![]() This final trek can look intimidating from the bottom, but don’t despair, it’s well worth it once you get to the tunnel and experience the spectacular views from both sides! ![]() 7 miles to the tunnel, gaining roughly 500 feet in elevation. This is the last section of the trail, which switchbacks steeply up for about. The Ptarmigan Wall is one of Glacier National Park’s most spectacular sights, so soak it up! You’ll also pass through several cascading waterfalls and grazing bighorn sheep as you approach Ptarmigan Lake. After a brief stretch, you’ll get a spectacular view of the You’ll be passing through a dense patch of huckleberries, which are a grizzly favorite, so proceed with caution. This next stretch of trail is fairly steep, gaining over 400 feet in the next. The number of hikers on this section of the trail thins out, because most will have turned off toward Iceberg Lake. Turn right here to stay on the Ptarmigan Tunnel trail. 1 mile later you’ll be at the Iceberg Lake Trail junction. This is the only view of the falls you’ll get on this hike, so stop and take it in.Īfter that you’ll come to a bridge over Ptarmigan Creek and about a. You’ll pass through a dense patch of forest at about 1.5 miles from the start of the Ptarmigan Trail.Īfter about 2.5 miles, you’ll get a great view of Ptarmigan Falls. ![]() You’ll also see Mount Wilbur off to the west and the massive face of the Ptarmigan Wall to the northwest. Grinnell and Swiftcurrent Mountain looking off to the southwest. The bottom line is that getting up close and personal with a grizzly is extremely hazardous to your health (but watching them from a distance is one of the most marvelous events you can ever experience).Īs you head up the trail, you’ll have spectacular views of Mt. Note that I said usually, not always, which is why you carry the bear spray. Remember that bears don’t really want to come into contact with humans and will usually move away if they hear you coming. It’s also a good idea to hike this area in large groups to scare off grizzlies (learn more about safety while hiking in grizzly bear habitat). Take caution by making a lot of noise as you hike and be sure to carry bear spray. Grizzly bears frequent this area, particularly the portion right after you get off the connector trail onto the Ptarmigan Tunnel trail. After that, the trail switchbacks up the mountain, steadily gaining in elevation. 25 miles is the hardest, because it gains almost 200 feet in elevation over this stretch. This portion of the trail is where it begins to climb, and it doesn’t stop until you reach the tunnel, although the first. Don’t miss this turn or you’ll end up at the Many Glacier Hotel. To reach the trail, begin at the Iceberg Lake trailhead and turn right after 2.5 miles at the marker to get to the Ptarmigan Tunnel trail. If there aren’t any spots, there’s street parking in front of the inn. To get to the Ptarmigan Tunnel trailhead, park behind the Swiftcurrent Inn. Steel doors were installed in 1975 and are closed from October 1 until the trail opens in the middle of July. The tunnel was dynamite blasted through the massive rock wall in 1931 and connects the Many Glacier portion of the park with the Belly River area. Plus, you get to walk through the 240 foot Ptarmigan Tunnel, which is pretty impressive, especially when you reach the north end and it opens up into a spectacular view of Elizabeth Lake and the surrounding area, which includes the Belly River Valley, Mount Merritt, Mount Seward, Gable Mountain and the Alberta Plains. Trail Highlights – Glittering alpine lakes, towering peaks, lush meadows and plenty of wildlife, including mooseĪlthough strenuous, this is one of the most popular hikes in Glacier Park, with spectacular vistas and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
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