The heavy steel doors were added in 1975, and are opened in early July. This amazing tunnel is 250 feet long, and is always a blast to walk through. The Ptarmigan Tunnel in Glacier National Park was built in 1930, for the purposes of connecting the Many Glacier Area with the Belly River Area for multi-day hikers and tourist /guide horses. We have seen mountain goats high above on these cliffs. Pinnacle Wall), which the trail will parallel all the way to Ptarmigan Tunnel. To your left (west) is the famous Ptarmigan Wall (a.k.a. with or without an overnight pack on your back! The forest eventually opens up and you may luck out and see large open meadows of bear grass if your timing is right. The further up the trail you get, the steeper the trail becomes, so get ready for a great cardiovascular workout. As the trail climbs in elevation, you will begin to see a unique view of Mount Wilbur to the south. If you go straight (left) you will end up at Iceberg Lake.Īt the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail Junction in Glacier National Park, the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail begins to head straight north as it works its way through a heavily wooded section of forest. Take a right at this junction, which is the official start of the Ptarmigan Trail. Only about a tenth of a mile from Ptarmigan Creek foot bridge in Glacier National Park, you will encounter the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail Junction. The entire hike up to the Ptarmigan Tunnel is extremely scenic and enjoyable, so take your time and take it all in! Directly to the west is the mighty Mount Wilbur, and further beyond Wilbur to the south is Swiftcurrent Mountain. You can't help but notice the towering sharp peak of Grinnell Mountain to the southwest, as well as Swiftcurrent Glacier just west of Grinnell Mountain. And during certain times of the season, this open slope will be covered in wildflowers, whether it be bear grass or several of the other common wildflowers in the area, such as Lupine, Mountain Asters, etc.Īs the trail continues to gradually climb in elevation as it works it's way to the northwest, the views to the south and west get more and more incredible as you gaze into the amazing Many Glacier Valley. You may also see a moose below you (left) in the willows and pines above Wilbur Creek. Look for bighorn sheep, black bear and grizzly bears on this open slope above you. but it will get you attention that's for sure! The trail will then gradually work its way around the south base of the towering Mount Henkel, which is above you directly to the north. The Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail (officially called the Iceberg Lake Trail on this section of the hike) in Glacier National Park climbs quite abruptly for the first half mile or so, then levels off, so don't panic this first half mile. Once you reach Ptarmigan Tunnel and after you've enjoyed the view on the other side, then we highly recommend that you continue hiking about about a half mile down the other side along the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail so you can get an exception view of the magnificent Mount Merritt and the famous Old Sun Glacier that rests on Merritt's east face. With this in mind, we strongly recommend that hikers be in good physical condition before attempting this popular Glacier Park hike. The Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail in Glacier National Park climbs 2,492 vertical feet as it takes you through Ptarmigan Tunnel, which is at an elevation of 7,200 feet above sea level. Includes Elizabeth Lake), as well as the exit trail for those multi-day hikers who are hiking the Red Gap Pass Trail (which includes Poia Lake and Red Gap Pass). The Ptarmigan Trail (which includes Ptarmigan Tunnel) is also a very popular entrance trail or exit trail for multi-day hikers entering or leaving the Belly River Area (which Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail) is a very popular Glacier Park hike in the Many Glacier Area. Ptarmigan Tunnel along the Ptarmigan Trail (a.k.a.
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