USA — West Glacier
Ascend through Glacier National Park's "Hanging Gardens" on the iconic Hidden Lake Trail, a moderate 8.9 km walk offering stunning Rocky Mountain panoramas. This 3-5 hour route from Logan Pass traverses alpine meadows and rocky slopes, revealing the raw, glaciated splendour of Montana's wilderness. Expect breathtaking views and a moderate ascent to a pristine alpine lake.
Distance: 8.9 km
Elevation Gain: 487 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3-5 hours
The Hidden Lake Trail is arguably the most iconic day walk within Glacier National Park, Montana—a breathtaking 8.9-kilometre return journey that traverses the high-altitude "Hanging Gardens" of Logan Pass. Perched directly upon the Continental Divide at an elevation of 2,025 metres, this trail offers walkers an unparalleled window into the raw, glaciated splendour of the Rocky Mountains. The route begins at the bustling Logan Pass Visitor Centre and ascends through a delicate tapestry of alpine meadows, where snow lingers well into the summer months and wildflowers erupt in a brief, brilliant display of resilience. With the towering, pyramid-like peak of Bearhat Mountain serving as a constant sentinel, the trail leads walkers to a dramatic overlook before plunging down to the turquoise shores of Hidden Lake itself. This is a landscape defined by its verticality, its ancient geology, and its status as a sanctuary for iconic North American megafauna, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and the formidable grizzly bear.
The Hidden Lake Trail is a masterclass in alpine transition. It begins not in a forest, but in the sub-alpine krummholz and open meadows known as the Hanging Gardens. Because the trailhead at Logan Pass is already situated at a significant elevation, walkers are immediately immersed in a high-mountain environment that would usually require hours of strenuous climbing to reach. The first half of the journey is characterised by a sophisticated boardwalk system, designed to protect the incredibly fragile alpine tundra from the thousands of feet that traverse it each season. As you ascend, the views expand in every direction: to the north, the jagged Garden Wall looms; to the east, the massive bulk of Mount Siyeh and Going-to-the-Sun Mountain dominate the skyline.
The trail's primary destination for many is the Hidden Lake Overlook. From this vantage point, the landscape opens up to reveal Hidden Lake, a deep cerulean basin cradled by the sheer cliffs of Bearhat Mountain to the west, Dragon's Tail to the south, and Mount Clements to the north. The water's colour is a result of "rock flour"—fine particles of silt suspended in the water, created by the grinding action of glaciers on the surrounding limestone and dolomite. For those with the stamina to continue, the trail leaves the boardwalk and descends steeply through a series of switchbacks, dropping nearly 240 metres in elevation over 2 kilometres to reach the lake's edge. Here, the perspective shifts from a grand aerial panorama to an intimate lakeside experience, where the silence of the backcountry replaces the wind-whipped chatter of the overlook.
Wildlife encounters are a defining feature of the Hidden Lake experience. The area around Logan Pass is a favoured summer range for mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus), whose thick white coats and nimble hooves are perfectly adapted to the rocky ledges. Bighorn sheep are also frequent visitors, often seen grazing in the meadows near the trail. However, the presence of these animals, combined with the dense patches of huckleberries and glacier lilies, makes this prime grizzly bear habitat. It is not uncommon for the trail to be temporarily closed by Park Rangers due to bear activity, a reminder that despite its popularity, Hidden Lake remains a wild and unpredictable environment.
The area encompassing Hidden Lake and Logan Pass holds profound spiritual and historical significance for the Indigenous peoples of the region. For the Niitsitapi (Blackfeet Nation) to the east and the Kootenai and Salish tribes to the west, these mountains are known as the "Backbone of the World." Logan Pass was a traditional crossing point, though the extreme weather and rugged terrain meant it was used primarily for seasonal hunting and spiritual quests rather than permanent habitation. The peaks surrounding the lake are woven into the oral histories of these nations, representing a sacred landscape where the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds was considered thin.
The modern history of the trail is inextricably linked to the creation of Glacier National Park in 1910 and the subsequent engineering marvel that is the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Before the road reached the pass in 1932, Hidden Lake was a remote destination accessible only by multi-day horse packing trips. The pass itself is named after Major William R. Logan, the park's first superintendent, who was instrumental in the early administration of the protected area. The construction of the trail and the visitor centre transformed the area into a focal point for tourism, reflecting the early 20th-century philosophy of making "sublime" nature accessible to the general public.
In the 1980s and 90s, the National Park Service recognised that the sheer volume of visitors was destroying the very environment they came to see. The alpine plants at Logan Pass have a growing season of only 6 to 8 weeks and can be killed by just a few footsteps. This led to the construction of the extensive boardwalk system that walkers use today. This infrastructure represents a delicate balance between conservation and recreation, allowing millions to experience the Continental Divide while preserving the integrity of the "Hanging Gardens" for future generations.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The Hidden Lake Trail is a seasonal experience, with its accessibility dictated entirely by the heavy snowpack of the Northern Rockies. Even in years of average snowfall, the trail is typically buried under several metres of snow until late June or early July. The National Park Service road crews work for months to clear the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and the trail usually opens shortly after the road is cleared to Logan Pass.
July: The Season of Snow and Lilies
In early July, walkers should expect to traverse significant snowfields. The boardwalk is often still covered, requiring careful footwork and waterproof boots. This is the peak time for Glacier Lilies—bright yellow flowers that actually generate heat to melt through the receding snow. The contrast between the white snow, the yellow lilies, and the deep blue sky is spectacular, but the trail can be slippery and muddy.
August: The Peak of the Hanging Gardens
By August, the snow has usually retreated to the highest couloirs, and the meadows are in full bloom. This is the best time to see Beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax), the park's unofficial floral emblem, with its tall, creamy-white plumes. Temperatures are at their warmest, often reaching 20–25° Celsius, though the wind at the pass can still be biting. This is also the peak of the "bug season," where biting flies can be a nuisance in the meadows.
September: Autumn Gold and Quietude
September brings a dramatic shift. The huckleberry bushes turn a deep, vibrant red, and the larch trees on distant slopes begin their transition to gold. The air becomes crisp, and the first dustings of "termination dust" (the season's first snow) often appear on the peaks of Bearhat and Clements. While the crowds thin out, the weather becomes more volatile, with sudden autumn storms capable of dropping temperatures to near freezing in a matter of minutes.
Winter and Spring: The Inaccessible Wild
From October through June, the trail is effectively closed to all but the most experienced winter mountaineers. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed to vehicles, and the pass becomes a landscape of extreme avalanche danger and sub-zero temperatures. The Hidden Lake basin becomes a silent, frozen world, inaccessible to the average hiker.
Phase 1: The Logan Pass Ascent (0.0 km – 1.5 km)
Phase 2: The Overlook Reach (1.5 km – 2.4 km)
Phase 3: The Descent to the Lake (2.4 km – 4.45 km)
Phase 4: The Return Journey (4.45 km – 8.9 km)
Important Notes:
The most critical aspect of planning a Hidden Lake hike is logistics, specifically transport and timing. Logan Pass is the highest point accessible by car in the park, and its parking lot is notoriously small for the volume of visitors. During the peak months of July and August, the car park is typically full by 7:30 AM. If you are driving, you must be prepared for an early start. Alternatively, the Glacier National Park Shuttle System is a highly recommended way to reach the trailhead without the stress of parking. The shuttle operates from approximately 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, connecting the Apgar Visitor Centre (West side) and St. Mary Visitor Centre (East side) to Logan Pass.
Fitness requirements for the overlook section are moderate, but the full descent to the lake and the subsequent climb back out require a good level of cardiovascular health. The altitude (over 2,000 metres) can cause shortness of breath and fatigue more quickly than at sea level. Ensure you have spent at least a day or two acclimatising in the park before attempting the full lake descent.
This is a day hike requiring no overnight accommodation. Camping is strictly prohibited at Hidden Lake and anywhere within the Logan Pass area to protect the fragile ecosystem and prevent human-wildlife conflicts. However, there are several options for staying nearby to facilitate an early start:
While no specific hiking permit is required to walk the Hidden Lake Trail, you must navigate the Glacier National Park vehicle reservation system and have a valid Park Entrance Pass.
Vehicle Reservations:
Park Entrance Fees:
Backcountry Permits:
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Hidden Lake Trail (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Hidden Lake Trail, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
Logan Pass is a hub for several other world-class experiences. If you have multiple days in the area, consider these options:
Bear Safety: Glacier National Park is home to one of the densest populations of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states. The Hidden Lake Trail, particularly the section between the overlook and the lake, is a high-activity zone. You must carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it accessible. Walk in groups, make noise (shout "Hey Bear!" periodically), and never leave food or scented items unattended. If you encounter a bear, do not run. Speak calmly and back away slowly.
Weather and Exposure: The weather at 2,000 metres is unpredictable. Hypothermia is a genuine risk even in summer if you are caught in a sudden rainstorm without proper gear. Conversely, heat exhaustion and dehydration are common on the climb back from the lake. There is almost no shade on this trail; you are exposed to the elements for the entire duration.
Altitude Sickness: While 2,100 metres is not "extreme" altitude, it is high enough to cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness in some individuals. Drink plenty of water, eat salty snacks, and descend immediately if symptoms become severe.
Snow Hazards: In early summer, snow bridges can form over hidden streams or rocks. Be extremely cautious when crossing snowfields, as a collapse can lead to injury. If the snow is frozen and hard, the slope towards the lake can be dangerous without traction devices (like micro-spikes).
Steep Terrain: The trail to the lake shore has several sections with steep drop-offs. While the trail is wide enough for safety, those with severe vertigo may find the descent challenging. Always stay on the maintained trail; shortcuts cause erosion and can lead to dangerous rockfalls.
The Dragon's Tail: For experienced scramblers, the Dragon's Tail is a jagged ridge that extends south from the Hidden Lake Overlook. It offers a more technical challenge and incredible views of the Sperry Glacier. This is not a maintained trail and involves significant exposure; it should only be attempted by those with mountain navigation skills and a high comfort level with heights.
The Hanging Gardens: Take time to look closely at the flora near the boardwalk. You will find species like the Elephanthead Lousewort (which looks exactly like a tiny pink elephant's head) and various species of Paintbrush. The geology here is also fascinating; look for "stromatolites"—fossilised algae colonies that are over a billion years old, visible in the limestone rocks along the trail.
Hidden Lake Shoreline: Once at the lake, if you walk a few hundred metres along the shore to the south, you can find more secluded spots away from the main trail terminus. The reflection of Bearhat Mountain in the still morning water is one of the most photographed scenes in the American West.
The alpine environment at Logan Pass is one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth. Because of the short growing season and harsh conditions, plants grow extremely slowly. A single footprint off the boardwalk can destroy decades of growth.
The Seven Principles at Hidden Lake:
