A Triple-Day Hiking Excursion through Glacier National Park's Scenic Trails

Backpackers explore breathtaking trail in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park recently hosted a pair of intrepid adventurers, who completed a three-day, two-night backpacking journey from the Iceberg/Ptarmigan Trailhead to the Apikuni Trailhead. The hikers, who have dubbed the route as "one of the most beautiful places they've ever seen in the entire world," described their experience as breathtakingly gorgeous with stunning views, clear lakes, and unique wildlife encounters.

The route, which totaled approximately 26 miles, boasts an elevation gain of 5,884 feet and a drop of 5,917 feet, making it a challenging yet rewarding trek. The journey passes through an array of landscapes, from dense forests to open alpine terrain and even deep, glacial valleys.

Day one of the hike began at the Iceberg/Ptarmigan Trailhead, leading the pair to Iceberg Lake. The trail is shared with day hikers but becomes more secluded a few miles in. The route then leads to Ptarmigan Tunnel, which was completed in 1930 and is registered on the National Register of Historic Places.

Day two saw the hikers trekking towards Elizabeth Lake Foot, where they camped for the night. Elizabeth Lake Foot is a backcountry campground offering refreshing views of the lake, which has red rocks that rival the famous photos of Lake McDonald. The area is home to bald eagles, osprey, elk, and even a beaver who was seen carrying willow branches in his mouth.

On day three, the pair ascended to Red Gap Pass, which offered stunning views of two glaciers, Old Sun and Ahern, as well as the Belly River. They then descended to Poia Lake, where they camped for their final night. Poia Lake is a much smaller campground with four sites, but the hikers found it well worth the stay for the spectacular views and water access.

The hikers encountered a variety of wildlife during their journey, including mountain goats, grouse, and a greyling, a type of freshwater fish. They also noted a change of scenery as they continued on the trail, transitioning from forests to open meadows and then back to forests.

The journey came with its fair share of challenges, including steep climbs and hot afternoons in exposed areas. However, the hikers reported a strong sense of accomplishment upon reaching the Apikuni Trailhead, describing the experience as an unforgettable adventure.

Anyone planning a similar backpacking trip in Glacier National Park should be prepared for rugged terrain, variable weather, and bear country conditions. Permits are required for overnight backpacking, and parking access around Many Glacier is limited due to ongoing construction. Shuttle service does not stop at Apikuni Trailhead, so hiking the horse trail from Many Glacier Hotel is recommended if using shuttles.

For those looking for a challenging and breathtaking backpacking experience, the Iceberg/Ptarmigan to Apikuni Trailhead route in Glacier National Park is highly recommended. With stunning views, unique wildlife encounters, and challenging terrain, it's an adventure not to be missed.

The intrepid adventurers, as they embarked on their backpacking gear, prepared for a challenging yet rewarding trek through Glacier National Park's mountains.
The hikers' outdoor-living lifestyle was evident in their choice of adventure, which included camping near clear lakes under the open sky.
The journey was not just about hiking, but also about discovering unique wildlife such as mountain goats, grouse, and even a greyling in the crystal-clear lakes.
The hikers' home-and-garden setup was temporarily replaced with tents, as they embraced the lifestyle of outdoor-living for the duration of their adventure.
The adventurers' travel plans extended beyond the typical sightseeing, as they traversed rugged terrain, climbed steep passes, and navigated changing weather conditions.
The sport of backpacking, which requires physically demanding efforts and a keen sense of survival skills, was a perfect match for the adrenaline-seeking hikers.
Their adventure-travel experiences, filled with breathtaking landscapes, challenging terrain, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, served as memories that would last a lifetime.