Boulder Pass Trail

Overview

Boulder Pass Trail is Glacier’s remote North Fork classic—long, quiet, and wildly scenic. The official trail runs roughly 30.9 miles, beginning at Kintla Lake Campground and ultimately tying into the Waterton Valley Trail. Most backpackers target the one-way push to Boulder Pass itself, about 17.5 miles from Kintla Lake, which pairs a mellow lakeshore warm‑up with a sustained climb into big, glaciated country.

Route Highlights

From Kintla Lake Campground, the path hugs the north shores of Kintla and Upper Kintla Lakes for about 11.6 miles with only ~400 feet of gain—forest, clear water, and an easy rhythm. After Upper Kintla, cross the suspension bridge and begin the 6+ mile ascent: countless switchbacks, expanding views (including Agassiz Glacier), meadows, and small creek crossings. Boulder Pass Backcountry Campground sits around mile 17.2; the pass and overlook are another ~0.5 mile, directly above the famed Hole-in-the-Wall basin. If you continue east, the junction for Hole-in-the-Wall appears around mile 21.2 from Kintla; the campground there is ~0.5 mile off the main route.

Camps and Itineraries

Staging at the front‑country Kintla Lake Campground is convenient. Along the route, Head of Kintla Lake and Upper Kintla Lake are the lakeshore backcountry sites (Upper Kintla is often preferred), with Boulder Pass and Hole-in-the-Wall offering high, dramatic sites and access to off‑trail alpine wandering. Water is plentiful throughout—including at Boulder and Hole-in-the-Wall—just bring a filter. Popular through‑trips include Kintla → Boulder Pass → Brown Pass → Goat Haunt (~31.4 miles) and Kintla → Boulder Pass → Brown Pass → Bowman Lake (~36.6 miles). Brown Pass itself isn’t the star campsite of the area; Lake Francis is a scenic highlight if you head toward Goat Haunt.

Permits and Regulations

A backcountry permit is required year‑round. Between June 15 and September 30, about 70% of sites are reservable in advance, with the rest issued in person no more than one day before your start. Large group lottery (9–12) opens March 1; standard groups (1–8) March 15. Expect a $10 permit fee plus $7 per person per night. Pets aren’t permitted on trails or in the backcountry. Use the provided food‑storage infrastructure where present; in winter‑status camps an IGBC‑certified canister is required. Trail or campground closures can happen—build backup plans.

Best Time to Hike

Late summer into early fall is prime: fewer bugs and crowds, golden larches, crisp air, and typically more stable conditions. Nights are cold and the pass can be windy—pack real layers. North Fork roads aren’t plowed and close in winter.

Getting There

From the West Glacier entrance, take Camas Road to Outside North Fork Road toward Polebridge, then Inside North Fork Road to Kintla Lake. The final stretch is rough dirt—slow going—so budget extra time. There’s no shuttle to Kintla; point‑to‑point logistics can be tricky, so line up a ride ahead of time or be prepared to improvise with other backpackers.

Safety Notes

This is true grizzly country: carry bear spray, make noise, and be extra alert in brushy or low‑visibility stretches. The trail is remote; weather and conditions can change quickly. Bring a full kit (map, headlamp, first‑aid, wind protection, and a reliable water filter). Bugs can be fierce mid‑season along the lakes—repellent helps. Confident parties sometimes tag Boulder Peak from Boulder Camp for a stunning side mission.