Hiking, Biking & Backpacking
Over 700 miles of trail provide many outstanding opportunities for both short hikes and extended backpacking trips. Hikers need to assume individual responsibility for planning their trips and hiking safely.
Trail maps, trail guides, topographic maps, and field guides are available at park visitor centers. Publications are also available by mail. Pick up a catalog at any visitor center or ranger station in the park. Brochures and signs guide visitors on Glacier's six self-guided trails.
The Trail of the Cedars, Huckleberry Mountain, Hidden Lake, Running Eagle Falls, Sun Point, and Swift Current Nature Trails encourage hikers to experience Glacier at their own pace. The Trail of the Cedars and Running Eagle Falls are wheelchair accessible.
Visitors may join a park ranger for an easy stroll, a short half-day hike, or a vigorous all-day hike. The Nature with a Naturalist publication lists ranger-led activities offered throughout the park.
Backpacking
Permits are required to camp in the back country. Permits are available only during the hours listed. There is a $4.00 per person per night charge. Permits are issued no more than 24 hours in advance of the start of the trip.
Advanced reservations (more than 24 hours in advance) are available, but only at Apgar, St. Mary, or by mail. There is a $20.00 reservation fee.
Visitors entering the back country at Goat Haunt or Belly River may obtain a back country permit at the Waterton Visitor Reception Centre (credit cards only).
| Permit Center: | Hours: | Dates: |
| Apgar Backcountry Permit Center | May 1 to Jul. 1 | 8:00 am. to 4:00 pm. |
| Jul. 2 to Sep. 11 | 7:00 am. to 4:00 pm. | |
| Sep. 12 to Oct. 31 | 8:00 am. to 4:00 pm. | |
| St. Mary Visitor Center * | Jun. 26 to Sep. 30 | 8:00 am. to 4:30 pm. |
| Many Glacier Ranger Station * | May 26 to Sep. 21 | 8:00 am. to 4:30 pm. |
*Closed daily for a one hour lunch
Bicycling
Bicycles are allowed on roadways, bike routes, and parking areas. They are not allowed on trails. Observe all traffic regulations. Keep to the right side of the road and ride in single file. Pull over if four or more vehicles stack up behind you. During periods of low visibility a white light or reflector, visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front, and a red light or reflector, visible from at least 200 feet to the rear, are required.
Be visible! Attach a bright flag on a pole and wear light-colored clothing. Watch for falling rocks, drainage grates, and ice on road.
Hiker & Biker Campsites
A limited number of sites at Apgar, Sprague Creek, Avalanche, Many Glacier, Rising Sun, and Two Medicine campgrounds are held until 9:00 p.m. for bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. Sites are shared and have a capacity of 8 people; larger groups must split up. The fee is $3.00 per person. if hiker/biker sites are full, campers must use regular unoccupied campsites. Hiker/biker sites at Fish Creek and St. Mary may be reserved.
Bicycle Restrictions - June 15 through Labor Day
From Apgar to Sprague Creek Campground bicycles are prohibited, both directions, between 11 am. and 4 pm. From Logan Creek to Logan Pass eastbound (uphill) bicycle traffic is prohibited between 11 am. and 4 pm. *It takes about 45 minutes to ride from Sprague Creek to Logan Creek and about three hours from Logan Creek to Logan Pass.