This is the short-form, highlight centric cut of our Grinnell Glacier Trail day hike. This is the final Part of our 6-Part noBear 2021 Glacier National Park Series.
We specifically left our itinerary flexible so that we could choose the best weather day for The Grinnell Glacier Trail. This didn’t leave much room for error, considering that the best weather day forecasted was for our last day. So, hell or high water we were doing the trail.
If you know Glacier, what the forecast "says" it will be like can essentially be thrown out the window. Suffice it to say, we took the forecast with a grain of salt. It was a gamble, as we had been waiting 2 years to come back to Glacier to do this hike, but luckily… that gamble paid off. What an unbelievable day! We couldn’t have asked for much better to do what many consider to be the best day hike in The Park. It was also a Monday, so we didn’t get too crushed with the traffic.
Some info about the hike…
Most would probably rate this hike as “moderate-strenuous”. I can see how that would be the case, as there is a good deal of elevation gain and exposure. However, I’d argue that it’s difficulty will depend on a few factors.
Firstly, I think it will depend upon how much hiking you’ve done in the Park leading up to this hike. For example, if it’s your 1st hike of your trip… it’s likely going to hit harder than if it were your last. Altitude elevation and getting your hiking legs under you are important factors in how easy/difficult a hike will be for you. We did this hike on our last day, after acclimating for 6 days at elevation, and having hiked over 40 miles in the Park up to this point. For these reasons, the hike felt easy.
Secondly, it will depend on your fitness level. If you’re in decent shape, it will be a breeze. There were kids as young as 5, and adults as old as 80, who were hiking the entire trail. None appeared to be struggling. I also think that the elevation is spread out over enough miles that it’s not as much of a struggle as, say, The Highline Loop Trail (which is much shorter, at 4 miles, but as much elevation gain as this hike was… over 12 miles).
Thirdly, I have vertigo on my left side. It’s pretty severe, and if there’s a lot of exposure… it can be a big problem for me. I had to turn around halfway through Highline because there was severe fog socking in the drop-off to my left that made my head spin. But Grinnell’s exposure, at some points, is likely comparable to Highline. Yet, I had zero issues. I think that’s due to the fact that the grade isn’t as sever on the cliffed-out sections. However, I believe the biggest reason for this was due to the fact that your brain is in such awe at the beauty of the valley below and Lower Grinnell Lake that there is no room for fear to creep in. It’s simply so magical and gorgeous that you don’t really think about the exposure.
As always, take your time. Take as many stops as you want or need. As cliché as it is, it’s not a race. No one is timing you. You may get one shot at this trail in a lifetime. Spend as much time as possible to stop, and soak it all in.
Some other notes…
There is a ton of wildlife on this trail. And there’s nothing that will prepare you for rounding a corner on a Bighorn Sheep or a Mountain Goat. They are so used to people that you can really spend some time having a genuine moment in appreciating these animals from up close. Also, this is a high Grizzly frequenting area. If you’re hiking alone (which you never really are on this trail), bring bear spray. If you’re with a group, I usually suggest half of the group having a can readily available. And when I say readily available, I don’t mean tucked in your pack. I mean that you’re able to have it in your hand within seconds.
Finally… if you’re bold and a little bit crazy, I HIGHLY recommend taking a dip in Upper Grinnell Lake and glacier.
It’s bone-chilling and scary. But you will forever have one of the greatest memories of a lifetime if you’re able to take a quick dip in a high alpine, azure glacial lake at the top of the Continental Divide. I told myself that I would never let myself get to the top of this mountain, and turn back, without going into this lake. It’s not for everyone, and I might not recommend it if you have heart issues, but it’s an experience of a lifetime.
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As always, Love & Respect to You, the Old Gods, AND the new…
noBear