North Circle Loop

North Circle Loop is a six-day backcountry itinerary through Glacier's northern country, linking Ptarmigan Tunnel, the Belly River lakes, Stoney Indian Pass, Waterton Valley, Highline and Swiftcurrent Pass. The mapped trail line measures about 55 miles, with roughly 12,000 feet of climbing in the commonly described itinerary. It is called a loop, but this version starts at the Many Glacier Hotel trail access and finishes at Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead, about a mile away. Arrange a vehicle transfer between the access points or plan a separate local walk; the map line here stops at the trailheads. Other itinerary totals near 51–52.6 miles reflect different camp access and rounding, so follow the route assigned by your permit rather than treating the name as one fixed GPX.

Allow six hiking days and five nights at designated backcountry campgrounds. The usual day legs range from roughly 6 to 11 miles, and the repeated climbs and descents make mileage a poor stand-alone measure of effort. Overnight camping requires a wilderness use permit with an assigned campground itinerary. Carry the required bear-resistant food storage and plan your camps before setting out; you cannot simply stop at any convenient lake. Difficulty is exceptional because of the length, accumulated climbing, remote setting, high passes and seasonal hazards, even though most of the route follows established trails.

From Many Glacier, the trail climbs steadily toward Ptarmigan Tunnel, then drops to Elizabeth Lake Foot. The next day turns north through the broad Belly River country, passing Cosley and Glenns Lakes before reaching Mokowanis Lake. The route moves from a sustained climb and high pass into long lake-and-valley walking. At Cosley Lake's outlet, the mapped route crosses the Mokowanis River; an older trip account describes a cable at the ford, but water level, footing and any crossing aid can change. Do not assume it is an easy crossing in early season.

From Mokowanis, a shorter but climbing day reaches Stoney Indian Lake. The route then goes over Stoney Indian Pass and drops into Waterton Valley before climbing back toward the Continental Divide and Fifty Mountain. The view from Stoney Indian Pass down to Stoney Indian Lake is the trip's signature composition: a long blue lake sits beneath steep, layered mountain walls. If you stop for a photo, keep your footing on the rocky tread and leave room for other hikers. The Sue Lake overlook and other nearby spurs are optional and are not part of the mapped line.

From Fifty Mountain, the route follows about 11 miles of Highline toward Granite Park, with broad west-facing views along the Divide. This exposed high-country stretch is a highlight, but lingering snow can cover the path near Ahern Pass and make the crossing consequential. The final day climbs over Swiftcurrent Pass and descends to the Swiftcurrent access area. Swiftcurrent Mountain is an optional side trip, not included here. The western descent is still a long backcountry day, so keep enough time and energy for the exit.