Glacier National Park: Swiftcurrent Mountain via Granite Park Trail
Glacier National Park: Swiftcurrent Mountain via Granite Park Trail
This 12.3-mile, out-and-back trek to Swiftcurrent Mountain is loaded with heavenly views of the Continental Divide, plus the McDonald and Many Glacier valleys.
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PERMIT: Overnight camping in Glacier National Park requires a backcountry permit. Check out the latest fees and more details at nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm.
MORE PARK INFO: Glacier National Park, (406) 888-7800; nps.gov/glac/.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 19.8
Waypoints
GPT001
Location: 48.7548307, -113.8003778
Trailhead for The Loop; head N uphill
GPT002
Location: 48.7569244, -113.807373
Continue straight on Granite Park Trail
GPT003
Location: 48.7604325, -113.7843275
Swing N around Granite Park; signs of the Trapper Fire in 2003 remain; regeneration in full force
GPT004
Location: 48.7650153, -113.7841558
Watch for bighorn, mountain goats, and black bear on rocky outcrops
GPT005
Location: 48.7686642, -113.7771177
Veer R @ Y
GPT006
Location: 48.7703613, -113.7716246
Granite Park Chalet; good rest spot
GPT007
Location: 48.7712664, -113.7708521
Bear L, staying on Granite Park Trail
GPT008
Location: 48.7762159, -113.7678051
Peer @ the sheer ledges of the Garden Wall to the E
GPT009
Location: 48.7778279, -113.7652731
Swiftcurrent Pass straddles Continental Divide; turn L onto hardscrabble summit trail
GPT010
Location: 48.7793975, -113.7695646
Trail busts above treeline; series of switchbacks
GPT011
Location: 48.7854913, -113.766861
Swiftcurrent Mtn. Lookout (8,436 ft.); look N for views of the Divide, Ipasha Peak, and North Swiftcurrent Glacier; return to trailhead
