Cracker Lake Trail

Cracker Lake is a 12.8-mile out-and-back from the south end of Many Glacier Hotel’s parking lot to the lake and campground. It climbs about 1,400 feet and usually takes 6 to 7 hours with time at the shore. This is a long walk for one destination, but the reward is a vivid turquoise lake under a wall of steep, snow marked peaks. If you want a short lake stroll, pick another trail; this one uses most of a day.

At the first junction, stay left for Cracker Lake rather than following Piegan Pass. The path runs mostly level beside Lake Sherburne toward Canyon Creek. Around 1.5 miles in, the Cracker Flats Horse Loop branches off; keep right on the main trail. The loop joins again a little later, where the long climb starts. That easy first stretch can make the mileage feel deceptively gentle, so save a little energy for what follows.

Most of the climbing comes over the last 4.6 miles, on a steady trail with switchbacks. Shaded parts of the climb can hold snow later into the season, depending on the winter. Near the lake, the trail crosses to the east side of Canyon Creek; that’s a useful sign you’re nearing the end. Short paths branch down toward the water from the campground area.

A small rise opens onto milky turquoise water, green slopes and a broad wall of gray rock with snow tucked into its ledges. Mount Siyeh rises almost vertically about 4,200 feet above the lake, which gives the basin its dramatic scale. Walk down toward the shore and put the water in front of the steep wall for the clearest view of what makes this destination special.

The trailhead is at the south end of the Many Glacier Hotel lot. Glacier’s roads have seasonal schedules, so check the park’s road conditions before you drive in. Dogs aren’t allowed on park trails. The return follows the same corridor, so the 6.4 miles each way includes both the walk in and the walk back.