Highline Trail / Ptarmigan Tunnel, North Circle, Glacier National Park, Montana hiking

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where is the NORTH CIRCLE?

Check our maps for more detail.

Where are the trailheads?

The main trailhead is Many Glacier. But Waterton, Canada is where we recommend you start.

Logan Pass is not a bad trailhead, either.

Check our recommended hiking routes.

You could also start at Belly River Ranger Station.

How do I get there?

Many Glacier is best accessed from Kalispell or Great Falls, Montana.

Waterton is most convenient from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Logan Pass is closest to Kalispell, Montana.

Check transportation options in our Details section.

What does it cost to hike Glacier?

The main expense for hikers is travel to Montana or Alberta. The cost of the hike itself is negligible.

We spent, for example, US$230 on a 2005 North Circle 7-day hike including travel to & from Calgary, Alberta:

+ transport by Greyhound Calgary to Pincher Creek, Alberta = US$35/ person.
hitchhiked the last 45km from Pincher Creek to Waterton

+ boat from Waterton, Canada > Goat Haunt, Montana = US$15 / person.
Excellent, scenic ride.

+ Trekking Permit for Glacier Park = US$20 / person

+ food = US$80 / person including fuel for the camp stove

+ boat from Goat Haunt > Waterton = US$15 / person.

+ hostel > Waterton = US$30 / person / night

+ transport by Greyhound Calgary to Pincher Creek, Alberta = US$35/ person.
hitchhiked to Pincher Creek

costs for entry to Glacier National Park <2005>

Single Person Entry - $10 for a 7-day pass
Single Vehicle Entry - $20 for a 7-day pass
Glacier National Park Pass - $25 for a one-year pass
National Parks Pass - $50 for a one-year pass
Golden Age Passport - $10 for a lifetime pass
Golden Access Passport - No fee for a lifetime pass