HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Trail of the Cedars

1 midistance
60 ftelevation gain
20mmoving time
60 ft/miaverage climb

Trail of the Cedars is a 1 mi trail with 60 ft of climbing — about 20m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and it takes a stroller. About 90% 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 0 👶 Stroller OK 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 90% shaded

Underfoot & overhead accessible boardwalk, old-growth cedars

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Trail of the Cedars charges in hours, not miles.

1 mi and 60 ft of climbing work out to 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

20mmoving time, no breaks
0.2–0.4 Lwater, cool day → hot
10–20 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

60 ft per mile 7th steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Glacier National Park
90% shaded Mostly tree cover — a workable afternoon

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 Trail of the Cedars take?

About 20m of moving time for 1 mi and 60 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 Trail of the Cedars?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.2–0.4 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 Trail of the Cedars?

No — Trail of the Cedars 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 Trail of the Cedars good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 0. It takes a stroller. 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 Trail of the Cedars?

About 90% 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.