Ptarmigan Trail - Altyn/Henkel Connector

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors

This trail historically was used when most visitors took horses from Many Glacier Hotel up and through the Ptarmigan Tunnel and past Iceberg Lake. Since the building of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, most visitors start running to the Ptarmigan Tunnel from the parking lot of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn at the new trailhead. This trail is closed most of the season to provide bears access to an important food source without human interference.

The trail breaks off from the Swiftcurrent Lake Trail and crosses the road. It enters a small stand of trees, then breaks out into an avalanche chute with great views of Swiftcurrent Lake, the Many Glacier Hotel, and the surrounding mountains. It then enters a hall of trees and wraps around the ridge coming down from Altyn Peak. The Swiftcurrent Pass - Altyn/Henkel Connector breaks off to the left where you gain some elevation until you join up with the Ptarmigan Trail.

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.