Many Glacier is rightfully one of the most beautiful sections of Glacier National Park. Ready to see it for yourself? Here’s a 1 and 2-day itinerary for your first visit to the picturesque Many Glacier area.
Last updated: June 4, 2024
First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Many Glacier in Glacier National Park
“Ok, we can skip a few long hikes in the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Two Medicine regions, but Many Glacier has to be on our itinerary”, I made my point while bargaining with Roshan.
None of us thought that planning our first visit to Glacier National Park could be so much different from our other trips to national parks on the West Coast. One thing we agreed upon: we both wanted to visit Many Glacier. In fact, we decided to spend the whole day in the Many Glacier Valley, but take it slower than normally.
Have extra time during your first visit to Glacier? Spend a Day in the Many Glacier Area.
With so many things to see and so little time on our hands, we had to compromise…
Nestled in the eastern corner of Montana’s favorite park, Many Glacier is often dubbed as American Switzerland. With its majestic mountains towering over picture-perfect alpine lakes, gushing waterfalls, and pristine forests and meadows, the place displays the best landscapes in the entire Glacier National Park.
This reputation has certainly secured a spot for Many Glacier on practically every first-timer’s itinerary and guide to the park. Hordes of visitors flock to the area as soon as snow melts and clears Glacier’s favorite trails to aquamarine lakes and cascading waterfalls.
Spending at least one day in the Many Glacier area becomes an almost mandatory excursion in spring and summer. Some first-time travelers even skip the all-time favorite Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor and focus solely on the natural wonders Many Glacier has to offer.
4 Reasons to Spend One Day in Many Glacier during Your First Visit to Glacier National Park
As first-time visitors to Glacier National Park, we planned our itinerary meticulously: one day in the Going-to-the-Sun Road area, one day in Many Glacier. The third day would cover either places along the Going-to-the-Sun Road we missed earlier or the Two Medicine area.
I felt quite good about our First-Time in Glacier itinerary, until we tried to get an entry ticket to the Going-to-the-Sun Road. (NOTE: As of the summer season of 2024, you need a vehicle reservation not only for the scenic drive, but also Many Glacier, and North Fork).
During our first visit to Glacier, the task seemed almost impossible. So we had to come up with a quick, alternative itinerary and spend one day (possible 2 days) in the Many Glacier Valley and the rest of the time in the Two Medicine area.
Unaware of what to expect, spending almost all our time in the Many Glacier area felt discouraging. I knew from my prior research that this section of the park was stunning. Yet was Many Glacier worth spending one or two days?
As it turned out, it was more than worth it. For any skeptical first-time visitors to Many Glacier (as I once used to be), here are several reasons why you should spend at least one, better two days in the area.
1. Many Glacier is one of the Most Spectacular Areas in Glacier National Park
Once we agreed upon spending one day in Many Glacier, we made sure to add the Grinnell Glacier Trail to the top of our itinerary. “It’s one of the most photographed places in Glacier”, stated a few articles we had read before heading to Many Glacier for the first time.
Yet, it took us less than 10 minutes driving within this section of the park to admit that the whole place was outrageously gorgeous.
Whether you strive for tedious hikes up the mountainsides or plan to spend the entire day (2 days for the lucky ones) boating on a lake or exploring the immediate surroundings of Swiftcurrent Lake, Many Glacier never runs out of its pristine landmarks to amaze and inspire you.
2. Home to Many Glacier Hotel
Home to the Many Glacier Hotel, one of the iconic historic structures in the American West, Many Glacier further inspires you to devote at least one day (ideally 2 days) to the area. Built in the finest Swiss traditions in 1915, the world-famous lodge projects oozing opulence and rustic splendor.
To be honest, we didn’t stay at the Many Glacier Hotel. But even dining at the Glacier National Park’s largest lodge made us feel at home.
3. Lake Sherburne – a Welcoming Surprise for Your First Visit to Many Glacier
We knew neither the name, nor the size of Lake Sherburne when we first drove along a rough road in Many Glacier.
Frankly, these things didn’t even matter at that point. All we could see was how stunning the area was. Surrounded by the giant mountains reflecting in its still water, Lake Sherburne was the epitome of tranquility and natural beauty.
Stopping at the largest lake in Many Glacier to take in the views and capture better images during that first visit, however, was impossible. Although it was an early morning, traffic was building up. Road construction was further slowing down the visitors.
Since our itinerary allowed for only one day in the Many Glacier region, we didn’t want to waste time and simply enjoyed the views from the car. Mental pictures over digital images… Sometimes, it’s all you need.
4. Spending a Day Spying on Wildlife in Many Glacier
Pristine forests and abundant mountains of Many Glacier provide a safe home for many wild animals. From freely roaming grizzly and black bears to skilled mountaineers – mountain goats and bighorn sheep – and easily frightened moose and deer, the area significantly increases your chances of spotting a wide range of wildlife during one day or even a first hour of your visit to Many Glacier.
How Many Days Do You Need for Your First Visit to Many Glacier?
Spending even one day in Many Glacier is enough to fall in love with its pristine beauty. Many first-time travelers do exactly that: explore the area’s favorite places via long day hikes.
Based on our experience, one day is enough time for an inaugural trip to Many Glacier. With the whole day on your hands, you can opt for one long excursion, such as the Grinnell Glacier Trail or Cracker Lake, and a few short hikes.
Ideally, though, you should aim for at least two days in Many Glacier. By adhering to a slower itinerary, you can be easy on your feet (walking 10-15 miles a day is not a piece of cake after all) and stick to one long hike with several natural attractions along the way per day. As you’ll see later, we built our Many Glacier itinerary around two long hikes, each of which is a whole day activity.
First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Many Glacier: Location and Directions
The second popular section of Glacier National Park, Many Glacier is a perfect destination to spend a day or two in the company of alpine lakes and gigantic mountains. The place sits on the eastern side of the park, north of the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road. The closest incorporated town is Browning, a center for the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
Its own entrance, the Many Glacier entrance, separates this section from the rest of the park. Located approximately 16 miles (25-30 minutes) from St. Mary Village, it marks the beginning of a pleasant day full of hiking adventures in the Many Glacier wilderness.
Visit Many Glacier: Flying
When planning your day excursions in the Many Glacier area, it’s important to take care of all the logistics in such a way that you can spend as much time inside as possible. With that said, flying is by far the fastest way to reach Glacier National Park and its main sections.
The closest airport, Glacier Park International Airport, is located in Kalispell. The city is approximately 33.5 miles (40 minutes) away from the West Glacier entrance. Such a convenient location works, first of all, for travelers exploring the western part of Glacier National Park.
Visit Many Glacier: Driving
To spend your very first full day in Many Glacier, you should look for a closer place to start your adventures from. Ultimately, you want to stay either within the Many Glacier area or as close to it as possible.
To give you something to compare to, to reach the Many Glacier area from the West Glacier entrance, you need to drive through the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This journey alone takes on average 2 hours.
If you fly into Kalispell and plan to spend a day in the Many Glacier area, but avoid the Going-to-the-Sun Road, take Route 2 along the southern border of the park, then drive north through East Glacier. This trip takes approximately 3 hours 20 minutes.
First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Many Glacier: The Best Time to Spend 1 Day (2 Days) in the Area
When to visit Many Glacier and spend a day or two exploring its gorgeous sites depends on personal preferences. The area astounds with panoramic views and a plethora of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Peak Time
The most popular time to visit Many Glacier is July and August. Practically all roads and trails are open during the peak season. This, in its turn, entices the majority of first-time and returning visitors that are just starting to get a feel or are fully aware of what Glacier National Park is all about.
On the other hand, the influx of visitors can greatly diminish your chances of spending a day in Many Glacier in the summer. Suddenly, parking spaces become limited and unable to accommodate all outdoor adventurers. During these times, rangers have no other option but to turn away travelers that arrive at the Many Glacier entrance when the parking lots are full.
TIP: Glacier’s guests who dream of spending at least one day in the Many Glacier area should arrive before 8:00 a.m.
Those who stay within the Many Glacier region, don’t need to worry about getting inside the region. Yet it’s still recommended that you start your day activities early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Fewer nature lovers roam in the area at these times, sticking mostly to the midday hours.
Shoulder Seasons
Shoulder seasons offer many of the summer activities along with a pop of color, ranging from green in spring to yellow, red, and brown in fall.
Winter Time in Many Glacier
While Many Glacier welcomes its day guests all year round, only the most adventurous travelers visit the area in winter. Similar to other sections of Glacier, road closures, subzero temperatures, and avalanche conditions prevail here from November through March.
READ MORE: The Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park
BEST THINGS TO DO IN MANY GLACIER: ACTIVITIES FOR 1 OR 2 DAY ITINERARY
This first-timer’s guide to the best things to do in the Many Glacier area is certainly not complete. Yet including some of the best hikes and sites, it allows you to experience the most of Many Glacier in one or several days.
1. Grinnell Glacier Trail, a Perfect Day Hike in Many Glacier
Only a few day hikes in the Many Glacier region are as diverse in sights and natural attractions as the Grinnell Glacier Trail. Starting from the Grinnell Glacier trailhead or near the Many Glacier Hotel, the 5.3-mile path runs up the mountainside with incredible vistas along the way.
Yet despite the epic views over Grinnell Lake and many opportunities to see Many Glacier’s wildlife, this hike is a tiresome, full day activity. Steadily gaining elevation, the trail might be especially tedious for the beginner hikers.
TIP: To give yourself an easy start on your first day in the Many Glacier area, you can use a concession boat and decrease the distance you must traverse on foot. The end of the Grinnell Glacier Trail is only 3.6 miles away from the boat dock you arrive at.
2. Lake Josephine
For those who decide to spend a day hiking, without adhering to Many Glacier’s boating service, the sky’s the limit, figuratively and literally. Places to explore along the popular trails keep piling up, greatly expanding your 1 or 2 day Many Glacier itinerary.
With that said, for those who head to Grinnell Glacier from the Grinnell Glacier trailhead, Lake Josephine is the first stop to enjoy. Guarded by the massive mountains, this pristine lake with a small boat dock sits about 1 mile from the trailhead. Take your first break here and enjoy calm water that reflects the mountains like a mirror.
TIP: If hiking is not your cup of tea, linger at Lake Josephine as long as you need before resuming your day activities in the Many Glacier Valley.
3. Grinnell Lake
Grinnell Lake is the next destination for those who stick to this long day hike in the Many Glacier area. Enticing with its aquamarine water and a series of surrounding waterfalls, the place is considered one the crown jewels of the park. In fact, for the majority of first-time visitors, the entire Many Glacier area is synonymous with Grinnell Lake.
The hike to this charming place is shorter (only 3.4 miles one way) than to Grinnell Glacier. Both trails share the same trailhead and continue as one until a trail junction, about a mile past Lake Josephine. The Grinnell Lake Trail goes down from here, taking Many Glacier’s day visitors to the lake’s shore.
TIP: Alternatively, you can take a boat tour that departs from the Many Glacier Hotel and crosses Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. Once on the opposite shore of the lake, walk for 1.1 miles to Grinnell Lake. This option works best for inexperienced first-time hikers and visitors who don’t have the entire day to explore the magic of Many Glacier.
4. Swiftcurrent Nature Trail
The Swiftcurrent Nature Trail is a 2.3-mile loop around Swiftcurrent Lake. The trail starts at the Grinnell Glacier trailhead or near the Many Glacier Hotel and works best for day visitors intolerant to high elevations.
A section of the trail that starts at the Grinnell Glacier trailhead is paved, allowing for a pleasant stroll in the woods for day travelers with disabilities or families with babies. Be aware, though, bears abound in the area.
5. Apikuni Falls
Apikuni Falls is a perfect hike to end the day in the Many Glacier region. The 100-foot waterfall is located 1 mile away from the Apikuni parking area, east of the Many Glacier Hotel.
The fall, however, is not the only destination to visit in this area of Many Glacier. Passing through a lush meadow and a shady dense forest, the Apikuni Falls Trail is an adventure on its own.
READ MORE: The 14 Most Photographed Waterfalls in Glacier National Park
6. Swiftcurrent Lake
The most popular lake in the Many Glacier Valley, Swiftcurrent Lake sees the largest influx of the day and first-time visitors. The place allures with its scenic surroundings and plenty of opportunities to get on water. Whether you long for canoeing or enjoying sunset from a boat, Swiftcurrent Lake has everything to please you.
The main attraction and, for that reason, the favorite place to visit is the Many Glacier Hotel. Nestled along the eastern shore of the lake, the largest historic structure in the Many Glacier area offers everything from lodging, to a gift shop, a restaurant, and a cafe to inspire its guests to spend no less than a day and a night in its immediate surroundings.
7. Cracker Lake
Located 6.4-miles away from the Many Glacier Hotel, Cracker Lake is another stunning day-long hike in Many Glacier. Dubbed as one of the most gorgeous trails in the area, the place displays diverse terrain.
The hike starts as a walk through the bottom of the valley. Later after running through several log bridges across panoramic creeks, it dives into the woods. Finally, Cracker Lake comes into view, and you know instantly that all the troubles up to this point were worth it.
TIP: Be sure to look around often once you’re in the forest. Here, you may spot some wild animals that stay oblivious to your big plans for the day in the Many Glacier wilderness.
8. Iceberg Lake
Similar to the other spectacular sites in Many Glacier, hiking to Iceberg Lake can take the entire day. Starting at the Iceberg/Ptarmigan trailhead, the trail takes you 4.8 miles away to the alpine lake with floating icebergs.
To see one of the favorite places of Many Glacier, head over to the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot. From here, follow the road to the right until you reach the Iceberg/Ptarmigan trailhead.
Remember when we mentioned that we arranged this first-timer’s guide to Many Glacier around a few day hikes? So Iceberg Lake is one of them. Coming across Ptarmigan Falls along the way, the Iceberg Lake Trail offers far more than just views of the emerald lake.
9. Ptarmigan Falls
If hiking almost 5 miles one way to Iceberg Lake seems too great of an adventure for one day in the Many Glacier area, turn back after viewing Ptarmigan Fall. The waterfall nestles 2.7 miles from the Iceberg/Ptarmigan trailhead. It’s still quite a walk. Yet it’s certainly rewarding.
The highlight of this half-day hike is a series of gushing cascades, rushing to feed the Many Glacier Valley.
10. Ptarmigan Lake
Once you reach Ptarmigan Falls, the trail splits off. The majority of the first-time visitors of Many Glacier continue on to Iceberg Lake from this point. Those who were fortunate to spend a few days in the Many Glacier region before, follow the trail leading to Ptarmigan Lake and eventually Ptarmigan Tunnel.
The trail winds up, getting steeper with every step past Ptarmigan Falls. Brave this path for another 1.6 mile, until it reaches Ptarmigan Lake. Altogether, the distance from the Iceberg/Ptarmigan trailhead to the lake is 4.3 miles.
11. Ptarmigan Tunnel – One of the Best Day Hikes in Many Glacier
The final destination of the day is the Ptarmigan Tunnel. one of the elusive sites of Many Glacier. The iconic place sits at 2,300 feet above sea level and offers panoramic views of Elizabeth Lake and the Belly River drainage.
Although a coveted destination for many first-time and returning day visitors, the tunnel is a seasonal attraction. It normally opens mid-July and entertains the hikers until late September.
Adding 10.6 miles (round trip) to your Many Glacier adventures, the hike takes from half a day to the entire day to complete.
First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Many Glacier: 1 Day Itinerary
As the pictures of Grinnell Glacier had enchanted us way before we compiled our Many Glacier itinerary, it made perfect sense to spend a good portion of the first day hiking there. Turns out, many first-time visitors of Many Glacier think the same.
The 10.6-mile, round-trip hike usually takes 5-7 hours to complete. Although you still have plenty of time after returning to the trailhead, doing another long hike while spending just one day in Many Glacier seems too cruel on your feet.
Stop 1: Grinnell Glacier
To make your journey to Grinnell Glacier easier, start early in the morning before the scorching sun drains all your energy. If you start at the Grinnell Glacier trailhead, be sure to check out amazing reflections at Lake Josephine along the way.
You don’t need more than 15 minutes at the lake, unless you decide to take it easy and spend the day in the Many Glacier Valley and not in the mountains above it. In that case, adhere to the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail that swirls around the lake and takes you to the Many Glacier Hotel.
Stop 2: Grinnell Lake or Grinnell Glacier
If Grinnell Lake or Grinnell Glacier are on your radar for an eventful day in the Many Glacier area, continue on along the Josephine Lake Trail. Approximately a mile into the hike, the trail forks.
The left path goes down to Grinnell Lake, located 1.6 miles from here. The right fork keeps ascending. As it gains elevation, the trail passes by a number of tiny waterfalls, streaming down the mountainside. But that’s not all.
Even if you decide to leave Grinnell Lake for another day hike in the Many Glacier’s mountains, you can still enjoy the views of the aquamarine lake from the Grinnell Glacier Trail. Festooned by several waterfalls flowing into the lake below, the area offers some of the best photo opportunities in the entire Glacier National Park.
Stop 3 and/or 4 to End Your First Day in Many Glacier
Once you get back to the Many Glacier Valley and have enough energy for another hike, add Apikuni Falls to your hiking journey. Finish your day adventures in the Many Glacier area by enjoying sunset at Swiftcurrent Lake.
First-Timer’s Guide to Spending 1 Day in Many Glacier: Map
First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Many Glacier: 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Follow the same itinerary as if you would have just one day to explore Many Glacier.
Day 2: Visit the places you left behind from day 1 and/or hike to Cracker Lake, another iconic site in Many Glacier. It is a pretty long hike and can take from several hours up to a day to complete.
Alternative Day 2 of Many Glacier Itinerary
Alternatively, you can repeat the previous experience and stick to a day-long hike that allows you to visit several Many Glacier’s attractions along the way. The Iceberg Lake hike or even the longer Ptarmigan Tunnel hike are good options to consider.
First-Timer’s Guide to Spending 2 Day in Many Glacier: Map
Spending 1 Day (2 Days) in Many Glacier: Places to Stay
- Many Glacier Hotel. Built during 1914 and 1915, the Many Glacier Hotel is located west of the Many Glacier entrance. The largest hotel in Glacier National Park, it boasts 211 rooms, outstanding views of Grinnell Point and Mt. Henkel, and plenty of water activities at Swiftcurrent Lake.
- Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins. This modest accommodation with 62 hotel rooms and 26 cabins has a rustic feel about it. Spending a day here lets you dive deeper into the serenity and tranquility of the Many Glacier Valley. While the hotel rooms offer all modern amenities, the cabins have no baths. Public showers as well as a gift shop and public laundry are available, though.
Spending 1 Day (2 Days) in Many Glacier: Place to Eat
- The Ptarmigan Dining Room. Located within the Many Glacier Hotel, the Ptarmigan Dining Room is famous as the most refined restaurant in Glacier National Park. The place serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering hungry hikers dishes from French and American cuisines. Sadly, Many Glacier’s guests with dietary restrictions have fewer options to choose from here and elsewhere in Glacier.
- Heidi’s Snack Shop and Espresso Stand. For a quick bite on the go, stop at Heidi’s. The place is nestled on the ground level of the Many Glacier Hotel and is perfect for grabbing something to chew after a long hike.
- Nell’s at Swiftcurrent Restaurant. Pizzas, sandwiches, and burgers are on the menu at Nell’s, located at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins.
First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Many Glacier: Helpful Tips and Things to Know
1. Arrive at Many Glacier Early in the Morning
Parking spaces are limited. During the summer season, day visitors may be turned away, if the parking lots are full. If you spend more than one day and stay within the Many Glacier Valley, the parking situation may not be as acute to you. Yet still try to start your day excursions in Many Glacier early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
NOTE: As of summer of 2024, from July 1 through September 8 from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., a vehicle reservation is required to enter Many Glacier.
2. Fill up a Gas Tank before Visiting Many Glacier
There are no gas stations within Glacier National Park.
3. Bring Snacks and Water
Stock up on water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and quickly replenish your energy during your day adventures in Many Glacier.
4. Wear Good Shoes
Comfortable hiking shoes with traction are essential for day hikes up the Many Glacier’s mountains.
5. Get Hard-Copy Map
Download offline maps or use a hard-copy map. Cell coverage is limited in the Many Glacier area.
6. Beware of Bears
The region abounds with grizzly and black bears. While it may sound exciting to share the trail with the wild animals, be sure to admire the wildlife from a safe distance when spending a day in the woods. You might even want to hang a small bell (you can buy it at any gift shops in Many Glacier) on your backpack to make noise and keep the bears away.
READ MORE: How to Protect Yourself from Bears in the Wild: Tips and Myths
7. Trails Closures
Some trails in Many Glacier periodically close due to grizzly activity. Visit National Park Service website for more information.
Entrance Fee
Glacier National Park’s entrance fee is $35. A day pass is valid for seven consecutive days and is required to enter all five sections of the park.
Unlike the West Glacier entrance and the St. Mary entrance, the Many Glacier entrance may be not staffed. Use a self-service station to pay, if you haven’t done it at any other entrances upon arrival at Glacier.
The America the Beautiful pass is the ultimate option for any frequent and day visitors of Many Glacier. The pass is valid for one year and covers admission to all national parks and national monuments in the country.
