Glacier National Park is one of the most gorgeous places on earth, so it’s only natural that a whole lot of people flock to it throughout the year. During the late spring and summer, the park’s most popular trails can be downright crowded, making it less of a magical excursion than it should be. But there are ways to avoid the crowds and see the park in peace. One way is by visiting lesser known, almost secret trails that’ll take you away from the throngs of tourists and but still let you enjoy the area’s spectacular beauty. Here are three of the best offbeat trails in Glacier National Park.
Cobalt Lake Trail
Cobalt Lake is located in the Two Medicine area of Glacier, a region that is itself offbeat. It’s not that Two Medicine is a secret necessarily, but rather that it’s not as popular as Logan Pass or Many Glacier. In fact, less than 10% of all Glacier’s visitors make their way to Two Medicine. It’s far less crowded than other park areas, but no less awe-inspiring.
The Cobalt Lake Trail begins at the South Shore Trailhead on Two Medicine Lake. It’s just over an 11-mile round trip that gains 1,450 feet on the way up. Because of its length and vertical climb, the trail is fairly strenuous and should be taken seriously. Kids can certainly handle it, but only if they have trail experience and are able to keep up on their own. Cobalt Lake Trail is a truly magnificent hike, taking you through an area of beaver ponds, amongst forests teeming with wildflowers and fauna, and even across a suspension bridge. The trail ends at the stunning Cobalt Lake, a usually quiet location with breathtaking views of Mt. Rockwell and Sinopah Mountain. It’s an offbeat hike in an offbeat area of Glacier, but one that’s just plain unforgettable.
Dragon’s Tail Trail
Not considered an official Glacier trail and not found on many maps of the area, the Dragon’s Tail hike truly is an offbeat choice for a beautiful trek. The trail sets out from the Logan Pass Visitor’s Center and takes you to the summit of Dragon’s Tail, an 8,580-foot mountain overlooking Hidden Lake.
