Avalanche Lake is a 5.9 mi trail with 730 ft of climbing — about 2h 20m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 7. About 80% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.
Underfoot & overhead gorge walk to a cirque lake
5.9 mi and 730 ft of climbing work out to 2h 20m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
Get the fall refuel plan →NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out
In July, Glacier National Park runs around 79°F at the main visitor elevation. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.
39°F · Partly Sunny · wind 3 mph
NOAA forecast for Glacier National Park — not for this trailhead specificallyGoing-to-the-Sun Road is closed for the season at Avalanche Creek on the west side of the park. On the east side, the closure is located at Rising Sun. Travel on open sections of the road may change at any time due...
Live NPS alert for Glacier National Park · sourceAbout 2h 20m of moving time for 5.9 mi and 730 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.
Planning figures for that much moving time are 1.2–2.3 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
No — Avalanche Lake is closed to dogs. Our Glacier National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.
We rate it comfortable from age 7. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.
About 80% of the route is shaded, and Glacier National Park peaks around 79°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.
© 2026 StayNear National Parks · About · Methodology · Privacy · Terms · Affiliate disclosure · Refunds