Upper Grinnell Lake

Overview

Upper Grinnell Lake is a striking proglacial lake at the foot of Grinnell Glacier, the dramatic finale of the Grinnell Glacier Trail in the Many Glacier area. Formed as the glacier receded in the 1930s, the lake often holds floating icebergs and glows a vivid turquoise thanks to glacial silt. The setting is pure amphitheater: cliffs, the Garden Wall along the Continental Divide, and peaks like Mount Gould and Angel Wing framing the basin.

What You’ll See

From the lakeshore you’re eye-to-ice with Grinnell Glacier, with Salamander Glacier hanging above and, on clear days, Gem Glacier visible on the Garden Wall. In summer, expect iceberg confetti on the water, waterfalls, and wildflowers along the approach. Keep an eye out for fossilized ripple marks on the trail—ancient seabed textures preserved in the Belt Supergroup rock.

Getting There & Effort

You reach the lake on foot via the Grinnell Glacier Trail, roughly 5.5 miles from the Many Glacier Hotel area, finishing with a steep, rocky push over a glacial moraine. This is one of the park’s marquee hikes, and it shows—narrow cliffside sections and the lakeshore can get congested in peak season. The corridor has seen heavy demand, tight parking, and recent access controls; plan ahead and start early.

Wildlife

Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are commonly spotted in the open slopes near the basin. The broader Many Glacier area also hosts bears and moose—carry bear spray, make noise in brushy sections, and give all wildlife plenty of space.

Conditions & Safety

Snowfields often linger into July; early in the season, traction devices can make the traverse safer. Weather near the glacier flips quickly—bring layers for wind and cold even on warm days. The final advice is simple but critical: don’t walk on the glacier; hidden crevasses and rapidly changing ice make it unsafe.

On-Site Amenities

There are no developed facilities at the lake—no restrooms, tables, or water. A pit toilet and benches sit at a trailside picnic spot below the final climb; otherwise, all services are back near the starting area.

Best Time to Visit

Aim for an early morning start to secure parking, beat crowds, and enjoy softer light on the cirque. Midday is the busiest and hottest on exposed stretches; late afternoon can be gorgeous but watch storm risk and timing for the return hike.

Tips

• Check current trail conditions and lingering snowfields before you go.
• Start at first light to thin out the crowds and avoid midday heat on the exposed upper trail.
• Trekking poles help on the long approach and the steep moraine.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
• Don’t turn around at the first glacier overlook—continue the last stretch to the lakeshore for the full payoff.