Abbott Ridge Trail

Route Description for Abbott Ridge Trail

The Abbott Ridge Trail is a challenging hiking route in Glacier National Park that will take hikers uphill along a series of switchbacks to the beautiful waters of Marion Lake before continuing to the amazing views from atop Abbott Ridge. This route is right in the heart of bear country, so make sure that you travel in groups, make noise along the trail, and carry bear spray to avoid any potentially dangerous encounters. For those looking to stay the night near the trail, there are options for camping at the nearby Illecillewaet Campground, or you can utilize the Arthur O. Wheeler Hut at the beginning of the trail.

Setting out from the parking area, make your way past Wheeler Hut and head right to cross over the Illecillewaet River. Take the next trail that branches off to the left and keep right to skirt alongside the Great Glacier House on a route up to Marion Lake. This route will pass through a series of switchbacks the entire way up to the lake as you steadily gain elevation. Reaching the beautiful lake, head right for 200 m along a short path to a viewpoint overlooking Rogers Pass before making your way back to the main trail.

Continuing uphill, take the path to the right when you reach the fork in the trail to set off on a steep route to Abbott Ridge. Keep right along the trail as you climb uphill and are surrounded by amazing views that reach out in all directions. Eventually, you will reach a rockwall that is a natural stopping point for many hikers. Push on a bit further to get to the top of Abbott Ridge for some of the best views that you will find in any of Canada’s parks. To the northeast, you will see Mount Sir Donald at a majestic height of 3,284 m and to the west across Highway 1, you will find Cheops, Cougar, and Grizzly Mountains.

After taking in the views, head back down along the Abbott Ridge Trail to return to the carpark below. Reaching the first junction, take the path to the right for a more gradual descent with scenic views.