HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Grinnell Glacier

10.6 midistance
1,840 ftelevation gain
4h 25mmoving time
174 ft/miaverage climb

Grinnell Glacier is a 10.6 mi trail with 1,840 ft of climbing — about 4h 25m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 12. About 30% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 12 👶 No stroller 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 30% shaded

Underfoot & overhead big day to a shrinking glacier

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Grinnell Glacier charges in hours, not miles.

10.6 mi and 1,840 ft of climbing work out to 4h 25m 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

4h 25mmoving time, no breaks
2.2–4.5 Lwater, cool day → hot
130–270 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

174 ft per mile 2nd steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Glacier National Park
30% shaded Patchy cover — the sun finds you in stretches

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.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Today

39°F · Partly Sunny · wind 3 mph

NOAA forecast for Glacier National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ Going-to-the-Sun Road Seasonal Closure

Going-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 · source
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Glacier National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Grinnell Glacier take?

About 4h 25m of moving time for 10.6 mi and 1,840 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.

How much water should I carry on Grinnell Glacier?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 2.2–4.5 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Grinnell Glacier?

No — Grinnell Glacier 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.

Is Grinnell Glacier good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 12. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Grinnell Glacier?

About 30% 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.