One frequently asked question here at Glacier National Park is “Where can I hike to a glacier?” While many glaciers are visible from a number of popular hiking trails, actually reaching a glacier is not an easy feat. Hikers can view glaciers from several trails such as Sperry Glacier from the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, Piegan Glacier from the Piegan Pass Trail, Sexton Glacier from the Siyeh Pass Trail, Blackfoot and Jackson Glaciers from the Gunsight Pass Trail, and Grinnell and Salamander Glaciers from the Grinnell Glacier Overlook Spur Trail via the Highline Trail. Hiking the Grinnell Glacier Trail provides the closest opportunity to see a glacier in the park. This challenging hike is 10 miles roundtrip and gains over 2,500 feet of elevation. While the trail does not provide direct access to the glacier, hikers are rewarded with great views of glacial ice and the surrounding lake basin. Hiking to the Sperry Glacier basin is another option for close glacier views. However, this is a very strenuous, 20-mile roundtrip journey which gains approximately 5,000 feet from the trailhead at Lake McDonald Lodge. This hike should only be attempted by experienced hikers prepared for an entire day on the trail. Image description: A glacier sits below steep cliffs. Chunks of ice float in a bright blue lake in front of the glacier and flowers dominate the foreground.