RT Grinnell Lake

Vivid turquoise glacial lake surrounded by dramatic peaks and accessible by a scenic trail through forested valleys and alpine terrain.

General Information

Hours:

Open year-round with seasonal access depending on weather and Many Glacier road conditions
Best access from late spring through early fall

Length:

3.6 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain:

Approx. 200–300 feet

Difficulty:

Easy to Moderate

Fees:

Private vehicle: $35 (valid for 7 days)
Motorcycle: $30
Individual (walk/bike): $20
Children under 16: Free

Pet Policy:

Pets are not allowed on trails in Glacier National Park

Closest cities with hotels:

Babb, MT (approx. 13 miles)
Whitefish, MT (approx. 70 miles)

Seasons:

Late spring through early fall

Location:

Grinnell Lake, Glacier National Park, MT

Website:

https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm

How to Get There

From Babb (13 mi): Drive west on Many Glacier Road into the park and continue to the Many Glacier Hotel or Swiftcurrent area, where the trail to Grinnell Lake begins along well-marked paths near Swiftcurrent Lake.

Overview

The Grinnell Lake trail leads visitors through one of the most scenic valleys in Glacier National Park, where forested paths open to sweeping views of mountain peaks and glacially fed waters. The route follows a relatively gentle grade, passing along lakeshores and through meadows before arriving at the lake, whose striking turquoise color is created by fine glacial silt suspended in the water. Along the way, hikers are treated to dramatic vistas of towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

At the destination, the lake sits beneath the imposing presence of surrounding mountains, reflecting both sky and stone in its brilliantly colored surface. Wildlife is often spotted in the area, adding to the sense of immersion in a thriving natural environment. Whether approached by foot or combined with nearby trails for a longer adventure, the lake provides a memorable experience that captures the essence of Glacier National Park’s iconic landscape.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Grinnell Lake and the Glacier National Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.