Day 13: Grinnell Glacier

Broke down camp in the morning after spending five nights at Many Glacier campground. I was glad to have spent a chunk of time at Many Glacier, both to have a break from the driving and moving camp regularly, as well as because many of the best trails at Glacier NP originate at Many Glacier.

The hike up to the famous Grinnell Glacier was the one hike I had remaining on my list for Many Glacier, but given the high likelihood of afternoon thunderstorms in the forecast, I had been on the fence as to whether to attempt it. I’m glad I did though, it turned out be yet another amazing hike (and the forecast didn’t stop the crowds from hiking the trail either). I saw the steady development of clouds over the surrounding mountains and valleys throughout the hike, but the sky above Grinnell Glacier remained surrendipitously blue and free of any ominous clouds. I even had time for a mile-long scramble past the glacier to Wing Lookout for expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Eventually the clouds and showers did arrive mid-late afternoon, but by this time I was well on my way back down. After the hike I drove to the west side of Glacier NP to set up camp at the Avalanche campground.