Hiking in Glacier is a must-do activity. Sure, there may be some big hikes with steep climbs and maximum exposure. But there are also plenty of mellow options that offer great views for everyone in your crew.
We pulled together six easy hikes in Glacier National Park — ranging from four to 12 miles round trip — that are good for every skill level.
Starting May 2, 2026, reserve a Glacier National Park Shuttle to avoid the hassle of parking along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis for a $1 processing fee.
Visit recreation.gov or call 877.444.6777 for schedules and more information.
The quick bop over to Avalanche won't spare you the crowds, but it will earn you a worthwhile view on a beginner-friendly trail. Leaving from the Trail of the Cedars Trailhead (which is wheelchair accessible), the trail meanders up the gorge along an open valley, arriving at the dramatic Avalanche Lake just over two miles later.
Distance: 4.5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 500 ft.
Trailhead: The Avalanche Lake hike starts on the Trail of the Cedars, from the trailhead of the same name, on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Parking is easiest in the Lake McDonald Lodge area, or there is limited parking available at the trailhead.
Note: Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake will not be accessible by park shuttles in 2026.
Apgar Lookout is an easy-going uphill hike that ends at a lookout structure, with views over West Glacier and Lake McDonald. The beginning of the hike is flat for about two miles before beginning a slow climb. A few switchbacks later, the trail flattens out through a saddle and arrives at the quaint Apgar Lookout.
Distance: 7.1 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,850 ft. total elevation gain
Trailhead: From the West Glacier entrance station, continue on the road and turn left at the sign for "Apgar Lookout." Take a right at the next junction, followed by a quick left. After almost two miles on a singular dirt road, you’ll arrive at the parking lot for Apgar Lookout.
McDonald Creek has it all to get the whole family on the trail — it’s a quick drive from your West Glacier lodging, it’s located at one of the first stops in the park and it’s a flat, out-and-back trail.
Distance: 5 miles return
Elevation gain: 213 ft. total elevation gain
Trailhead: On the north side of the N McDonald Creek Road (at the north end of Lake McDonald), approximately 800 feet after the bridge over the creek.
The trail around Bowman Lake is a level trek with a little rolling up and down. You can make it a long day of about 14 miles round trip (to the end of the lake and back) or you can hike up just a few miles and turn around. The views are rewarding from any spot on the trail, so decide your own distance and enjoy this pleasant lakeside stroll.
Distance: 7 miles to the end of the lake
Elevation gain: Minimal elevation gain
Trailhead: Trail parking is available in the Bowman Lake day-use parking area near the lake. You’ll traverse the east shore of Bowman Lake to the trail, running near the ranger cabin and along the north lake shore.
Twin Falls is the perfect introductory hike in Glacier's Two Medicine area. "Two Med," as locals call it, is often overlooked and therefore much less crowded than other popular areas. You’ll only gain a few hundred feet of elevation after starting near Two Medicine Campground. You can also hike a little further by beginning and ending at Two Medicine Lake, an ideal picnic spot for after your hike.
Distance: 7 miles round trip from the North Shore Trailhead
Elevation gain: 75 to 200 ft. total elevation gain
Trailhead: As mentioned, you can start at the North or South Shore Trailhead at Two Medicine Lake or take a boat ride across the lake to significantly reduce the mileage. Two Medicine Lake is accessed from East Glacier, traveling north on MT-49 and turning at the signs for Two Medicine.
The legendary Cracker Lake is a longer hike (just under 13 miles, round trip) but quite flat after a short climb early on. People of all ages can make the trek to this gloriously azure lake. Allow some extra time and spend the day on this trail to appreciate the scenery and the picturesque water. The trailhead is at Many Glacier, so definitely explore the lodge and the lake before leaving the trailhead.
Distance: 12.8 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,400 ft. total elevation gain
Trailhead: The trailhead is behind the Many Glacier lodge, on the east shore of Swiftcurrent Lake.
Let’s get on the trail! Hiking information can be viewed on the National Park Service website, where you can also find trail and road conditions before heading out.
