Glacier North Loop Hiking Guide

Questions

How long is the Northern Loop in Glacier National Park?

My loop from the Many Glacier Road over Red Gap Pass was 64.9 miles (104.5 km) on my GPS, with about 11,180 ft of climbing, in three days in October 2024. Through the Ptarmigan Tunnel from Many Glacier, trip reports give about 53 to 65 miles; most people take four to six days.

Do you need a permit to backpack in Glacier National Park?

Yes. Every night in the backcountry needs a wilderness permit, at designated campgrounds only. In 2026 it cost $10 per permit plus $7 per person per night from May 1 to October 31. Advance reservations on Recreation.gov cover trips from June 15 to September 30; the rest are walk-up permits, in person, the day before or the day you start.

Can you get a walk-up permit in October?

Yes, and it's the only way in October. On the 2026 schedule, Many Glacier's permit office closed September 27 and St. Mary's October 4, so Apgar, on the west side, was the only office open through October 31 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m., last permit 3:30 p.m.).

When is the Ptarmigan Tunnel open?

The park says its doors usually open in mid-July and close by late September. When it's closed, Red Gap Pass is the way from the Many Glacier Road to Elizabeth Lake, which is what I did on October 10, 2024.

Is it safe to hike alone in Glacier National Park?

The park advises against it: hiking in groups greatly reduces bad bear encounters, and no attack on a group of four or more has been reported in Glacier. I went alone. If you do, carry bear spray within reach, call out and clap often, and finish before dusk.

Where do you camp on the Northern Loop?

Only at designated wilderness campgrounds on your permit. I camped at Elizabeth Lake Foot and Stoney Indian Lake, and had Granite Park booked for a third night. Other camps on the loop include Poia Lake, Cosley Lake, Glenns Lake, Mokowanis Junction and Fifty Mountain.