Planning Your Day at Many Glacier

Posted on by Jamie Brininger

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Glacier National Park is full of gorgeous views, so it is difficult to fit everything in.  Many Glacier on the northeast side of the park definitely is a must see during your visit.  From the moose sightings to a serene lunch at Grinnell Lake, this was one of our favorite places at Glacier National Park.

Things To Know

  • Many Glacier is 2.5 – 3 hours away from the West Entrance of Glacier National Park
  • You need to arrive early.  Capacity is reached before noon and you will be turned away.
  • The road leading into this section of the park is a very bumpy gravel road
  • There is a restroom by the parking area.  You can also use the restrooms inside the hotel.  Turn right once you get into the lobby.  The pit toilets along the trails are very rustic….

Hiking

We utilize AllTrails before heading out on our hikes. It is a great way to see the difficulty of hikes and you can grab directions that will take you right to the trailhead.

Grinnell Lake Trail – this is a fairly easy 7.1 mile loop.  The elevation gain is around 350 feet.  If you want to shorten the length of the trail, you can hop on the boat tour which will knock about 5 miles off your hike.  If you are hoping to spot a Moose, this is the trail to hike!  We saw 3 when we hiked it.  

Redrock Falls – another easy hike.  This is a 3.6 mile out and back trail with about a 230 feet elevation gain.  The trail starts at the Swiftcurrent Trailhead.  Warning, this trail is sometimes closed due to bear activity.  

Swiftcurrent Nature Trail – 2.6 mile loop trail that goes around Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes.  The first ¼ mile is wheelchair accessible.  This trail starts at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead or Many Glacier Hotel.

Grinnell Glacier Trail – 11.2 miles out and back with elevation gain of  about 2100 feet.  This trek will give you gorgeous views of Grinnell Glacier. 

Ptarmigan Tunnel – 10.6 miles out and back with elevation gain of about 2400 feet.  The tunnel is usually open mid-July to late September.

Many Glacier Activities

If you are looking for activities outside of hiking there is plenty to do!

  • Horseback riding – Swan Mountain Outfitters offers everything from beginner rides through advanced all day rides.  You can check out their website here.
  • Boat Tour – tour Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes.  There is a guided hike tour option during the afternoon.  You can make your reservations and view pricing here.
  • Kayak, canoe, & rowboat rentals

Where To Stay

Many Glacier Hotel is located on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake.  It is a Swiss inspired lodge.  Wanting to keep with the era that the hotel was built, you will not find televisions or air conditioning in the rooms.  You will find a lounge, snack shop, dining room, and gift shop at Many Glacier Hotel.

Many Glacier Campground is located 12 miles from Babb, Montana.  This campground offers standard nonelectric sites as well as group sites.  Babb has a general store, gas station, and several restaurants.

What To Bring

Many Glacier offers spectacular views and wildlife sightings.  It was one of our favorite parts of Glacier National Park.  If you are staying on the west entrance side, I recommend traveling Going To The Sun Road on your way back! 

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