Glacier National Park is one of the best wildlife-viewing destinations in the United States, protecting more than one million acres of diverse habitat that supports more than 70 mammal species. Grizzly and black bears, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, coyotes, marmots, bald eagles, golden eagles, and many other animals can be found throughout the park, but certain areas consistently offer better viewing opportunities. Visitors can improve their chances by

Hiking to Fishercap Lake in Glacier National Park is one of the easiest ways to experience the spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife of the Many Glacier area. While the hike is extremely short compared with many of Glacier National Park's famous trails, Fishercap Lake has developed a reputation as one of the best places in the entire park to see moose. The shallow lake sits in the Swiftcurrent Valley beneath the towering mountains of Many Glacier, and its marshy shoreline

Hiking the Grinnell Glacier Trail is one of the park's signature adventures, combining turquoise lakes, towering peaks, waterfalls, wildlife, and an up-close look at one of Glacier's most famous glaciers. Beginning in the Many Glacier area, the trail travels above Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine before climbing steadily into the high country beneath the Garden Wall. Along the way, hikers are treated to spectacular views of Grinnell Lake, Mount Gould, Angel Wing, and the

Hiking to Baring Falls, St. Mary Falls, and Virginia Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Beginning above the eastern shore of St. Mary Lake, the route combines sweeping lake and mountain views with four beautiful waterfalls—Baring Falls, St. Mary Falls, Lower Virginia Falls, and Upper Virginia Falls—while traveling through one of the most scenic portions of the St. Mary Valley. The hike is especially appealing because the scenery changes cons

Hiking to Apikuni Falls in Glacier National Park is a short but rewarding adventure that delivers stunning mountain scenery with relatively little effort. Located in the park's spectacular Many Glacier region, the Apikuni Falls Trail climbs steadily through open forests and wildflower-covered hillsides before reaching a dramatic viewpoint of the 100-foot waterfall as it plunges from the towering cliffs of Apikuni Mountain. Along the way, hikers are treated to sweeping views o

Hiking the Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park is one of the easiest ways to experience the lush forests of the park's west side. Located along Going-to-the-Sun Road near Avalanche Creek, this short nature trail travels through an extraordinary grove of ancient western red cedars and western hemlocks before crossing the rushing waters of Avalanche Creek. At roughly 1 mile round trip with only about 80 feet of elevation gain, the Trail of the Cedars is suitable for ne

Hiking the Avalanche Lake Trail is one of the best ways to experience the park's spectacular west-side scenery without committing to an all-day adventure. Beginning along the famous Trail of the Cedars, the route travels through an ancient forest of western red cedars and hemlocks, passes the rushing turquoise water of Avalanche Creek, and climbs into a dramatic glacial basin surrounded by towering mountains and waterfalls. At roughly 7 miles round trip, the hike to Avalanche

Hiking the Cracker Lake Trail in Glacier National Park leads to one of the most brilliantly colored alpine lakes in the United States, but the turquoise water waiting at the end is only part of what makes this hike worthwhile. Beginning near the historic Many Glacier Hotel, the trail undergoes a remarkable transformation over its roughly six-mile journey into the mountains, beginning in thick forest before passing Cracker Flats, climbing onto a wooded ridge between two creek

For hikers searching for one of the most spectacular high-elevation adventures in Glacier National Park, few trails deliver quite like the hike to Swiftcurrent Mountain Lookout. Rising to roughly 8,440 feet along the Continental Divide, Swiftcurrent Mountain offers an extraordinary 360-degree panorama over the Many Glacier region, Granite Park, the Livingston Range, the Lewis Range, and some of the park's most impressive glaciers. The journey is long and strenuous, but the co

For hikers searching for one of the most unique adventures in Glacier National Park, the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail belongs near the top of the list. Beginning in the Many Glacier area, the spectacular hike climbs through forests and wildflower-filled meadows before reaching Ptarmigan Lake, then tackles a dramatic series of switchbacks to a 250-foot tunnel blasted directly through the Ptarmigan Wall. Emerging from the opposite side reveals an entirely different landscape overlook

Hiking to Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park is one of the most scenic and popular hikes in the Many Glacier area, leading hikers through flower-filled alpine meadows, beneath towering cliffs, and into the heart of one of Montana's most spectacular mountain landscapes. The Iceberg Lake Trail offers incredible opportunities to spot wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, marmots, and even grizzly bears, while providing nonstop views of Glacier National Par

Hiking Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton National Park is an unforgettable experience, offering a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes and the thrill of encountering wildlife in their natural habitat. Known for its frequent black bear and moose sightings, Cascade Canyon gives hikers one of the best opportunities to view these majestic creatures through one of the park's most celebrated canyons. Trail Info Length 10 miles Elevation gain 1,150 feet Route Out & back Permit requi

One of the top day hikes in Grand Teton National Park, the trek to Delta, Surprise, and Amphitheater Lakes provides hikers with breathtaking views of pristine alpine lakes, towering granite peaks, and the park's most renowned glacier. The standout feature of the hike is Delta Lake, a stunning glacial lake that seems almost unreal in its beauty. While most hikers only visit Delta Lake before turning around and heading back to the trailhead, those who venture higher in elevatio

Widely regarded as one of North America's premier backpacking trails, the Cirque of the Towers loop in Wyoming's Wind River Range treats hikers to non-stop views of towering granite peaks and spires, high alpine lakes, and vast boulder-strewn meadows. The trail's highlight is its namesake, Cirque of the Towers, a stunning semi-circle of fifteen 12,000-foot craggy peaks resting along the Continental Divide. With breathtaking views around every bend, Cirque of the Towers deserv

Nestled in the heart of the rugged Teton Range, the Teton Crest Trail offers one of the most breathtaking hiking experiences in the American West. Spanning nearly 40 miles of diverse terrain, the trail weaves through alpine meadows, craggy ridges, and glacial lakes, providing hikers with unparalleled views of jagged peaks and pristine wilderness. From its high-altitude vistas to its lush forested valleys, the Teton Crest Trail is a testament to the natural grandeur of Grand T

Take on a demanding day hike to reach the summit of the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains and the second highest peak in the lower 48. Towering at 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert offers hikers with stunning 360-degree views of a seemingly endless sea of peaks from its rocky summit, making it a must-do hike for all who can get there. Trail Info Length 10 miles Elevation gain 4,500 feet Route Out & back Permit required no Dogs allowed on leash Trailhead elevation 10,061' Water Elbe

Undoubtedly among Colorado's best day hikes, the trek to Mirror and Monarch Lakes is nothing short of remarkable. Winding through thick spruce and pines forests, weaving through stunning wildflower fields, alongside cascading waterfalls, and beneath towering peaks, the trail leads at Crater Lake, offering sweeping panoramas of one of the most iconic peaks in all of Colorado, Lone Eagle Peak. Trail Info Length 16 miles Elevation gain 2,500 feet Route Out & back Permit required

One of the most dramatic views in all of Colorado, the Painted Wall in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park stands as a testament to the immense geological forces that have shaped the landscape over the last nearly 2 billion years. Rising 2,247 feet from the Gunnison River, it holds the distinction of being the tallest cliff in the state and one of the most awe-inspiring in North America. Accented by vibrant bands that inspired its name, the geological marvel ranks amon

Home to some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery in the Rockies, Colorado's San Juan Mountains are loaded with knock your socks off views. Glacial blue lakes, lush forest, gorgeous waterfalls, and towering peaks make them one of the state's most sought after hiking destinations. The trail options are seemingly endless. We'd argue there's no better area in Colorado to explore come late July during the region's wildflower season than the San Juans. One especially s

Often referred to at the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park is a world unto itself. Spread over more than one million acres of glacier carved peaks and valleys, the park's pristine turquoise lakes, millennia old glaciers, ancient forests and abundant wildlife attract visitors from all over the world every year. The park's 700 miles of hiking trails provide its travelers with one dramatic view after another. In addition to its large population of Bighorn sheep and m