Redgap Pass Trail

Overview

This is Glacier’s classic Many Glacier backpack: a strenuous loop that tags Poia Lake, Red Gap Pass, Elizabeth Lake, and returns over Ptarmigan Tunnel. Expect huge views, big elevation swings, and legit exposure to weather on the pass. The full loop is about 29.4 miles total when you include the road walk back to the starting trailhead; an out‑and‑back to the pass runs about 29.7 miles total. Either way, it’s a hard, rewarding trip that most hikers spread over 2–3 days.

Route Snapshot (clockwise from Many Glacier)

From the roadside Red Gap Pass Trailhead along Many Glacier Road (about 1.9 miles east of the Many Glacier Hotel), the trail immediately “yo‑yos”: climb roughly 1,223 feet to Swiftcurrent Ridge, drop 700 feet into the Kennedy Creek Valley, then climb another ~500 feet to reach Poia Lake around mile 6.4 (popular campground). Beyond Poia, a gentle valley walk leads to the real work: from roughly mile 9.4 to 12.0 you climb about 1,534 feet in under 2.5 miles via two switchback sets to Red Gap Pass (7,520 feet). The red rock you’ll see up high is Grinnell argillite, and there’s a small tarn just below the pass.

From the pass, the views are the money: Old Sun Glacier and Mount Merritt, the wide Belly River country, Elizabeth Lake, and a skyline studded with Seward, Henkel, Crowfeet, and Apikuni. The descent is steep—over 2,500 feet in just over 4.5 miles—past the Ptarmigan Trail junction (~mile 14.6) to Elizabeth Lake. Elizabeth Lake (Foot) Campground sits near mile ~16.6 and makes a natural second night.

To close the loop back to Many Glacier, backtrack about 2 miles to the Ptarmigan junction, then climb roughly 2,500 feet to and through Ptarmigan Tunnel and descend about 2,400 feet past Ptarmigan Lake to the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn area in roughly 9.8 miles. From there, plan on a ~3‑mile road walk back to your starting trailhead.

Difficulty, Conditions, and Crowd Level

This is a strenuous hike with prolonged climbs and long, steep descents. Snow can linger on high, steep sections well into summer. Expect wind at Red Gap Pass, mud and churned tread where stock travel, and bugs around Poia and Elizabeth (especially after wet weather). Cell service is unreliable—download maps ahead of time. Despite the scenery, it’s typically less crowded than the park’s marquee day hikes.

Camping and Logistics

Poia Lake and Elizabeth Lake (Foot) are the two primary backcountry campgrounds used on this loop, and permits are required. Keep your pack weight honest—the “yo‑yo” profile and the pass climb make extra pounds hurt. A common 3‑day plan is: Night 1 Poia, Night 2 Elizabeth, exit via Ptarmigan Tunnel on Day 3.

Best Time to Hike

Aim for mid to late summer for the best shot at a melted‑out pass and open Ptarmigan Tunnel doors (typically mid‑July through October 1, weather permitting). Expect strong winds and fast weather changes on the pass any month. If you’re day‑hiking, early starts help with lighting and heat; for the backpack, enjoy golden light on Elizabeth Lake mornings. As a day hike, Poia Lake is fine but not Many Glacier’s top out‑and‑back; the loop shines as a backpack.