Scenic Point Trail – Glacier National Park

Scenic Point Trail is a breathtaking 7.7-mile hike located in the Two Medicine Area of Glacier National Park. True to its name, the trail offers expansive views of the Two Medicine Valley as you ascend, along with sweeping vistas of the prairies stretching out toward the Blackfeet Reservation. With an elevation gain of 2,365 feet over 3.8 miles, this hike is fairly steep, earning it a Trekking Wild rating of “hard.”

Trail Conditions

We hiked Scenic Point on June 13th and encountered some lingering snow patches. If you plan to hike earlier in the season, be prepared for similar conditions. The trail is very exposed, offering little shade, which means you’ll likely contend with both sun and wind. The Two Medicine Valley is notorious for strong winds, so dress accordingly. Fortunately, we had perfect weather during our hike.

Wildlife

During our hike, we shared the trail with numerous bighorn sheep and spotted a couple of mountain goats. Keep in mind that this is grizzly bear country. Always carry a bear deterrent, such as bear spray, and keep it easily accessible. For more tips on staying safe in bear country, check out our article: Staying Safe: Tools for Hiking in Grizzly Bear Country.

Getting There

The Two Medicine entrance is located in the southeast corner of Glacier National Park. If you’re coming from towns west of the park like Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, or Bigfork, expect a bit of a drive:

Columbia Falls: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes

Kalispell: Just over 2 hours

Parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. To secure a spot, aim to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Just ensure you have enough daylight to complete your hike safely.

Important Information

Visitor Requirements: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Glacier National Park has seen a significant rise in visitor numbers. To manage this, the park has implemented vehicle pass requirements, including timed entry reservations in some areas. These policies can change annually, so be sure to check the latest guidelines before your trip.

Pets: Pets are not allowed on hiking trails in Glacier National Park. Please leave them at home.

Final Thoughts

Scenic Point is a must-see hike in the Two Medicine area. This region of Glacier National Park boasts stunning vistas, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. If you’re planning a visit to Glacier, we highly recommend adding Scenic Point Trail to your itinerary.