Panorama from the Piegan Pass hike in Glacier National Park, Montana
Panorama from the Piegan Pass hike in Glacier National Park, Montana

Piegan Pass Trail

Glacier National Park
View Photos
River at Piegan Pass Hike in Glacier National ParkPiegan Pass Hike in Glacier National Park has beautiful mountain viewsLandscape at Piegan Pass Hike in Glacier National ParkTrail of Piegan Pass Hike in Glacier National ParkPiegan Pass Hike in Glacier National ParkPiegan Pass Hike Glacier National ParkPiegan Pass Trail in Glacier National ParkMountain at Piegan Pass Hike in Glacier National ParkLandscape view at Piegan Pass Hike in Glacier National Park

Piegan Pass Trail

Distance: 9.1mi
Elevation: 1,804ft
Time: 4-6h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.5 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

Piegan Pass Trail is a great day out in the Many Glacier area that will take you to a spectacular viewpoint, complete with stunning mountain scenery. If you’re adventurous, try combining this with the Siyeh Pass trail, but that’s a darn long day!

Piegan Pass Trail Map

Getting there

Park at Siyeh Bend along the Going-to-the-Sun Rd, 2.2mi east of Logan Pass. Parking is very limited so get here early. The Piegan Pass Trailhead is right by Siyeh Creek, on the far side of the road.

I’ve done this 73 people have done this
I want to do this 86 want to do this route

About

When to do

June through September

Backcountry Campsites

No

Toilets

Trailhead

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

Moderate

Route Type

Out and back


Piegan Pass Trail
Elevation Graph


Piegan Pass Trail Description

You start the Piegan Pass trail hiking beside the Siyeh Creek in an open meadow. In the distance, there is a faint trail in front of you, running across the open rocky ridge. Your trail, however, veers right and takes you through a dense forest. The trail is very clear – typical for all park trails – and is well signposted. Follow the signs for the Siyeh Pass Junction.

As you climb, the trail will start to turn left again and you will begin to pass through several small meadows. These meadows give you the first view of Piegan Mountain across the valley and Mahtapi Peak above the path. Continue the gentle climb as you contour along the right side of the valley.

Finally, after 2.6mi of hiking, you will reach the Siyeh Pass Junction. Turn left to continue to our objective. Cross a stream then hike another couple hundred meters in the trees. Finally, emerge from the trees and enjoy gorgeous views down the valley across to Heavy Runner Mountain. Make sure to savor the panoramic views of Piegan Mountain as the objective becomes clear across the scree slope.

After almost 4.5mi you will come to the top of the grassy pass. Many people stop at the apex of the pass, however the most stunning views come from continuing down the other side of the pass to the end of the first switchback. Resting there gives you superb views of Cataract Mountain to your right and Piegan Mountain to your left, with the astounding sheer faces of Pollock Mountain, Bishop Cap, and Mount Gould running out down the valley.

Piegan Pass was one of four hikes in Glacier to have had a large train bell at the top. Along with Swiftcurrent Pass, Scenic Point, and Siyeh Pass, the bells were placed to advertise the local chalets and the Great Northern Railway. It also went along with the old Swiss custom of ringing bells from mountaintops to hear the vast echo. Placed in 1929, the Piegan Pass Bell was taken down in 1943 to donate to the scrap metal drive during World War II.

Return the way you came and soak the 360-degree panoramic views until you return to the tree line.

Find more epic hikes in Glacier National Park

Insider Hints

  • Get here early to get a parking space or be prepared to use the free shuttle system in Glacier.

  • There are numerous options to extend this trip by hiking into the Many Glacier area or over to Siyeh Pass.

Comments

Ben Hanes 4 years ago

It was an interesting and fulfilling hike! There are few switchbacks, but there are plenty of good spots to rest along the way.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Suzy TQ 4 years ago

I highly recommend this hike it had beautiful views!! We really enjoyed every minute of the hike.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
5h 00m Time Taken
Jellybean 4 years ago

This hike exceeded my expectations! The wildflowers on the route were exceptional the Bear Grass was blooming which was gorgeous.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
5h 00m Time Taken
Stewart Graham 4 years ago

A well marked path with great views of the valleys and the lake.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
footfall 4 years ago

Gorgeous waterfalls, lots of alpine flowers. Very sturdy hiking boots required, poles recommended.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Zoey Mann 4 years ago

The views are so cool! Perfect for climbers, hikers and sightseers!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
masonH. 4 years ago

If your family love the outdoors, great views, and great hiking, Piegan Pass is for you!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
MissGiggles 4 years ago

Starting the hike through the forest and ending up above the the treeline. The scenery are adorable.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
5h 00m Time Taken
Aska Tanaka 5 years ago

This was a really beautiful, easy and family-friendly hike to an impressive valley. Breathtaking spot.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Polina Ivanov 5 years ago

After the hike I also did Siyeh Pass. Very nice experience!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
16 Comments Show all

Similar hikes to the Piegan Pass Trail hike

Fish Lake Trail Map

Fish Lake Trail

Difficulty:
5.5mi
1339ft
2.5-4h

Fish Lake Trail is a mix between relaxing and heart pumping. The start of the trail takes you through a…

Quartz Creek Trail Map

Quartz Creek Trail

Difficulty:
13.8mi
1083ft
5-7h

Quartz Creek Trail is a relaxing hike on a remote trail in Glacier National Park. The hike takes you through…

Snyder Ridge Trail Map

Snyder Ridge Trail

Difficulty:
11.7mi
2543ft
5.5-7.5h

Hiking through Snyder Ridge Trail takes you through a forest for most of the trail that follows the ridge along…