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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