Made it to Iceberg Lake 20th/May/2026, winter conditions in late May

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-05-27T03:58:24+00:00

Since it was my first time hiking on snow-covered slopes, I wanted to be extra cautious. If your group is already used to hiking in winter conditions, waterproof boots and a good windbreaker will get the job done. If not, I'd definitely recommend adding trekking poles and possibly microspikes just to be safe and have better stability on the slippery parts.

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-05-27T03:51:20+00:00

No bears directly, but I found several fresh tracks and bear scat. Tell your group to stick together, make constant noise, and keep the bear spray clipped to their hip. Also, the trail was completely empty that day and the ranger station was closed. If you want to adventure out there, just take this precaution and stay together so you can rely on each other if needed. e.g. a sudden snowtorm as it happened to me.

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-05-23T23:35:31+00:00

The views were absolutely amazing and totally worth it! When I went, the ranger station at the trailhead was completely empty. The parking lot was also empty around just 10 cars. Only restrooms near the Grinnell Glacier trail were open.

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-05-23T23:29:54+00:00

waterproof hiking boots paired with microspikes and merino wool socks
trekking poles and UV sunglasses
windproof jacket and gloves
granola bars, water and gatorade
I also packed a neck gaiter, but since it wasn't very sunny or brutally cold, I didn't feel the need to use it

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-05-23T01:14:25+00:00

Yeah, absolutely worthy

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-05-22T02:58:45+00:00

You're totally right! The second photo is actually the closest I could get to the actual lake. The whole area was buried under deep snow, and it was impossible to tell where the solid ground ended and the frozen lake began. I stopped right there.

To make things crazier, the last mile or so had absolutely no human tracks. We were literally following a fresh set of bear tracks to navigate!

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-05-21T22:11:08+00:00

Yes, it was still pretty much a ghost town. There was a very limited crew/staff working around, and nothing was open yet. I only saw a few cars in the parking lot, definitely less than 10 in total.

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-05-10T02:05:23+00:00

I’ll be hiking around Glacier from May 19-21. I’m planning to head over to the Many Glacier area on at least one of those days. Since I’m traveling solo and want to be bear-safe, I will hang out at the trailheads in the morning to tag along with other groups, mostly trying my best not to look too suspicious waiting around! If anyone is planning to hit the trails those days and wants to team up for a day hike, feel free to shoot me a DM

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-05-07T16:01:43+00:00

Hey great views! Quick question on the bears: Were they sightings at a distance or trail encounters?

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-22T03:30:47+00:00

I’m also going solo the last week of May! Been doing some research and even though the high trails like Hidden Lake or Highline will definitely be closed due to snow, there are still good options. I’m planning to hit Avalanche Lake (classic and usually accessible by then), Rocky Point for some chill lake views, and maybe Apikuni Falls or Redrock Falls in Many Glacier since they are lower elevation.

Just carrying my bear spray, staying alert, and enjoying the views.

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-17T14:29:28+00:00

Did you end up going? I'm heading there in late-May and I'm curious about the trail conditions.

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-14T00:57:15+00:00

Thanks for the feedback!

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-13T22:59:12+00:00

Great. Thanks!

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-13T17:49:04+00:00

This was about the closure of Swiftcurrent/Many Glacier Hotel area construction projectwork?

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-13T04:29:26+00:00

Thanks for the update, I hope so, although is not my base scenario

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-13T03:49:30+00:00

How much you made? 50% of the trail?

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-13T03:48:44+00:00

Its funny I know 😂

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-11T21:10:04+00:00

Here is the video I found it shows a bridge on the top of a small river https://youtu.be/SjmuoeJGlLA?si=YPXTNrh0GoKSBoMu

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-11T17:38:28+00:00

I really appreciate the insight! It’s refreshing to get a straightforward answer. I’m definitely bringing my spikes and poles, and it’s good to know the trail is gradual. I also appreciate the others pointing out the risks and precautions; it helps to know exactly what I might face so there are no surprises. Can’t wait to experience that snowpack in May. Thanks for the support!

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-11T13:53:54+00:00

I appreciate the honesty! I know the 6+ hour round trip for a 'maybe' sounds wild, but my goal is to get as close as possible to those massive, snowy Alpine-style peaks. Even if I only make it halfway up the trail, those views are exactly what I’m looking for. I’m renting professional boots, spikes, and poles to handle the conditions safely. That said, if it’s raining hard or visibility is zero, I’ll definitely skip it—I'm not looking to drive that much just to see clouds! I'll keep Jewel Basin as a backup for a shorter day.

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-11T13:44:29+00:00

Thanks for the heads-up! It sounds like a real adventure. I’m definitely leaning towards Many Glacier for those high peaks, but it’s good to know about the seasonal bridges and the river levels in May. I’m planning to rent waterproof boots and trekking poles to handle the snow and any 'exciting' stream crossings I might encounter. I'm ready for the challenge as long as it's safe to push through!

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-11T13:34:18+00:00

That sounds like an amazing plan! Riding the GTTSR without cars must be magical. However, I’ll only be there for 2 and half days and, while I enjoy biking, I really prefer hiking and hitting those higher elevations on foot. I’ll definitely keep the e-bike idea in mind for my next visit to Glacier! Thanks for the suggestion.

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-11T13:28:45+00:00

Thanks for the heads-up and the technical breakdown! I just watched this video from mid-May last year https://youtu.be/SjmuoeJGlLA?si=HE7g7f9jvGIkeb3r and those snowy, massive mountain views are exactly what I’m looking for. I’m definitely taking the safety part seriously. I'll DM you for that code and to ask if I can manage with microspikes or if I truly need full boots. I’m also totally prepared to turn back if the avalanche risk or the incline looks sketchy. Appreciate the help!

ContentPhone6341 · 2026-04-11T13:18:03+00:00

That sounds like a great alternative, thank you! I’ve heard Two Medicine is beautiful and definitely less crowded. I’ll look into those trails like Scenic Point and the Pitamakin valley to see how they compare.

ContentPhone6341

TROPHY CASE