Elk Mountain Trail
Table of contents
Elk Mountain Trail is a challenging hike completely uphill that will test your abilities. After a long and steep hike, you will come to an open area where views of the Southern end of Glacier National Park, the Great Bear Wilderness, and the plains and Blackfeet Reservation come into view. As you ascend higher, you will summit at the top, and you can take in stunning views of the surrounding area, and Mount St. Nicholas will appear.
Route Description for Elk Mountain Trail
This is a popular trail among more experienced hikers as it is a steep incline all the way to the summit. The hike begins at Fielding Coal Creek Trailhead, and you continue along here until you reach a set of train tracks at 1.6 km deep.
At 1.1 miles in, you will see the Patrol Cabin, and just 0.2 km further will be the trailhead for Elk Mountain Trail. Continue to ascend, and you will come upon the summit at 6.0 km. Take in the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and when you are finished, head back the way you came as this is an out and back trail.
Find more epic hikes in Glacier National Park
Getting to the Elk Mountain Trail Trailhead
To get to Elk Mountain Trail from Essex, head northeast on Izaak Walton Rd/Izaak Walton Inn Rd toward US-2 West for 1.0 km. Turn right onto US-2 East and reach your final destination at 20.8 km.
Route Information
When to do:
April - October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back
Elk Mountain Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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