Are dogs allowed on Cracker Lake Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Cracker Lake Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Cracker Lake Trail?

No, Cracker Lake Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Cracker Lake Trail?

Cracker Lake Trail is rated difficult. It is 12.8 miles long with 1,299 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Cracker Lake Trail?

Cracker Lake Trail is best hiked in summer and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Is Cracker Lake Trail suitable for kids?

Cracker Lake Trail is not typically recommended for young children due to length, exposure, or technical terrain. Older kids with hiking experience may be fine — use your judgment based on your family's comfort level.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Montana trail conditions

DifficultOut and Back

Glacier National Park/Montana

Cracker Lake Trail

Browning, Montana

12.8 mi

Distance

1,299 ft

Elev. Gain

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Generated from trail data

A 12.8-mile round-trip hike from the Many Glacier Hotel parking lot to Cracker Lake, whose glacial-flour water is an almost artificial-looking turquoise beneath the 4,000-foot north face of Mount Siyeh. The first miles share a horse-concession route around Cracker Flats before the trail climbs steadily up the Canyon Creek valley, gaining 1,400 feet. This is core grizzly country in the densest bear habitat in the park.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Grizzly bears — carry bear spray, make noise, hike in groupsTrails close periodically for bear activityMuddy tread on the shared horse sectionRapid weather changes and afternoon storms

Trail Details

No dogs

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.
National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:406-888-7800
Address:64 Grinnell Drive, Glacier National Park Headquarters · West Glacier, MT · 59936

Best Seasons

Summer Fall

Highlights

Turquoise glacial lake under Mount Siyeh's 4,000-ft wallCanyon Creek valley sceneryBackcountry campground at the lakeStarts at the landmark Many Glacier Hotel

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Verified from NPS ArcGIS

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Cracker Lake Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

Nearby Trails

Grinnell Glacier Trail

Iceberg Lake Trail

Deadwood Falls

Highline Trail

Hidden Lake Overlook

Baring Falls Via Piegan Pass Trail

Other trails in Glacier National Park

Highline Trail

Grinnell Glacier Trail

Iceberg Lake Trail

Hidden Lake Overlook

Avalanche Lake Trail

Deadwood Falls

Campgrounds near this trail

Many Glacier Campground

Flattop Campground

St. Mary Campground

Divide Creek Campground

Heart of Glacier RV Park & Cabins

Avalanche Creek

Similar trails in Montana

Highline Trail

Grinnell Glacier Trail

Iceberg Lake Trail

Beehive Basin Trail No. 40

Danny On National Recreation Trail

Bass Creek Trail