Great Glacier Trail

Route Description for Great Glacier Trail

The Great Glacier Trail is a popular hike in Glacier National Park due to its easy-to-navigate terrain, beautiful landscape, and scenic views. The trail climbs uphill through the forest on a well-worn path that largely skirts alongside the Illecillewaet River for the length of the route. Hiking along the forested route, you will be able to hear the rushing waters of the river as you make your way past some immense boulders that are scattered throughout the area on the way to a bridge crossing. While crossing the bridge over Asulkan Brook, you will be able to spot a waterfall next to Vaux Glacier, as well as Cheops and Grizzly mountains to the northwest across Highway 1.

After the bridge crossing, the trail will begin to climb uphill through the forest along a series of switchbacks, eventually opening up to offer amazing views of the glacier. The next part of the trail is fairly exposed, first along some rocky terrain, before coming to a beautiful alpine meadow. Continue along the trail as you take in the awesome views of Vaux Glacier and Mount Sir Donald, eventually making your way over a shallow creek by hopping across some large boulders. Having reached the end of the trail, rest up and have a quick snack while enjoying the scenic views before setting back out on the Great Glacier Trail to return to your vehicle below.