How Close Can You Get to Glaciers? | Glacier National Park

by PJ
(Boston)

Forgive me if this is a stupid question (and yes, I do know you should stay OFF the glaciers unless you have serious mountaineering or ice climbing experience) but how close can you get to the glaciers themselves, and which trails would you suggest if that's the goal?

We're aiming for late August, early September if that makes a difference.

Answer

Hi PJ,

When hiking in Glacier National Park, you have many opportunities to see the glaciers from afar.

Actually getting close to them is another story ;-)

There are a few options to see the glaciers:

Iceberg Lake is a great opportunity to see the retreating glacier above. Here's another look at the Iceberg Lake Trail

You can hike Boulder Pass, which is near Bowman Lake. While climbing the pass, you get a great view of a glacier from afar. Check out the first of these Glacier National Park hiking videos to see the Boulder Pass area.

Finally, another great spot is the Grinnell Glacier trail and the overlook trail, which is an extension of the Highline Trail

Your best bet to get as close to the glaciers as possible is the Grinnell Glacier trail. Otherwise, you look at them from afar.

If you need help planning your vacation, I offer customized itineraries designed to meet the specific needs of your trip.

Have a great vacation!

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