Glacier National Park in Montana contains more than 700 miles of hiking trails, ranging from short walks through old-growth forest to demanding mountain routes that cross high alpine passes. That variety means almost anyone can experience Glacier on foot—but choosing the right trail for your skill level is extremely important.
At one end of the spectrum is Trail of the Cedars, a short, nearly level nature trail that offers impressive scenery with very little physical effort. At the other is the Pitamakan–Dawson Loop, a 17 to 18-mile alpine journey through the Two Medicine area that requires preparation, endurance, and hiking in remote mountain terrain.
Glacier National Park does not officially designate one trail as its single “easiest” or “hardest,”. However, having lived here for over 30 years, we can confidentially say; Trail of the Cedars is one of the park’s easiest accessible hikes, while the Pitamakan–Dawson Loop is widely regarded as one of the most demanding day hikes.
Here is what hikers should know before attempting either one.
The Easiest Hike: Trail of the Cedars
For visitors who want to experience Glacier National Park without climbing thousands of feet into the mountains, Trail of the Cedars is difficult to beat.
Located at the Avalanche Picnic Area along Going-to-the-Sun Road, the trail passes through a lush forest of enormous old growth western red cedars and western hemlocks. The National Park Service currently lists the route as a 0.9-mile loop with only 83 feet of elevation gain, and the trail includes boardwalk and improved surfaces designed to accommodate visitors with limited mobility. (National Park Service)
Despite its short distance, the trail provides an excellent introduction to an environment that may surprise first-time Glacier visitors.
What’s it like?
Rather than the dry, rocky terrain people sometimes associate with Montana, this section of Glacier feels almost like the Pacific Northwest.
Rainfall on the western side of the Continental Divide supports a moist forest filled with cedar, hemlock, ferns, mosses, and other shade-loving vegetation. Some of the trees are enormous, creating a dense canopy that keeps portions of the trail cool even during summer.
A major highlight is Avalanche Creek and Avalanche Gorge. Fast-moving turquoise water has carved through the colorful rock, creating one of the prettiest and easily accessible scenes in the park.
The National Park Service describes the trail as a peaceful boardwalk walk through old-growth forest along Avalanche Creek, with opportunities to see the gorge and listen for American dippers around the water. (National Park Service)
Who can hike it?
Trail of the Cedars is appropriate for a wide range of visitors.
Families with children, older travelers, inexperienced hikers and people who simply don’t want a strenuous mountain climb can all enjoy this route. It is also listed among Glacier’s accessible trails. (National Park Service)
Most visitors should allow 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how frequently they stop for photographs or to read interpretive information.
There is no requirement that you continue into more difficult terrain. You can simply complete the loop and return to the picnic area.
However, more ambitious hikers can use Trail of the Cedars as the beginning of the hike to Avalanche Lake. Continuing to Avalanche Lake turns the outing into approximately a five-mile round trip and introduces considerably more climbing and rocky terrain. (National Park Service)
When to Hike Trail of the Cedars
Summer is the most straightforward time to visit, although spring and fall can also be beautiful depending on road, snow and trail conditions.
One challenge unrelated to hiking difficulty is crowds.
The Avalanche area is one of the most popular locations along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Parking can become difficult during busy summer periods, particularly in the middle of the day.
Starting early can provide several advantages. Temperatures are cooler, parking may be easier to find, and the forest naturally feels more peaceful without the larger crowds.
Visitors should always check current Glacier National Park road-access and transportation information before leaving since vehicle-access procedures and seasonal road openings can change from year to year.
What should you bring?
You don’t require expedition-level equipment for Trail of the Cedars. Comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection and an extra layer are generally sufficient for most visitors.
Nevertheless, this is still Glacier National Park and bear country.
The National Park Service recommends that hikers carry bear spray and know how to use it. Hikers should also remain alert around wildlife and avoid approaching animals for photographs. (National Park Service)
The creek deserves respect as well. Swift mountain water can be extremely cold and powerful therefore remain on designated surfaces and keep children under close supervision near water and steep edges.
For very little effort, Trail of the Cedars provides old-growth forest, rushing water, mountain scenery and an excellent introduction to Glacier’s western ecosystem.
The Hardest Hike: Pitamakan–Dawson Loop
Travel across the park to the Two Medicine region and the hiking experience becomes dramatically different.
The Pitamakan–Dawson Loop combines the trails leading to Pitamakan Pass and Dawson Pass into one huge circuit through some of Glacier’s finest alpine country.
The National Park Service specifically notes that the two pass trails can be combined into a popular all-day loop. Pitamakan Pass alone lies 7.6 miles from the traditional North Shore Trailhead, while Dawson Pass is 6.5 miles away. Historical NPS information describes the complete circuit as approximately 17 miles. Depending on the exact route, trailhead access and GPS measurement, modern trail guides commonly measure the hike at 17–18 miles with more than 3,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain. (National Park Service)
This is not a hike for new or inexperienced hikers.
What makes the Pitamakan–Dawson Loop so difficult?
Distance is the first challenge.
Walking 17 or 18 miles would already constitute a long day on relatively level terrain. Here, hikers are simultaneously climbing thousands of vertical feet and traveling into exposed alpine terrain.
The route passes stunning destinations including Oldman Lake, Pitamakan Pass, Dawson Pass and No Name Lake. Between the passes, hikers travel high above surrounding valleys with enormous views across the Two Medicine landscape.
That elevated section is just one reason the route demands respect.
Above the treeline, hikers have much less protection from wind, rain, hail and thunderstorms. Mountain weather can change remarkably quickly, and a comfortable morning in the valley can become cold, windy or even dangerous at higher elevations.
Snow is another consideration. High sections of Glacier trails may remain snow-covered well into the hiking season, and early-season snowfields can transform an ordinary trail into technical terrain.
How long does it take?
Experienced hikers should reserve an entire day for the Pitamakan–Dawson Loop.
A strong hiker moving quickly might complete it faster than the norm but ten or more hours on the trail are entirely possible when rest stops, photographs, food and changing conditions are taken into consideration.
Starting early provides a valuable margin for safety.
You certainly do not want to be several miles from the trailhead when darkness arrives because the hike took longer than anticipated.
Every member of the group should be physically capable of completing the entire distance. On a loop this large, deciding you’re tired halfway through doesn’t fair well for others, and there’s no easy shortcut back to the vehicle.
Wildlife and Bear Safety
The Two Medicine backcountry is wildlife habitat, including habitat for both black bears and grizzly bears.
Every hiker should carry bear spray in an immediately accessible location—not buried at the bottom of a backpack—and understand how to deploy it.
Making noise, particularly around blind corners, dense vegetation and noisy streams, can reduce the possibility of surprising wildlife. Food and garbage should remain secured, and hikers should never intentionally approach bears or other large animals.
The National Park Service specifically recommends carrying bear spray and notes that hiking alone is not recommended. (National Park Service)
Water, Food and Equipment
A hike of this magnitude requires far more preparation than Trail of the Cedars.
Bring enough food to maintain energy throughout a long day and carry adequate water. Hikers who intend to refill from lakes or streams should use an effective water-treatment method rather than assuming mountain water is safe to drink.
The National Park Service recommends sturdy footwear, rain gear, warm layers, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, food and plenty of water when hiking Glacier’s trails. (National Park Service)
For the Pitamakan–Dawson Loop, a sensible pack should additionally include navigation tools and an offline trail map, headlamp, emergency supplies and a basic first-aid kit. Trekking poles can also be helpful during the long descents.
Cellular service should never be considered a dependable emergency plan in Glacier’s backcountry.
Check Conditions Before Leaving
Trail conditions are especially important on this route.
In 2026, for example, construction in the Two Medicine Campground affected access to the traditional North Shore Trailhead, with the National Park Service establishing a reroute that can involve an unbridged water crossing. Alternate access can also add mileage. (National Park Service)
That is a perfect example of why hikers should check current information rather than relying entirely on an old guidebook or a downloaded trail description.
Weather, snow, wildfires, wildlife activity, construction and temporary closures can all change conditions.
Two Trails, Two Completely Different Experiences
Trail of the Cedars and the Pitamakan–Dawson Loop demonstrate just how broad the hiking opportunities are in Glacier National Park.
Trail of the Cedars proves that experiencing Glacier does not require extraordinary fitness. In less than a mile, visitors can walk among giant cedars, follow Avalanche Creek and see one of the park’s beautiful water-carved gorges.
The Pitamakan–Dawson Loop represents the opposite extreme: a long, strenuous journey into Glacier’s high country where preparation, fitness, weather awareness and good judgment become essential.
One trail can comfortably fit into part of a morning.
The other can consume nearly every hour of daylight.
Yet both offer something distinctly Glacier: wild scenery, dramatic landscapes and the opportunity to experience one of America’s most spectacular national parks on foot. Whether your ideal hike is a relaxing boardwalk stroll beneath towering trees or an 18-mile adventure across mountain passes, Glacier National Park has a trail waiting for you.