My first trip to GNP I admittedly, had no idea what I was getting myself into. I left Abbotsford around 3 AM to arrive in the park just after sunrise with plans to solo the Abbott Ridge trail and finish up in time to drive to Golden and surprise Matt around 1PM.

I arrived in the park mid-week, early in the morning and it was a ghost town. I packed up my gear and set-off for the trail. I was quickly greeted by the unmanned parks desk which was host to a white board outlining all the recent wildlife sightings (there were alot). At least it had been 2 days since the last grizzly sighting I told myself. 

I checked my phone and realized I had a small bit of reception and decided it would be a good time to call my brother and wish him a happy birthday (and keep him on the phone as long as possible to ease my anxiety). 

The Abbott Ridge Trail takes you up through the forest into true alpine tundra and ends on a narrow ridge with amazing 360 degree views.

Glacier National Park is known for it’s steep and scenic trails and this trail was no exception. The forest trail had a number of switchbacks and was otherwise unmemorable, I weaved my way up as quick as possible in hopes of avoiding any bear encountrers in the trees.

Once you make it to the top of the switchbacks you make your may into a beautiful wide-open alpine meadow surrounded in beautiful peaks. You then make your way across the meadow, wrap around the back side of the ridge and begin your final climb.

From the ridge you can see all the way down to the highway in one direction and out to Illecillewaet Glacier in the other, standing on the oposing side from Glacier Crest Trail (another favourite in this park)!

• Distance: 15.6km* roundtrip

• Elevation Gain: 1030m

• Type: Out and Back

• Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult Hike 

• Location: Illecillewaet Valley or Illecillewaet Campground*

• Access: Paved Road

Gear:

I’ve put together a Day Hiking Checklist with a complete list of gear recommendations.

And as always, here’s a few reminders for recreating responsibly from the Parks Canada team and Leave No Trace Canada:

Rules for exploring our beautiful backyard:

Plan and prepare:

• Plan your travel route

• Get your Parks Canada pass

• Know the terrain and conditions - you can find detailed information about trail conditions, warnings and closures, fire updates and wildlife on the Parks Canada Website

• Check the weather

• Fill out a trip plan (check out AdventureSmart for more information)

Be considerate of other visitors:

• On narrow trails, give way to uphill hikers.

• Take breaks on durable surfaces off the trail.

• Give freedom for the sounds of nature. Avoid excessive noise. 

• Pack out what you pack in, and help clean up the trails on your adventures.

And most importantly, have fun! 

Parks Website: 

• Glacier National Park

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