big horn ram glacier national park © shawn coggins
call art logofoget me knots


Logan Pass Opened June 19, 2012

Logan Pass Opened July 13, 2011.

April and May of 2012 were surprisingly dry and warm. June of 2012 has made up for that with 4" of rain by June 12, 2012. The monthly average for June is 3.5" of rain. Logan Pass opening date pushed back due to rain, snow and avalanches until sometime around June 20, 2012. Logan Pass has gotten 35" of snow since Memorial Day! Lower elevatins on the west side are clear of all snow. On my last trip to the east side mid May 2012 there was still plenty of snow at the valley levels. I expect that all of the exposed snow on the east side valleys is gone. Trails in narrow valleys such as the one to Morning Eagle Falls will still have plenty of snow! Grinnell Glacier Trail still is snow covered after the first mile or so of the trailhead.

Well its late April 2012, hiking season has started once again in Glacier National Park. I'm going to start off my 2012 hikes, weather permitting with The South Boundary Trail. I will also archive the 2011 version of this page as reference material for extremely short season hiking.

As of June 13, 2012 none of the alpine trails are open. Unlike last year most of these trails should be opening starting in early to mid July.
As of 7-29-2011 the Alpine Trails are slowly opening. The first week of August should see another round of Alpine Trails opening. The best hikes listed here are based on a combination of first hand experience in 2011 and or reports from the NPS Trail Crews on trails that I have hiked in the past. What is open changes daily so this year it is important before going from one side of the park to the other to check with the Glacier Park Visitor Center for current trail status and conditions. Even then you might get to a trail that you were told was open and find that it is closed. This happened to me recently.

The following link is to Glacier Park Trail Report page Trail Status

My guess as of May 13, 2012 is that the Highline Trail will open this summer sometime around July 13, 2012.
Highline Trail didn't open before July 29 2011. To early to predict opening date for the Grinnell Glacier Overlook Trail late July 2012 is the most likely time frame. Grinnell Glacier Overlook Trail opened August 22, 2011, Siyeh Bend to Sunrift didn't open till mid August, 2011, Piegan Pass to Many Glacier didn't open until early August, 2011. Snowline on July 29, 2011 was at 6,300 feet, lots of much higher elevations are now snow free but there is still significant amounts of snow at Logan Pass at 6,646 feet. Snowfall since Memorial Day at Logan Pass in 2012 was 35" as of June 12, 2012.




Glacier Park has recently been posting more explicit warning notes at the start of trails. "You are entering a wilderness area and must accept certain inherent dangers, including snow, steep terrain, water and wildlife.

There is no guarantee of your safety."

   Best hikes for early season hiking
   Glacier National Park 2012

   Best Day hikes Logan Pass

   Logan Pass opened July 13, 2011

Before the snows of June, I expected that Logan Pass would open around June 15, 2012.
Well I was wrong, 35" of June snow at Logan Pass has delayed opening until June 20, 2012.
weather permitting

  • The Loop Trail to Granite Park Chalet
    4 miles gains 2200 feet
    Expect the GTSR to be open to this point by June 20, 2012. When this trail opens there is usually snow in the flats before you get to the Chalet.
    Since the Roberts\Trapper peak fires in 2003
    there isn't much shade between
    the Loop & Granite Park Chalet.
    there is no Free water available at the Chalet
    (the signs tell you there is No Potable Water)
    you can buy snacks, sodas, & water at the Chalet during season
  • Altitude at Chalet, 6680 feet, is slightly higher then Logan Pass, 6,646 feet.
    Strenuous hike


  • Hidden Lake Overlook
     Google™ Map Hidden Lake Logan Pass
    Might open June 20, 2012
    Opened July 13, 2011
    1.5 miles gains 460 feet
    Hike starts at 6,600 feet ~ many hikers will notice the 460 feet gain
    20% Snow Cover
    Steep Snowfields
    Hazardous snow bridges
    and creek crossings ahead
    Caution Advised
     This is a very crowded trail.
    Lots of 'hikers' unprepared for winter conditions in July!
    Last year there were many 'hikers' unprepared for winter conditions in August!Winter conditions at Logan pass in July is a given!
    Easy hike or Moderate hike depending on your reaction
    to the altitude!
    This trail will have some snow cover till late August!



  • The Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet
    If it stops snowing mid to late une 2012
    Late July possibly August 2011
    7.6 miles gains 200 feet
    There is no Free water available at the Chalet
    (the signs tell you there is No Potable Water)
    you can buy snacks, sodas, and water at the Chalet during season
    No Shade! Start of trail is very narrow. (cable along rock wall)
    Easy hike or Strenuous hike depending on how far you hike

  • Siyeh Bend/SunRift Gorge Trail
    Historically this trail doesn't open until late July.
    This is a great view hike.
    Late July 2012
    Late July possibly August 2011
    11.1 miles gains 2,250 feet drops 3,440 feet
    It's worth the effort!
    This is the highest day hike pass in Glacier Park.
    Views of Sexton Glacier and Piegan Glacier from this trail.
    Trailhead elevation 5850 feet
    Siyeh Pass elevation 8080 feet
    Sunrift Gorge elevation 4760 feet
    Off trail access to the base of Sexton Glacier.
    Strenuous hike

    • Best Day hikes West Side

    • Apgar Lookout Trail
      3.3 miles elevation gain 1,850 feet
      No Shuttle Service
      Take the first left after entering the park at West Glacier Entrance Station
      Trail is open Recleared 6/12/12 by GNP Trail crew
      Check the map to locate trailhead.
      hike goes through remains of Roberts Fire
      Watch out for falling trees!
      No Shade, No Water
      Moderately Strenuous hike
      Can be very Windy
      Great views of Lake McDonald
      Hazard from falling trees
      I've heard reprots that there were 110 trees across the trail before the trail crew cleared it on May 9, 2012. As of May 13, 2012 there is still snow for the last half mile.
      Beware of falling trees.
    • Avalanche Lake Trail
       Google™ Map of Avalanche Lake Trail
      2 miles gains 560 feet
      (rolling hills actual ascent closer to 800 feet)
      for views on the west side of Glacier Park.
      Crowds, difficult to find peace and quiet on this trail!
      Spectacular View at Avalanche Lake, Old Growth Forest, waterfalls
      A new avalanche which crosses Avalanche Lake Trail
      opens up new views of the Logan Pass mountains.
      After observing thousands of hikers on this trail, I rate this a
      Easy/Moderate hike.


    • Mount Brown Lookout Trail
       Google™ Map Mount Brown  Snyder Lake Trails
      topo map Mount Brown
      5.3 miles elevation gain 4,325 feet
      Clearing of winter downfall will begin in June of 2012
      Trail clear of snow 99% as of May 8, 2012
      Trail clear of snow 8-21-11
      Snyder Lake, Sperry Chalet, Fish Lake and Mount Brown
      Share the same trail for the first two miles.
      I hiked this for the first time in July of 2008, but didn't make it to the Lookout!
      Mid September of 2008 made it to the Lookout. Great views, brutal hike.
      It's a mile shorter and a 1,000 feet more elevation gain the Sperry Chalet Trail
      Brutal Hike
      Great Views
      Bring Extra Water!


    • Rocky Point Trail
      (Inner) North Fork Road
      Trailhead is one half mile from Fish Creek Campground Entrance
      1.1 miles elevation gain 85 feet
      Nice Views
      Wildflowers
      Easy hike

    • Snyder Lake Trail
      topo
      4.4 miles elevation gain 2,147 feet
      Trees Down: 15, 06/12/2012
      Snow Cover: 10%, 06/12/2012
      Snyder Lake, Sperry Chalet, Fish Lake and Mount Brown
      Share the same trail for the first two miles.
      Old growth forest, spectacular view at Snyder Lake
      Strenuous hike


    • Trail of the Cedars
      0.7 miles no elevation gain
      Wheelchair access
      Old Growth Forest, great waterfall
      Easy hike


Best Day hikes Two Medicine

Best Day hikes Many Glacier

  • Apikuni Falls Trail
    Trail was almost completly clear of snow on June 6, 2012.
    TRAIL REOPENED 7/19/2011
    Closed 7-18-11
    1.0 miles elevation gain 700 feet
    700 feet elevation gain occurs in 3/4 of a mile
    Trailhead is on your right shortly after you lose sight of
    Sherburne Lake (reservoir)
    wildflowers, views, waterfall
    No Shuttle Service
    Moderately Strenuous hike

  • Grinnell Glacier Trail
    Google™ Maps Grinnell Glacier
    5.5 miles from Many Glacier Hotel elevation gain 1,600 feet
    3.8 miles gains 1,600 feet from the head of Josephine Lake
    by way of Glacier Boat.
    Views, views & more views!
    Crowds, heavily traveled trail.
    Limited Shuttle Service
    Bring extra water or a water filter
    Strenuous hike
    Late July 2012 would be my guess this year for this trail to open.
    Opened 8-22-2011
    Bear frequenting Notice 8-22-11

  • Redrock Falls Trail (Swiftcurrent Pass Trail)
    Clear of winter snow as of June 12, 2012
    1.8 miles elevation gain 100 feet
    Easy hike
    No Shuttle Service
    A Very Easy hike.
    Great views, lakes & waterfalls!
    Lots of wildlife
    Moose, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, black bears,
    grouse & wolverine.
    (you probably won't see any wolverine)
    The wolverine trap (live) might still be there.
    Easy hike

  • Iceberg Lake Trail

    NPS Trail Crew Report
    90% snow covered to Iceberg Lake, 6/8/2012

    4.8 miles elevation gain 1,200 feet
    Crowds, heavily traveled trail.
    Limited Shuttle Service
    Strenuous hike

Best Day hikes Saint Mary

  • Baring Falls
    0.3 miles drops 250 feet
    wildflowers in early summer
    a series of smaller falls before reaching Baring Falls
    Easy hike

  • Beaver Pond Trail
    1.2 miles gains 150 feet
    Parking area has trails signs for Red Eagle Trail
    but not for Beaver Pond (new sign added last fall)
    The Beaver Pond Loop Trail intersects
    Red Eagle Trail.
    Beaver Pond Loop Trail is the Best wildflower
    trail in June/July.
  • Easy hike


  • Otokomi Lake Trail
    Rose Creek Trail
    5.2 miles gains 1,900 feet
    Bring extra water!
    Lots of wildflowers
    Lots of waterfalls
    Lots of views from the trail
    Lots of fish easily visible fish at Otokomi Lake
    Did I mention bring Extra water
    There are 12 trees down across trail and 60% snow coverage starting 3 miles from the trailhead. 6/5/2012
    Strenuous hike

  • St Mary Falls
    0.8 miles drops 260 feet to St Mary Falls
    Easy hike


  • Virginia Falls
    0.8 miles drops 260 feet to St Mary Falls
    0.7 miles gains 285 feet to Virginia Falls
    Exercise care on bridges, and wet rocks
    Easy hike

Should be full shuttle service starting on July 1, 2012. Hopefull there won't be as many mechanical problems on the east side this year.
Limited Shuttle Service started July 1, 2011.
Full shuttle service started July 13, 2011
Stoped September 2, 2011
First Shuttle up from Apgar and St. Mary is at 7:00 AM

Last Shuttle down from Logan Pass
is at 7:00 pm.

Free Shuttle Service started on July 1, 2011, with limited service. Logan Pass opened on July 13, 2011.

Logan pass hopefully will open June 20, 2012 baring any additional snow over the 35" that have fallen in the last two weeks.
I'm estimating that Logan Pass will open on or around July 13, 2011. Based on were the plows are today, June 24 2011 and were the plows were last year on June 4 2010. (fourth)

Logon Pass will be open from the east side all summer.
I expect that west side access will be 7AM to 9PM Monday through Thursday and 24 hours Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The Going to the Sun Road will be closed from 9 PM to 7 AM during the summer between The Loop and Logan Pass, except for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights! Plan accordingly.

As of May 13, 2012 trails should open on their 'regular' schedule. West Glacier lower trails are all open. Many Glacier will melt out in the lower levels around Memorial Day but trails could remain closed due to bears. Two Medicine lower trails melt out later except for Scenic Point.
Were to hike this year during the early hiking season is one of the most common questions. Glacier Park considers the early season to be from May 1 to June 30. This year a more realistic definition would be from May 15th to July 15th 2011. This page lists a short (this year) list of best hikes.

Be sure to stop at one of the visitor centers in the park, East Glacier Visitor Center is open till 8 pm West Glacier Visitor Center closes at 5 pm. Ask for the 'Day Hikes in Glacier' and the "Ranger-Led Activity Schedule'. 'Day Hikes in Glacier' contains trail maps and info regarding 68 hikes in the park. Ranger-Led Activity Schedule gives the times and locations for some 20 Ranger-Led hikes in the park plus other ranger-guided activity. YOU have to ask for these guides by name, usually they are available at the entrance stations. (starting in 2010 most entrance stations have the guide)

Going To The Sun Road to Logan Pass opened July 13, 2011. will be subject to the following delays and closures until September 18, 2011 when it will close for the season. Due to budget cuts the Glacier Shuttle (I can't call it a hikers shuttle anymore due to the shorter hours) for 2011 operates from 7 am to 7 pm. In 2007 it operated from 7 am to 9:30 pm. As a result the Glacier Shuttle is no longer a viable option for long hikes. Limited Shuttle Service started on July 1st 2011. Regular shuttle service started July 13, 2011.

The hiking season for Glacier National Park is fairly short. 2011 will most likely be the shortest high altitude hiking season ever. 2010 joined 2008 as a short season high altitude hiking season. Many popular trails didn't open until late July and some of those still had significant snow cover.

The hiking season for Glacier National Park for higher elevation trails is much shorter. Trails that start or go above 6,000 feet usually have snow until early July. It can snow any time during the summer but these trails tend to be open from early July till late September. Some years I'm able to hike at the upper elevations until mid October. Many of the day hikes in Glacier National Park are very crowded. Most of the crowds don't get on the trails until midday. For the longer hikes an early start is essential but it can be of equal benefit on the shorter trails if you are looking for tranquility.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”     Mark Twain

Hidden Lake Overlook Trail Glacier National Park www.glacierhikers.com © Shawn Coggins wild blue flax

The photo of Wild Blue Flax flowers was taken on an easy hike to the first meadow on the Red Eagle Trail. The Red Eagle Trail is accessed from Saint Mary. © Shawn Coggins
2008 was a great wildflower year in Glacier National Park. The bear grass was not as spectacular as during 2005.

hidden lake shrouded in smoke 2003

The mountains shrouded in smoke from the Roberts Fire of 2003 from the deck above Hidden Lake. Hidden Lake Trail is one of the more popular hikes in Glacier National Park. The Hidden Lake Trail starts behind the Visitor Center at Logan Pass.