary permit applications.
- Tips for the trip include arriving early at trailheads, carrying plenty of water and using water purification for natural sources, following wildlife safety advice, reserving backcountry sites well in advance during peak months, checking for trail and weather updates, and packing extra food, toilet paper, and essentials.
- The route features hiking near Many Glacier, with stunning views of alpine wildflowers, turquoise lakes, mountain goats, and steep mountain peaks, as well as camping at Elizabeth Lake Foot Backcountry Campground, offering spectacular lakefront wildlife sightings.
- After the backpacking adventure, explore more of Glacier National Park, spend more time in the area, fill up with water before leaving Poia Lake, download necessary apps for your trip, and remember to pack extra toilet paper for the pit toilets at each campground.
