Scenic Point Out and Back

Dogs No Dogs

Features Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Venture up above Appistoki Creek to Scenic Point for unobstructed views of the Two Medicine area and beyond as you stand at the border between the rocky mountains and the plains.

An alternate run option is to head down to East Glacier from Scenic Point, making the trip approximately 10 miles instead of turning back from the high point. The paid shuttle on the east side of the park can be used to return to your vehicle. For this alternate route, you'll need a tribal permit as this route heads onto Blackfeet Tribal Land.

Scenic Point is an appropriately-named run in the Two Medicine area. Just before entering Two Medicine's developed area, a sign for Scenic Point on the south side of the road directs you to the parking lot.

The run begins on the Mt. Henry Trail as it heads through some scraggly pines, following Appistoki Creek up the drainage. The trail climbs steadily at a steep grade but quickly gains numerous great views right after reaching an aerial view of Appistoki Falls. As the trail ascends, you'll find yourself in a forest of old, twisted, gray trees and great views looking towards Two Medicine Lake.

From the saddle, the trail begins to level out and gradually slopes down to Scenic Point. The saddle is a popular location for large, male bighorn rams, so be alert as they feed and bed down on either side of the trail. Keep an eye also on the northeast face of Appistoki Peak for more bighorn sheep.

The trail traverses across a cliffy area with stunning views down into the basin that you've just left. Continuing past, the trail opens up to alpine meadows to Scenic Point. Beyond, the breathtaking plains below come into view. From the summit, you can look down toward Lower Two Medicine Lake, which is over 2,500 vertical feet below. The summit is usually as windy as it is beautiful, so make sure you take a jacket and don't leave anything loose on your pack.

Take some photos, refuel with snacks or lunch, and get ready to head back down the same way you came up.

This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to run.

Bighorn sheep are common in the area. Once up on the drier alpine, the low growing shrubs pop with colorful blooms in spring and early summer.