Glacier Basin via Monte Cristo Trail

Oh, Glacier Basin. This is a gorgeous destination worth the effort required to reach it on Monte Cristo Trail. This approach is long and requires some scrambling, but a flatter start and the opportunity to break it up into a backpacking trip make it very doable. Some people ride their bikes to Monte Cristo to speed up the hike, which is a good option if you’re wanting to be on foot for less than 13.0mi.

The hike begins from the Barlow Pass trailhead area. Head south to take Monte Cristo Trail as it follows the South Fork Souk River. There are a few junctions- just keep straight. You’ll cross the river a few times on bridges.

Arriving in Monte Cristo, pay attention to the signage to get to Dumas Street Trail, then turn right onto Glacier Basin Trail. As you hike to the end of Glacier Creek and beyond, it gets harder and steeper, climbing 2000ft or in 2.0mi.

There is a scramble approaching the basin that has had a rope present to assist previously, but don’t count on the rope always being there (it may wear away eventually and may or may not be replaced). Take your time, especially if it’s slick.

Enjoy the basin before retracing your steps through Monte Cristo to the trailhead. Thankfully, the downclimb on the scramble generally isn’t too challenging.