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Grinnell Glacier Overlook

Difficult Difficult
 4.9 (30)
  1. Areas
  2. MT
  3. …Northwestern Montana
  4. …Glacier National Park
  5. Many Glacier
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“This short, steep trail leads you to the top of the Garden Wall overlooking the Grinnell Glacier. ”

Jake Bramante
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Map Key

0.9

Miles

1.4

KM

Point to Point

7,561' 2,305 m

High

6,613' 2,016 m

Low

970' 296 m

Up

41' 13 m

Down

22%

Avg Grade (12°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Bring bear spray.

Description

This popular spur trail off of the Highline Trail is very steep, but the epic views are worth it. Approximately 0.7 miles southeast of Granite Park Chalet, a signed trail breaks off. It travels through the rocky slopes of the Garden Wall. From the moment you take off on the trail, you have incredible views which are a feast for the eyes as you catch your breath.

As you climb, there really isn't any relief from the steep ascent for the short, 0.8 miles. Along the way keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and hoary marmots who frequent the area. This trail feels more like a goat trail than a traditional trail, but the footing is secure all the way up to the wall where it steeply drops off to incredible views.

This trail takes you to the Continental Divide. Views from the top look down on Grinnell Glacier, the Salamander (formerly part of Grinnell Glacier, but now a separate, hanging glacier) and the surreal, turquoise Upper Grinnell Lake. Sheer cliff faces add more drama as if more drama were necessary. A panorama of jagged mountains are in every direction.

You may need to duck around the corner to get out of the wind which can blow pretty hard in this area. The effort is absolutely worth it.

This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.

Flora & Fauna

Dry, alpine flowers such as moss campion and buckwheat are found amongst the shale. Bighorn sheep, marmots, pikas, and golden-mantled squirrels can be found in the talus while mountain goats can be seen in the cliffs. Bears can be seen in this area as can wolverines for the lucky few.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Glacier National Park

Shared By:

Jake Bramante
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 30 votes

#1

in Many Glacier

#85

Overall
  4.9 from 30 votes
5 Star
87%
4 Star
13%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Many Glacier

#2

in Montana

#85

Overall
50 Views Last Month
10,140 Since Sep 2, 2015
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
3%
0%
85%
12%
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Photos

Atop the Glacier Overlook, Upper Grinnell Lake and Grinnell Glacier stand out as the dominant features. Angel Wing (left-center), Mount Gould (top-right), and Salamander Glacier (bottom) also appear.
Aug 9, 2018 near Swiftcu…, MT
The view towards Lake McDonald's from the Glacier Overlook Spur. The hard incline after the steady Highline Trail is worth it.
Sep 9, 2023 near Swiftcu…, MT
View of Grinnell Glacier from the overlook on the Garden Wall Trail.
Jan 24, 2016 near Swiftcu…, MT
View from the Grinnell Glacier Overlook along the Garden Wall
May 10, 2016 near Swiftcu…, MT
Looking back toward Granite Park Chalet.
Aug 24, 2017 near Swiftcu…, MT
Descending toward Granite Park Chalet.
Aug 24, 2017 near Swiftcu…, MT

2 Comments

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Check-Ins

Jul 29, 2024
Luke Skywalker
Aug 16, 2023
David Hitchcock
Smoky, but beautiful views.
Jun 23, 2023
Marc Daniel
With Mila — 12h 15m
Aug 10, 2022
Su Jin Kim
Oct 9, 2021
Tom Herr
Very rewarding side hike off the Highline. Straight up the whole way with icy spots. Loved the view! Highly recommended. 1.6mi
Sep 10, 2021
Luna Hsieh
Sep 8, 2021
Zac Johnson
Zac and Mel
Aug 31, 2021
Keith Russo
Well worth the extremely steep climb to the ridge overlooking Grinell Glacier, windy up top so pack ur shell 0.9mi

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