Definitely put this hike on your to-do list the next time (or the first time) you’re in Rocky. I’ve done it twice now and look forward to hiking it again in the not-too-distant future.

How to Get There

The trailhead is on the east side of the Park, not far from Moraine Park Campground, where we camped on our first trip there. Take Bear Lake Road off Highway 36, coming from Estes Park.

There’s a sizeable parking lot right there at the trailhead—which is also where the short paved walk to Bear Lake begins. But the parking lot fills up quickly during the busy summer season—as early as 9:00 a.m. Your best bet is to take a shuttle from the Park-and-Ride along Bear Lake Road.

(You can see all this on the Park map here.)

On our 2015 trip, we had settled on seeing Bear Lake, so we took the shuttle there. Upon our arrival, a very helpful ranger suggested we take the trail to Dream Lake, too. She said the 2-mile round-trip hike was well worth it.

Are we ever glad we took her advice!

(Incidentally, this has happened to us before. If someone who knows the area suggests a hike, do it! We haven’t regretted it yet.)

Why we loved the Dream Lake Hike

The Views Along the Way

The views were the definite highlight. First we swung by Bear Lake, which is barely stepping away from the parking lot. Then we proceeded up the trail on the way to Dream Lake.

Shortly after we hiked past the second lake, which is Nymph Lake, our son and nephew led the way, scrambling up some rocks. We all decided to follow, and WOW—this was the treat in store for us:

Not bad, eh?! That’s Long’s Peak, the highest peak in Rocky at 14,259 feet.

There were great views like this in several places along the trail.

An Easy Hike for the Whole Family

This trail is 2.2 miles roundtrip, with only 450 feet of elevation gain. That’s pretty tame for the mountains.

The path is wide and well-worn. Very suitable for both young children (we saw many) and older adults. The youngest in our group was 8, and he handled it very easily.

Dream Lake

Dream Lake is the quintessential mountain lake with peaks that seem to climb right up off its shores, plenty of trees and the crystal clear water. There are plenty of places for the kids to climb around, and options to sit on the rocks and enjoy the view.

No Bugs!

As with Rocky in general, there are hardly any mosquitoes and flies. Truly a blessed thing for those of us from the Midwest!

What’s Not to Love

The Crowds

This hike is still very much worth it, even if you’re there on a busy summer day with dozens of others, like we were.

But if you prefer a more solitary hike, avoid July and August certainly, and maybe even the last half of June. Or get up very early and be on the trail by 6:00 or 7:00 a.m.

Still, not everyone who’s there to see Bear Lake bothers to take the hike to Dream Lake—or maybe they don’t know how great it is because they didn’t ask anyone!

On my second time there, three years later, it was in late May. There were a handful of people, but not nearly as many as during the summer season. We were easily able to park at the trailhead even at midday.

So shoulder season is always a good idea to avoid the crowds.

That’s really the only thing not to love. And for another reminder why you should do this hike, here’s an additional view from along the trail:

Pretty gorgeous, huh?

What Else to Know about This Hike

Prepare for the Altitude

After doing several mountain hikes in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, I’ve discovered the altitude doesn’t really bother me, other than extra breathlessness.

But it affects some people quite a bit. It can cause headaches, nausea, heavy breathing and fatigue.

People usually suggest being in the area for a couple of days before you take on strenuous activities like mountain hikes. That gives your body a chance to acclimate.

Bring drinking water and some light, healthy snacks to help any symptoms you may get.

Bring Rain Gear

Like on any mountain hike, you’ll want rain gear with you just in case. An afternoon shower is common in the mountains.

Our first time there the sky was blue when we started out. By the time we headed back, it was raining lightly.

Do More If You Can

We didn’t take the time, but as you can see from the map, you can continue taking the trail to the west for Emerald Lake. Or take another trail toward the south and Lake Haiyaha.

I’m sure any of the trails in that part of Rocky are stunning. Again, one day I’d like to go back and take a full day (during shoulder season, preferably) to hike further in for more Rocky gorgeousness.

The Final Word

If you’re planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to write this hike on your itinerary. Some of the most beautiful views in the Park are along this easy, accessible trail.

Go to this National Park Service’s page for info on fees, passes and timed entry reservations.

Mountains, trees, wildflowers, streams and lakes are such a vivid display of God’s beauty, creativity and blessing.

I think it’s so special that—unlike any of the other species on earth—He created us to be able to enjoy these wonders. To benefit from them emotionally, spiritually and physically.

What a gift!

Okay, one more photo:

Here’s more…

• Beautiful Snowshoeing near Breckenridge, Colorado
• Why the Bible Reminds Us God is the Creator
• How to Plan an Epic Family Road Trip

The post Don’t Miss the Dream Lake Hike When You Visit Rocky first appeared on Heaven and Nature.

First, let’s get the pronunciation right. It’s “MackiNAW” not “MackiNACK” despite its spelling. (I knew that because I spent a few years of my childhood in Michigan just an hour south of the Island.)

It’s in the Straits of Mackinac, the 3.5-mile stretch of water that connects Lakes Michigan and Huron, and divides Upper and Lower Michigan.

My sister, Lisa, and I visited the Island several decades after our first time there—a 6th grade class trip for each of us when our family lived there.

It’s a place you’ll want to visit, too!

No Motor Vehicles Allowed

Highway M-185 that circumnavigates Mackinac Island is the only state highway in the country on which motor vehicles aren’t allowed.

The ban was enacted into Island law in 1898 with the arrival of the “horseless carriage” and has never been rescinded. It’s part of what makes this place so unique! For more history on this, click here.

Only bicycle and foot traffic are allowed—foot traffic including the 4-footed hoofed kind. In fact, horses are the main mode of transportation for work (like garbage pickup) and groups (like tourists). And therefore you do need to watch your step!

Bring Your Own Bike or Rent One Easily

Biking your way around Mackinac Island is the best experience because it’s the easiest way to cover the most ground in the shortest amount of time.

You’re welcome to bring your own bike on the ferry, for a moderate charge. Or there are many bike rental shops on the Island once you get there.

Since my sister and I were on a road trip without our bikes, we paid the $40 or so to rent one for about 4 hours. I had, of course (being me), checked out the options ahead of time and knew which company to go with. We could rent by the half-day or hour rather than a full day, which is what we wanted.

The rental bikes usually come with a front basket. Beyond looking quaint, the baskets were very handy to carry our day bags, as well as the outer layers that came off as the temps grew warmer.

There are bike racks at every public place of interest on the Island. We didn’t worry about locking them, as no one else did either. You’ll want to take any valuables with you, but we left water bottles and clothes in the baskets without a problem.

I read somewhere that if you plan to stay overnight on the Island, check with your lodging place. Some of them rent bikes to their guests, and you might get a better deal going through them.

Bike the 8.2-Mile Perimeter

Highway M-185, otherwise known as Lake Shore Drive, is an 8.2 mile loop around the Island. It’s almost all flat, as its right on the shoreline, and easy to bike.

Some of the highlights of this loop include:

• Several historical sites, including areas of skirmish between British and American troops from the late 1700s and early 1800s.
• The beautiful white pebble beaches—take your time to see them!
• Views of the Mackinac Bridge that connect Upper and Lower Michigan over the Straits.
• Constant views of beautiful Lake Huron.
• Easy access to the Island’s most famous natural feature, Arch Rock. You’ll also see it from the road if you look up.

Bike the Inland (Hilly!) Roads & Trails

There are also several roads that criss-cross the Island you can bike. Most of these are either uphill or downhill! We had to walk our bikes up a couple of the biggest, longest hills.

It’s worth getting into the interior, though. Here are some highlights:

• Gorgeous neighborhoods and flowers
• Fort Mackinac, a British stronghold back in the day. There’s a moderate charge to go inside the Fort.
• Mackinac Island State Park has a network of hiking trails. The park covers 80% of the Island, actually, which is something I hadn’t realized before this trip.
• Fort Holmes—a replica of a small fort on the Island’s highest point with amazing views. No charge for this one.
• Cemeteries with graves dating back to the early 1800s. I have a thing about old cemeteries. I like to imagine what life might’ve been like for these folks. There are three cemetaries on the Island, one military and two civilian.

Be Sure to Visit Grand Hotel

One of the world’s most famous hotels and its largest summer hotel, Grand Hotel is a sight to behold. The building itself, with its 660-foot front porch, is impressive and can be seen from miles away. But the grounds—oh my goodness!

The flowers in summer at Grand Hotel are absolutely gorgeous. Not just the cultivated flower beds and boxes along the drive and next to the building. Those are stunning. But there are plenty of flowering trees and shrubs, and an acre or two of wildflowers included in the landscape design.

It’s delightful to walk the grounds and enjoy the beauty, the elegance and the view.

We didn’t choose to go inside for High Tea or lunch, but for quite a lot of money, you can! If you’d like the experience of staying at this marvelous place, room rates start at $395 a night…per person. Their best 400-square foot suites with private balconies and views of the Mackinac Bridge can run $2,800 a night, depending on the season!

Tips for a Better Mackinac Island Bike Experience

Here are a few tips based on our biking experience on Mackinac Island:

Get There Early

We caught the ferry from St. Ignace at about 8:30 on an overcast and cool August morning. If I remember right, it was a Friday. When we got to the Island there were just a handful of other tourists that early.

There were no lines at the bike rental places yet, and hardly any “traffic” in town. The first 3/4 of our bike tour around the Island was with very limited traffic.

By the time we got back to the main part of town again in mid-day, congestion on the main street and in the shops was in full swing.

Make Your Bike Easy to Find

Because most people rent bikes, and they all look somewhat alike, we found it was helpful to keep brightly colored items in our baskets so our bikes were easy to find among the masses. For example, I kept my red flannel shirt in my basket.

It’s not as important at the less-traveled spots like British Landing. But in the bike racks across the street from Grand Hotel, you’ll have to distinguish yours from several hundred others! Make it easy to find and remember where you park it.

Take Your Time and Enjoy Your Day

We couldn’t spend the whole day on the Island because we still had to drive from St. Ignace to Iron Mountain later that afternoon.

But plan to spend at least half a day with your bike to get a good immersion experience. A whole day would be even better, especially if you want to take time to tour some of the sites or do other activities.

Don’t Forget the Famous Fudge

Mackinac Island is famous for its fudge, and you can smell it along the main street! In some of the fudge shops you can watch them make it.

There are dozens of varieties to choose from, and the shops are very accommodating in letting you choose small amounts of several flavors to bring home.

Other Active Ways to Enjoy Mackinac Island

There are other ways to be active on Mackinac Island if you have the time. I’d love to go back someday for #2 and #3 especially!

• There are 70+ miles of hiking trails on the Island, most of which are inside the state park—which is most of the Island. Access the trailheads by bike, then get off and hike for a while for a change of pace. We did this at Arch Rock.
• There’s a kayak outfitter on the Island if you want to see it from the water and enjoy crystal clear Lake Huron. Of course this is weather-dependent. The day we were there was beautifully calm but we didn’t have the time, unfortunately.
• You can see parts of the Island by horseback if you choose. There are a couple stables where you can ride in a group with a guide and pay by the hour. Sure, the horse does most of the work—but what a relaxing and fun way to see this unique destination!

How to Get There

Make your way to either the relaxed little seaside town of St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula or bustling, touristy Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula (they must’ve gotten tired of correcting peoples’ pronunciation, lol!).

[NOTE: You’ll pay a toll every time you cross the big Bridge, so plan your trips between these two towns wisely.]

Two companies offer ferries to the Island from both these towns every 20 minutes or so, from the end of May to the end of October. Sheplers and Star Line have their own prices, packages and schedules, so see which works best for you.

There are two very helpful websites: one is by the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau and the other is Mackinac.com. They have all kinds of info about lodging, eating and things to do.

Nature + Quaint = Unique Destination

Sure the crowds aren’t quaint, but Mackinac Island is a really nice blend of the natural world and a bustling tourist destination that’s totally unique.

If you’re not into the touristy thing, avoid Mackinaw City and don’t visit the Island during the summer. Shoot for shoulder season instead (the ferries start in mid-April and run through October).

But this place is so unique it’s worth a visit at least once—even if you can only go in the summer. Get there early like we did and you’ll have more elbow room for a while.

There’s plenty of nature-based activity available on the Island itself, and there’s ever-present Lake Huron with its clear, green water and white pebble beaches.

Mackinac Island offers a super combo of outdoor activity, history and charming small town. Yes, it’s very touristy, but it has its out-of-the-way places, too. Put it on your To-Go list!

Here’s more…

• Going-to-the-Sun Road is a National Treasure
• Water and Its Importance in the Bible
• 20 of the Best Bible Verses about Nature

The post Ride a Bike for the Best Mackinac Island Experience first appeared on Heaven and Nature.

The Bighorns in northcentral Wyoming are national forest lands, not national park. Far fewer people travel there compared to neighboring Yellowstone, Tetons, Glacier and the Black Hills.

That might have to do with PR and marketing. Or maybe the surrounding locals are fine with keeping their mountains more of a secret. I don’t know, but we’ve camped in the Bighorns twice now and loved our experience both times.

It was during our second trip there in 2019 that my son, nephew and I decided to tackle the Black Mountain Lookout hike.

Wow, are we glad we did!

What We Loved about the Black Mountain Lookout Hike

Its History

Black Mountain isn’t the highest peak in the Bighorns. There are several 11,000-13,000 footers further south in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area. But this 9,500-foot summit has a 360º view, making it a prime location for spotting wildfires.

At its summit are the remains of an old fire tower, built in 1939-40 and retired sometime before the turn of the century.

(I read some information about the fire tower somewhere when we were out there, but unfortunately didn’t take a picture of it and now I can’t find anything else online.)

Its Accessibility

You don’t often find a hike this short with views this fabulous. If you park at the trailhead, it’s 4 miles round trip. If you have a 4-wheel drive and the snow is gone, you can drive up the first mile where there’s a small turn-around area to park, then hike the last mile up.

Short doesn’t mean easy, though. This trail is steep, especially the second half! But oh so rewarding.

The Panoramic Views from the Top

Most of the trail is in the woods, a forest of mostly lodgepole pine. It’s very open, so it’s easy to see among the trees. The best views start within a short distance of the summit.

Once you get to the open area at the top with its huge boulders and rock formations (super cool!) you’ll see the amazing vistas. Follow the rock “stairway” up and continue the trail all the way to the old Fire Tower and you can see for miles in every direction.

(You won’t be able to go onto the tower catwalk itself—it’s now padlocked off.)

Look towards the south for views of the Cloud Peak Wilderness—the snow-capped largest mountains in the Bighorns. You can see over the valley to the east, towards Dayton, Ranchester and Sheridan.

It’s stunning.

No Grizzly Bears

One of the big plusses of the Bighorns—no grizzlies. It just makes for a more relaxing hike when you don’t have those huge bruins in the back of your mind at all times.

There are still black bears, moose and mountain lions, though, so be aware of your surroundings. We didn’t see anything except birds and rodents on the hike.

No Crowds

I mentioned this already, but it’s worth having it’s own headline

We literally saw more moose than people on our 3-4 days in the Bighorns! Our campground was almost full that weekend, but since there were less than 20 sites, that’s not saying much.

I can’t remember if we saw any other people on this hike. If we did it was just a handful.

Log Outhouse at 9,450 Feet

It’s not the highest outhouse in America, but it’s certainly surprising to see an outhouse at the top of any mountain! A 2-seater, too:

I imagine it was installed many decades ago for the rangers when the fire tower was still in use. I didn’t look inside, but doubt they keep any TP in there, haha (bring your own if you want to use it!)

What to Know about Hiking Here

Changeable Mountain Weather

Like all mountain ranges, expect quickly-changing weather in the Bighorns. In mid-June the highs were in the 40s and 50s with lows in the upper 20s and mid-30s. Chilly! Our campground was at about 8,200 feet, which is about where this trail starts.

So be prepared for changeable weather. Bring lightweight down jackets, wool socks, sturdy waterproof footwear (for snow patches, little streams and run-off), rain jackets. Dress in layers.

Hiking in High Elevations

If you’re from the Midwest like we are, you’ll notice a big difference hiking at 8,000-9,000 feet. Shortness of breath at the very least. Some people get symptoms of altitude sickness like nausea, headaches and dizziness.

Drink plenty of water, take breaks. If you start getting confused or stumbling more than you should, sit down until you feel better. Then turn around and go back down.

Any Downsides?

Hard-to-Find Information

I haven’t looked recently, but back in 2019 when I was looking for a good hike in the Bighorns there was very little info anywhere. Our first trip in 2017 was even worse. I literally could find nothing about hiking trails on the south end of the range (Highway 16).

Up further north (Highway 14), where Black Mountain is, there’s a bit more. I was able to find out about this hike, after all.

But it’s not a hiking destination, for the most part. Lots of fishing, camping, some backpacking down in the Cloud Peak area.

Unmarked Trailhead

At least we couldn’t find what looked like an official trailhead!

I had sort-of directions from the online article I had read, so we knew we were on the right forest road. But we drove back and forth 2-3 times before we parked at what we thought was the trailhead.

There was a trail and it did lead us to Black Mountain Lookout, so I guess we did ok! But it could be more clear.

How to Get There

We either missed something in our directions or the directions weren’t that good, as we couldn’t find the start of the 4-wheel trail. There were still patches of snow on it anyways, so hiking the entire 4 miles was the way to go for us that June.

You’ll take Highway 14 and look for Forest Road 16 (there’s a sign for Black Mountain. Then head east on Forest Service Road 222 (I think that’s what we missed—but as there’s no cell signal up there, we couldn’t double check our GPS!).

(By the way, is it Bighorns or Big Horns? Read this short article from The Sheridan Press for the answer…)

When I First Started to Seriously Pray about the Weather

A bit of a fun testimony here. It was on this family trip in 2019 to the Bighorns that I first started to pray seriously about the weather.

We had been planning this for a few months. Nick (my husband) and I, plus Nick’s dad, our son and nephew (82, 20 and 15 at the time) were all going. We planned to meet our daughter and her husband in Sheridan during our stay—they were there for a family wedding on his side.

So we were on a schedule and were taking our pop-up camper, with the plan to stay in the Bighorns for three nights as part of this trip.

A few days before we were to leave home, there was snow and rain forecast for the entire weekend up there. We looked at other camping options at a lower elevation and even considered canceling.

In a camper in the snow and rain for three days? And likely cold?

But we stuck with our plans, partly because all of us, except Nick and his dad, were then going on to Glacier afterward. We wanted to do this trip so bad!

I started to pray: “Lord, please give us favor with the weather.” That’s it. Just “Lord, please give us favor with the weather” over and over, whenever I thought about it.

You know what? We ended up with very little rain and no snow! It was chilly—lows in the 30s, which isn’t uncommon for mountain camping in June. But we were able to be outside all day, slept warm and had a great time.

Just Ask

I continued praying that pray throughout the trip, as there was plenty of rain forecast in Glacier, too. It was really wonderful how the Lord was faithful to answer that prayer in unexpected ways.

At first, I was really uncomfortable with it. It seemed selfish. With all the problems in the world, why should the Lord pay attention to this small problem of mine?

But after that first answer in the Bighorns, He got my attention. I felt like He wanted me to ask. There are so many prayer lessons in the Bible that Jesus taught—persevere, don’t give up, keep at it, ask, seek, knock.

Just ask. So I did. And I do.

He doesn’t always answer the way I wish He would. I don’t “name it and claim it” or “speak to the wind.” I just ask…and thank Him for however He chooses to answer.

I’m SO grateful every time He answers with wonderful, beautiful weather for our outdoor adventures. Or even with no rain when there was 100% chance of rain (which has happened).

What It’s Really About

And it’s not about the weather, really. It’s about walking in intimacy with the Lord. Close enough in relationship to feel OK with asking Him for things that seem small in the grand scheme of things, but are big to us.

It’s also about releasing that thing into His hands once I’ve asked. It’s about walking in gratitude, contentment and flexibility even if He doesn’t answer how I would’ve liked.

It’s been a neat season for me in my prayer life that way. And, of course, it’s raised my faith level to ask for other things I ordinarily wouldn’t have.

I think that was the Lord’s plan all along.

Here’s more…

• Enjoy God’s Magnificent Creation Often
• The Value of Extended Time with God
• Why We Need to Get and Stay Fit

The post Awesome Day Hike in the Bighorn Mountains first appeared on Heaven and Nature.

As is usual when looking for wildlife, you’re more likely to see them earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon or evening. Especially during the hot summer days.

The loop is just 18 miles long, but the park suggests allowing an hour-and-a-half for it. If cars are stopped along the road, it’s probably because there’s some wildlife in sight.

Bring your binoculars!

Though there’s no fee to enter the Black Hills, the Wildlife Loop is inside Custer State Park, so there’s you’ll need a vehicle permit. It was $20 per vehicle ($10 for motorcycles) the last time we were there.

The Wildlife

American Bison

Once covering the Great Plains by the millions, the bison was hunted almost to extinction in the 1800s.

Custer State Park is a great place to get a glimpse of these huge animals. The first time our family was at Custer we got to witness the awesome sight of a herd of a couple hundred of them next to the road, and even crossing the road.

The bison population in the park is about 1,300 animals. It’s culled annually through a roundup to keep the herd size manageable and healthy.

Bison are North America’s largest land mammal. Bulls often weigh 2,000 pounds, with cows averaging around 1,100 pounds. Though they look cumbersome, they can run 35 mph and are strong swimmers. (source)

Don’t get any ideas about getting out of your car to approach these guys for a selfie! If it’s tempting, this video should cure you of that.

Pronghorn

Common in the grasslands of the American West, pronghorn can also be seen along the Wildlife Loop.

Did you know pronghorn can sprint over 50 miles-per-hour and maintain a 45-mph pace for miles at a time? They’re North America’s fastest land animal.

Both male and female adults have horns, with the male’s being longer and with the distinctive prong. (source)

Wild Burro

Custer’s burros originally came from domesticated stock, like the wild horses of the West.

Unlike wild horses, though, the burros continue to act tame several generations later! Each time our family has driven the Wildlife Loop we’ve seen these furry, long-eared, friendly beasts.

They acted more like dogs—walking right up to us, looking for food, even sticking their noses in car windows. No shyness with them!

Other Wildlife

MOUNTAIN SHEEP & GOAT—We haven’t gotten to see these more elusive, higher-elevation creatures on either of our family trips—although we usually see sheep in nearby Badlands National Park.

My husband and I saw two mountain goats along Needles Highway when we drove through it in 2020:

MULE DEER & ELK—Mule deer are quite common…very similar to their white-tailed cousins we see often here in Minnesota, but with bigger ears. The elk have eluded us so far, but are there, we’re told.

PREDATORS—Mountain lions, coyotes and fox are the larger resident predators. Black bears, while seen occasionally, are rare there.

PRAIRIE DOGS—These are common out in the West, too. Cute little ground-dwelling rodents that live in large families. Look for their “towns” in flattish grassy areas.

Take These Drives, Too

As I already mentioned, our family has driven the Wildlife Loop twice, in the summers of 2009 and 2017. Then my husband and I drove it one evening in October 2020.

The main attraction of this loop is, of course, the wildlife.

Both times we were with the family we wanted to end up at Mount Rushmore, and took a different route to get there each time.

The main attraction of both these routes is the scenery:

Iron Mountain Road

What I remember most about this scenic drive are the several tunnels we went through heading north towards Mount Rushmore.

Each tunnel is designed to offer a view of Rushmore as you drive through. And of course, each tunnel gets closer and closer, so the view gets bigger and bigger. Very cool!

Needles Highway

The other route, which we took during our latest trip in June, follows Needles Highway.

This highway is named for the tall spired rock formations and two narrow tunnels, culminating in The Needles Eye Tunnel. The tunnel is just barely wide enough for our Expedition and popup camper with maybe 8 inches to spare!

NOTE: Both Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway are narrow, switchback mountain roads. The going is slow, and there are steep drop-offs in many areas as you go up and down the sides of mountains.

Creativity & Beauty Packed Together

There’s SO much to do and see in the Black Hills. You could easily spend a full day enjoying just what I’ve told you about here.

There are great hikes to trek, pull-offs for better views, so much gorgeous scenery to enjoy.

These same animals (except the burros) can be seen in the bigger parks of the Tetons and Yellowstone. But the Wildlife Loop in Custer is in a much more condensed area, so it doesn’t take nearly as much driving to see them.

Our kids loved this Loop whether they were 11-15 like the first time, or 19-23 like our second family trip.

It’s a great way to see God’s tremendous creativity in the wildlife and the landscape.

Here’s more…

• The Many Benefits of Nature
• The Best Short Hikes in Glacier National Park
• Why Beauty Matters to Us

The post The Wonderful Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park first appeared on Heaven and Nature.

All these trails are steep and strenuous—you’ll definitely get your workout!

But all of them are short, and your efforts reward you with outstanding views of the Lower Falls and Canyon. Two of them get you close enough to feel the spray. It’s super cool!

Take a look at the descriptions, photos and maps below…

Brink of the Lower Falls (North Rim)

There’s no better way to fully experience the power of Yellowstone’s Lower Falls than the Brink Trail.

The Lower Falls dumps up to 635,000 gallons of water per second at peak run-off. We visited in June on both our 2011 and 2017 trips, so the river was high and the Falls were breathtaking.

This extremely popular trail takes you down a wide, hard-packed switchback trail to a fenced platform right where the river dumps 308 feet into the Canyon below.

It’s awesome to see, hear and feel—you can feel the roar of the falls inside you, and feel the mist as it floats upwards.

You also get a superb view of Yellowstone Grand Canyon from this vantage point, looking downstream from the falls:

You’ll then hike back up the switchback trail back to your car. Or you can take the North Rim Trail over to Red Rock Point, the next short hike on our list.

You’ll find the Brink trailhead at the beginning of North Rim Drive (a one-way road). If it’s midday during the summer, you may have to drive the one-way road a couple of times to find a parking spot.

If you’re up for a longer hike, another option is to park further up at the Red Rock Point trailhead, which was less crowded when we were there. Hike the North Rim Trail back to the Brink trailhead.

Red Rock Point (North Rim)

As long as you’re on the North Rim, hike or drive to the Lookout Point area. From there, take the Red Rock Point Trail down to a gorgeous overlook of the Lower Falls.

You’re “inside” the Canyon here, as you have another switchback trail to take plus several flights of steps. This is your best view of the entire Falls.

Red Rock Point is the least crowded of the three trails—at least it was when we were there. We only saw a handful of other hikers on this trail and had the Point to ourselves for a few minutes.

The view from Lookout Point is very nice, too:

But the Red Rock Trail gets you down into the Canyon for a closer, more intimate look.

Uncle Tom’s Trail (South Rim)

Drive over to the South Rim, and you can access Uncle Tom’s Trail, the most intimate trail yet!

In the old days this was nothing more than a rope ladder, they say! Thankfully, it’s now a steel staircase bolted into the side of the Canyon.

It’s not for the faint-of-heart! You’ll walk down an open steel staircase a couple hundred feet along the side of a steep cliff into the Canyon.

But your proximity to the Falls is well worth it. Again, you’re close enough to feel the misty spray from the water from the viewing platform at the bottom of the stairway.

On busy days and times you’ll need to wait your turn to get to the final platform at the bottom of the stairs. That’s well worth it, too.

We only had time to take the stairway into the canyon, but there are plenty of trails on this side of the canyon to check out, too.

I think I’ve decided the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is my favorite part of this amazing National Park, and these hikes are why.

Seeing the Canyon and Falls from the parking lots and high overlooks are great…but getting right down to eye level is unequaled.

(All maps courtesy of YellowstoneTrips.com. My edits in green.)

A Must-See

Yellowstone National Park—including the Grand Canyon and glorious Lower Falls—is a must-see for every American, as far as I’m concerned. And everyone else will love it, too!

One of my favorite experiences in Yellowstone and its neighboring park to the south, the Grand Tetons, was hearing so many different languages. People from all over the world visit this unique area.

I’m so glad we were able to get our kids there while they were still at home. Even though it’s super crowded in the summers, parking is sometimes hard to find and it can get very hot, it’s so worth it.

There’s no place like it on earth.

It’s a little unnerving to realize you’re driving and hiking on top of this “super caldera” that almost the entire park is sitting on. But it’s just one of those things you push to the back of your mind and hope nothing erupts while you’re there!

One really gets a sense of the power and majesty of God at a place like Yellowstone…and His creativity and love of beauty. It’s pretty wonderful.

Here’s more…

• Beauty is God’s Handwriting
• 9 Ways to Survive the Crowds in the Outdoors’ Most Popular Places
• Why Your Brain Loves Exercise

The post 3 Stunning Hikes to Yellowstone’s Lower Falls first appeared on Heaven and Nature.

Going-to-the-Sun Road may be the most popular spot in Glacier, for many good reasons.

At the highest point on the road, Logan Pass, is this relatively easy hike: the overlook to Hidden Lake. (It’s a bit more of a challenge if you encounter late spring snow and mud like we did!)

Despite having been to Logan Pass 2-3 times in my life before this, I hadn’t hiked it yet, so I was looking forward to doing this trail with two of our kids, our son-in-law and nephew.

This out-and-back hike is almost 3 miles if you turn around at the overlook. You can go further on down to the shore of Hidden Lake if you choose. That adds another 2.5 miles to your round-trip hike, as well as another 770 feet of elevation (first down, then back up!).

Why the Hidden Lake Hike is a Must

This is a trail the whole family can do, assuming everyone is in moderately good condition. We saw families with young children, older folks, even elderly folks who were in good health.

Because the trail is out in the open the whole way, the views are outstanding—the whole way! As you can see from the video below, you have a 360º view all around you, so stop often to enjoy it.

This is one of the shortest hikes you can do in the park to get these dramatic views.

Wildlife is abundant at this altitude. We saw a mama mountain goat with her two kids running around on the sheer mountainside. A couple of marmots were poking their noses out quite near us on the overlook platform.

Bighorn sheep and the occasional grizzly bear are also around (we heard of a bear in the area a day or two after we were there).

Avoid the Crowds

Because the Hidden Lake Trail is along Going-to-the-Sun Road and is so accessible and family-friendly, this hike is extremely popular. The parking lot at the Visitor Center at Logan Pass fills up quickly during the busy summer season.

To avoid these crowds and find a parking spot, your best bet is to get going early. Shoot to be at the parking lot early in the day, especially in July and the first half of August. Or head out later in the afternoon for an evening hike.

Another option to avoid parking altogether is to take advantage of the park’s free shuttle service. The shuttles make multiple stops along Going-to-the-Sun Road, including the Visitor Center at Logan Pass.

We were there the last week of June. I think partially because we happened to drive the Sun Road on a day when an all-day rain was forecast, there wasn’t as much traffic.

We arrived at Logan Pass late morning (having stopped here and there on the way, coming from the St. Mary Visitor Center) and there were plenty of spots left.

But on our way back down the mountain, there were many more people starting on the trail and the parking lot was almost full.

If you decide to continue on the trail down to the lake itself, there will be far fewer people joining you. It would make a super half-day activity if you pack some snacks or lunch.

Dress for Changeable Weather

It’s a good idea to be prepared for changeable weather anytime you’re in the mountains. Wear layers you can either add or take off. Bring a rain jacket along, even if the skies are blue when you leave your campsite or lodge.

It very likely will be cooler at Logan Pass than wherever you come from lower down, and, being in the open, may be windy. A rain jacket helps as a windbreaker even if there’s no rain.

If the sun is shining, you’ll be in the open the whole trail, at an elevation of between 6,000 to just over 7,000 feet. You’ll want sunscreen on exposed skin.

Hidden Lake Trail is well-trodden and not particularly rugged, but there could be mud and snow in places. When we were there in late June, most of the trail was still snow covered. Your best bet are waterproof trail runners or hiking boots with good support.

How to Get There

NOTE: The National Park Service now has a reservation system to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road. You must have a vehicle permit. It’s good for three days so it gives you some flexibility with the weather and other activities you’ll want to do.

The Hidden Lake trailhead starts right at the Visitor Center at the Logan Pass parking lot. You can’t miss it. You can enter Going-to-the-Sun Road either at the St. Mary entrance on the east side or the Apgar entrance on the west side.

If you’re heading to Glacier before the end of June or into October, be sure and check that the Sun Road is open before planning your hike. It usually doesn’t fully open until mid-June (when we were last there in 2019 it wasn’t until June 20) and can close as early as October, depending on snowfall.

A note about driving distances in Glacier: Even though the mileage doesn’t seem that far, these are mountain roads, so it takes longer to get places. It took us about an hour to drive from our campsite at Two Medicine to the St. Mary entrance for the Sun Road.

Be sure and factor that into your drive time when making your plans!

Answered Prayer

On this particular family vacation, back in 2019, the Lord taught me so much about asking Him for things that are a big deal to me, but seem so trite in the grand scheme of things.

I’m mainly referring to the weather. I started to ask Him for favor with the weather when there was snow forecast during our camping weekend in the Bighorns.

He answered that prayer—the temps were cool, but no snow. Not even rain. So I kept asking. I even felt that He was telling me to keep asking—don’t feel guilty about asking for favor with the weather!

On the day we chose to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road for this hike, as I mentioned earlier, rain was forecast for the whole day. I asked Him for favor with the weather, like I had many other times this trip.

It was raining steadily when we got to the St. Mary Visitor Center…and continued when we were done shopping and started up Sun Road. But within a half hour the rain stopped, and didn’t start again.

The clouds were low and over the mountains, but not so low than they hid them from our view. In fact, the clouds made the views cooler! They kept rolling over the mountains and into the valleys. It was a very different experience than it would be in the sunshine.

I was so grateful for the way the Lord heard me that day. I continue to pray like that often—not dictating, but asking for favor. He doesn’t always answer the way I wish He would, but I always am thankful when He does.

(This article from HikinginGlacier.com was very helpful for some extra details.)

Here’s more…

• Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park
• 9 Ways to Survive the Crowds in the Outdoors’ Most Popular Places
• The Best Short Hikes in Glacier National Park

The post Why Hidden Lake Trail is One of Glacier’s Best first appeared on Heaven and Nature.

This 9-mile combination loop hike starts and ends at Two Medicine Campground. It encircles Two Medicine Lake as the trail makes its way through forest and open meadows.

With good footwear (and maybe some ibuprofin afterwards if you’re older like me!) and if you’re in relatively good shape (can you run 3-4 miles or walk 5 on a road?), you can do this combination trail.

Just before an Out West family road trip many years ago, a friend told me: “Don’t just look at the mountains…get into the mountains!”

These two trails get you into the mountains—into the Glacier backcountry—with the only difficulty being the length of your hike. There isn’t the hundreds of feet of elevation gain other trails have.

What’s So Amazing about the Twin Falls and South Shore Trails

Stunning Mountain Beauty

My favorite hikes are those that offer stunning views all along the trail—not just at the final destination. Twin Falls and South Shore trails give us this.

Any combination of lake and mountains is beautiful. The lakes and mountains at Glacier are amazing. This area is no exception.

Because we were there fairly early in the season (late June/early July), the mountains still had a fair amount of snow cover. I love that—the snow adds texture and contrast to the stony peaks.

Wildflowers Galore

Of course, it depends on when you’re there—we caught the wildflowers in their full glory. There are plenty of mountain meadows on this hike that get full sun, as well as forest shade, which means a lovely variety of color and shape.

Beargrass, a signature flower in Glacier, is my favorite here with its tall, striking white blooms. Indian paintbrush, forget-me-not, columbine, lupine, primrose and harebell are others that bloom along these trails.

Abundant Wildlife

Besides its beauty, Glacier is known for its abundant wildlife. If you’re observant, there’s a good chance you’ll see some.

We saw a young bull moose in the trees on the connecting trail between Twin Falls and South Shore.

We came upon a marmot on the South Shore segment, just a few feet away from us. He was quite curious, and we managed to walk by him without his hiding away under the rock—so cute!

The Lake, the Falls and Creeks

The views of Two Medicine Lake on these trails are constant and always beautiful. Besides the lake there are a handful of creeks you’ll cross, either by rock-hopping or foot bridge.

Like all the water in Glacier, these creeks are crystal-clear and cold.

The coolest bridge is on the South Shore Trail. It’s a 50ish-foot swing bridge over Paradise Creek—limited to one hiker at a time. Thankfully it’s not more than 10-15 feet above the creek

Twin Falls is a popular area, with lots of hikers stopping to put their feet in the water, climb around the falls or eat a picnic lunch.

Hiking it early in the season ensures there’s plenty of water coming over them. I imagine later in the summer it often slows down to more of a trickle.

If you want to shorten the hike, you can just hike out to Twin Falls and back…but it’s still almost 7 miles. Adding the extra 2 miles with South Shore Trail is definitely worth it! (More on that further on.)

What You Need to Know When Hiking There

Grizzly Bear Territory

While bear attacks are very rare, they do happen and you need to be aware. It’s important to carry bear spray (in your hand or accessible within seconds) and know how to use it. Hike with others and make some noise.

These trails are popular—we encountered many other groups during our hike. That’s good. Stick to mid-day rather than early mornings or later evenings and that helps, too.

We didn’t see any bears at all in our five days in the park this time, grizzly or black. Although we would’ve liked seeing one from our car, we were OK not seeing any on these backcountry hikes!

Plenty of Mosquitoes

Fortunately for us, the day we hiked these trails there was a good stiff wind that kept the mosquitos and flies away. They’re there, though, in good numbers. Either carry bug spray with you or cover up, especially on a calm day.

Good Chance of Sunburn

The clear mountain air and higher altitude mean direct sun and a good chance of sunburn (Two Medicine Lake is at 5,200 feet). As I already mentioned, there are many sections of both trails in open meadows.

Either use sunscreen or cover up if that’s a problem for you.

Changeable Mountain Weather

The weather on the day of our hike was pretty constant: partly cloudy and windy. But three days earlier my kids had hiked the 11-mile Cobalt Lake Trail, and the weather changed during their hike. They left with clear blue skies and it was raining by the time they got back.

Mountain weather is always changing—sometimes quickly. It’s smart to be prepared with rain gear and layers.

Can You Go the Distance?

We started at the Twin Falls Trailhead on one end of the campground—walking from our campsite—and ended at the South Shore Trailhead on the other end—walking back to our campsite.

So we guessed the entire loop to be 9 miles from our camper.

I hiked with my daughter and son-in-law, who had just hiked over 11 miles three days before and are both in good shape (and a few decades younger!). Could I make this distance? I hadn’t gone that far on foot since 2012.

I walk 3-4 miles several times a week, and knew I could go the seven miles out-and-back to Twin Falls. That was our original plan.

Once we arrived there, we decided to take the connecting trail over to the South Shore Trail, since we figured it wouldn’t be that much further back. It added about 1.5 miles, plus a bit extra to get back to our campsite.

I was REALLY tired when we got back! My Keen hiking boots worked great, but my feet were sore the rest of the night. I took a couple ibuprofin, though, and by the next morning I felt just fine.

While there are a few up-and-down stretches, the elevation gain is less than 300 feet, so no killer uphills. That helps!

If you know you’re heading to the mountains, plan ahead and use it as an excuse to “train.” Walk or run outside regularly for at least an hour at a time. Biking would work, too, as would squats or lunges to get your legs in good shape.

You will NOT regret taking one or more of these hikes into the mountains!

How to Get There

The trailhead for both these hikes is at Two Medicine Campground:

On top is Glacier Park, with Two Medicine down in the southeast section. The next map is the Two Medicine area with our hike loop highlighted in bright green.

The entire loop is about 9 miles, including walking from and back to our campsite—9 gorgeous miles!

Final Words

The Two Medicine area isn’t as busy as the other three main campgrounds: Many Glacier and Saint Mary (also on the east side), and Apgar (on the west side). But the lake and surrounding mountains are just as beautiful!

I highly recommend this combo hike as a super way to get into the mountains without the hundreds of feet of elevation gain some other hikes require.

It’s one of the many places that bring this verse to mind from Isaiah:

“The mountains and the hills will break out before you into singing; and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands.” ~ Isaiah 55:12 (World English Bible, public domain)

Here’s more…

• Camping in Glacier: Two Medicine Campground
• Best Short Hikes in Glacier National Park
• “Beauty is God’s Handwriting”

The post Twin Falls + South Shore = One Stunning Hike first appeared on Heaven and Nature.

Two Medicine Campground in Glacier National Park has a stunning setting along Two Medicine Lake, surrounded by the mountain peaks this park is known for.

Though the campground is big, it’s surprisingly quiet and even semi-private, depending on your site.

When we were planning our trip to Glacier, I called on the counsel of our friend, Renee, who had spent two summers working in the Park. She recommended Two Medicine as being just as beautiful as the other campgrounds, but quieter and less crowded.

We found this to be true. The other three main campgrounds are much closer to/on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

The National Park Service says Two Medicine was the main stopping point for visitors coming to the east side of the park until the Sun Road was finished in 1952.

Now it’s more off the beaten path, which was just what we were looking for!

What We Loved about Two Medicine Campground

Our stay was at the end of June, which meant cool-to-cold nights, some snow left on the mountains, and very cold water in the lake. Here’s what we found to love about this campground:

It’s Off the Beaten Path: Not Much Traffic

It’s quite a ways off the beaten path—an hour from the St. Mary Entrance and the east end of Going-to-the-Sun Road. That meant that, though the campground’s 100 sites were full almost every night of our stay, there was surprisingly little traffic on the road to get there.

It got quite busy at the Visitor Center, being also a major trailhead. But in other ways it didn’t seem crowded like other areas of the park.

A Mountain in our Front Yard

We stepped out our camper door and looked right at a mountain. You can’t beat that! A short walk over to the east end of the lake gives you a 360º view of all the surrounding peaks. Simply gorgeous.

Lots of Local Wildlife

On our first evening at our campsite, a cow moose ambled through the site next to ours (the people weren’t there at the time!). She was very relaxed about it, although we sure weren’t! It was quite an introduction to the campground:

Here’s a video our son, Jason, captured:

And we saw these guys every day, somewhere or other in the campground:

Besides that, we saw more moose and some marmots when out on hikes in the area.

Pristine Two Medicine Lake

One of the things I was most excited about was kayaking on Two Medicine Lake. Beautifully clear, as all alpine lakes are, but not as big as some of the more popular lakes in Glacier.

I still had a stiff wind come up in the afternoon, and our last two days there were large whitecaps on the lake, so we didn’t paddle then. But what a marvelous way to get a different view of the mountains and lake!

And so picturesque. I took pictures each day, and each picture looks different because of the lighting or clouds.

Tons of Great Hiking

There are a dozen hiking trails from Two Medicine of varying lengths and difficulties.

Two of the three hikes we did during our time at Glacier were right from the campground. My “kids” (daughter, son-in-law, son and nephew) hiked the 12-miles out and back to Cobalt Lake one day from there.

And on our last full day, I hiked the 9 miles around the lake with my daughter and son-in-law. Even though that was loooooong for me, it was so worth it! And the trailhead right there. Awesome.

What to Know about Camping at Two Medicine

It’s Off the Beaten Path: Lots of Driving to Get to Other Places

The asset of Two Medicine being less crowded can also be a liability when it’s takes a long time to get to other highlights of the park!

Plan on lots of driving during your stay. But again, so worth it. The scenery along the way is stunning. Relax and enjoy.

It’s just over an hour to St. Mary Visitor Center and the east end of Going-to-the-Sun Road. And it’s over an hour-and-a-half to Many Glacier Hotel and that area. Then it’s an hour-and-twenty from Apgar Visitor Center, on the west end of the Sun Road back to Two Medicine.

All are incredible, though, and not-to-be-missed!

It Fills Up Daily in the Summer

None of the campsites are reservable at Two Medicine, and it fills almost daily in the summer season. We heard from the Montana residents next to us that this usually starts the 3rd week of June (we were there the 4th week) and continues through Labor Day.

Campers need to out by noon, so your best best is to shoot for arriving between noon and 3:00, although many sites will be vacated before noon. We arrived closer to 4:30 and had to drive through the campground twice to find a spot that suited our pop-up camper.

Park then Register

It’s self-registration at Two Medicine Campground. You’re directed to find a site, park your RV or plop some gear down to save it, then go back to the Registration Board, fill out the envelope and put your fee inside. Rip off your tab and clip it to the stake at your site with site number.

You can pay for as many nights as you plan to stay, but there’s no refund if you leave early. If you want to pay night-by-night that’s fine, too, but you’ll have to fill out a form before noon each day and repeat. When we were there in 2019 it was only $20 a night—so cheap for what you get!

No Showers or Hot Water

Big deal. You can do without for a few days!

There are flush toilets and running cold water in a couple of sinks, as well as electricity in a couple of bathrooms in the campground. My daughter and I washed our hair in the sinks a couple times using heated water we brought over from our camper.

Grizzly Bear Territory

All of Glacier is grizzly territory. Have bear spray along when you do any hiking. The rangers are very good about checking for bear-safe camping practices and are very strict about it.

Bear boxes are scattered through the campground—wonderful things! Use them to store all your food, even coolers.

We were OK with not seeing any bears while we were there!

Changeable Mountain Weather

Weather in the mountains is always fairly unpredictable, so when hiking, boating or even driving for any length of time your best bet is to dress in layers.

Even if it’s a clear blue sky in the mornings, it often clouds up and rains in the afternoons, so have rain gear along.

Nights are chilly to downright cold. We had packable down, wool socks, knit hats and gloves along for mornings and evenings. I think our nighttime lows were 35-40ish degrees.

Plenty of Mosquitoes

Glacier has plenty of water, which means plenty of mosquitoes! You’ll want your bug spray along. Try the natural stuff if you choose, but we’ve always found DEET works the best (and we’re from Minnesota—we know mosquitoes!)

On windy days, no mosquitoes!

Keep Your Dog at Home

Like all our national parks, Glacier has strict rules about pets in the park. They’re allowed in the front-country campgrounds, like Two Medicine. BUT…

• They must be leashed, kenneled or in your vehicle at all times…
• They’re not allowed by the lakeshore or on the lake (in a canoe or kayak)…
• They’re not allowed on the trails…
• They may not be left tied and unattended in your campsite…
• They’re not allowed in the backcountry at all.

You’ll have a lot more fun if you leave your dog at home—and so will your dog!

How to Get There

Glacier National Park is in northwest Montana, bordering Alberta, Canada. Two Medicine Campground is in the southeast corner of the park.

You definitely want to plan your driving with print maps or know where you’re going ahead of time. Cell phone service out there is sketchy at best, and non-existent often, so don’t rely on your phone’s GPS.

This 5-day stay at Glacier was a gift from the Lord! I had been there a few times before (30+ years ago), and our daughter Jamie once. None of the boys—our son, son-in-law and nephew—had been there.

It was a joy to make this trip together. It was also fun for me as a mom to do this with my adult children. When it came time to back our camper into an absurdly tight spot, my landscaper son could do it with ease.

Everyone helped with the meals, we planned our activities together, shared with the driving and all-in-all had a great time.

I’m so thankful I had Renee to get tips from! Be sure and read her Glacier hiking suggestions, too.

Here’s more…

• Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier Nat’l Park
• 15 Favorite Rocky Mountain Wildflowers
• Enjoy God’s Magnificent Creation Often

The post Camping in Glacier? Don’t Miss Out on Two Medicine first appeared on Heaven and Nature.

There are all kinds of backcountry trails for those looking for challenging all-day or multi-day excursions.

But there are also plenty of shorter trails in Glacier for the less ambitious. They still get you up-close and personal with the majesty and beauty of the park.

My friend, Renee Scheil, spent two summers working in Glacier. She gave me her list of the best short hikes in the Park, along with a few of her amazing photos.

She highly recommends the website HikinginGlacier.com. It has pretty much everything you’ll want to know about hiking this park. I’ve linked to their posts for the hikes mentioned here if you’d like more details about them.

(And there’s a super fun video of Renee’s at the bottom of this post, so don’t leave until you see it!)

Glacier National Park is naturally divided between the East side and the West side. The terrain and weather systems are quite different on the two sides.

The East side contains most of the park’s famous attractions, and Renee’s personal favorite hikes.

A couple important notes before we dig in:

• Glacier is prime grizzly habitat. Follow all the precautions for hiking in bear territory, including having bear spray out and available all the time.
• Be sure to stay hydrated especially if you’re not used to higher altitudes. Keep water with you at all times. A personal water filter bottle is ideal as you can fill it up at the water sources you find along the way.

Let’s get started…

The Many Glacier Area

The Many Glacier area is the most popular section of the park. Stunning scenery and several favorite hikes make this also very crowded, especially during the busy summer season.

But don’t let that stop you! Here are Renee’s top short hike suggestions for this area:

Redrock Falls Trail

This 4.2-mile roundtrip hike is easy—with just 285-foot elevation gain. It’s also gorgeous! You get alpine lakes, forest, mountain views and cascading Redrock Falls.

Give yourself some time to explore the several spur trails leading to lake shores, different views of the falls and open views of the surrounding peaks.

Click here for more on the Redrock Falls Trail.

Iceberg Lake Trail

We can’t call the hike to Iceberg Lake short or easy, but it’s such a good one we wanted to include it!

If you’re up for a challenge, this highly-recommended hike will give you that. And you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views for miles of the Many Glacier Valley and beautiful Iceberg Lake.

This hike is 9.7 miles roundtrip (a little more if you’re not one of the first to find parking in the tiny lot at the trailhead) with an elevation gain of 1,274 feet. Be in shape, bring plenty of food and water, and enjoy!

Click here for more on the Iceberg Lake Trail.

Two Medicine Lake area

The Two Medicine area, on the south end of the park, has many beautiful hikes, too, but is less crowded than Many Glacier.

Aster Park Overlook

The Aster Park Overlook trail is 4 miles with several scenic lake and mountain views and a short spur trail to Aster Falls. It has a 780-foot elevation gain, so is moderately difficult.

You’ll have a wonderful panoramic view of the mountains and Two Medicine Lake from the overlook.

Click here for more on the Aster Park Overlook Trail.

Going-to-the-Sun Road & Logan Pass Area

This is probably the most famous part of Glacier. The Park Service says the parking lot at Logan Pass is often full between 8:30 and 4:00. So consider a sunrise or sunset excursion, or consider taking one of the free shuttles.

Going-to-the-Sun Road traverses the width of the park, offering so many amazing views it’s hard to take it all in.

You can either start on the East side at the St. Mary Visitor Center, or on the West side at the Apgar Visitor Center.

It’s 50 miles long, but due to its winding, alpine nature you’ll need a good two hours each way, not including stops.

Here are a few hikes to enjoy in this area:

St. Mary Falls & Virginia Falls

This popular and easy hike (again, get there early if you want a parking spot!) is great for families. On this 1.7-mile round-trip trail you’ll have super views of the local peaks, will hike through forest, and reach the three-tiered falls with its blue-green mountain water.

If you’d like to increase your distance by another couple of miles, continue on to 50-foot Virginia Falls for an even better experience. That still brings your total hike to under 4 miles—very doable for most people.

Be cautious on the wet rocks, which can be really slick. This glacial water will be absolutely freezing if you take an unintentional dip!

Click for more on the St. Mary Falls Trail and Virginia Falls Trail.

Sun Point Nature Trail

Look for the pull-off at Sunrift Gorge to take this 1.6-mile round-trip hike. You’ll have a magnificent view of Wild Goose Island and St. Mary Lake with the surrounding mountains.

Short and sweet!

Hidden Lake Overlook

If there’s a parking spot available at the Visitor Center at Logan Pass, definitely stop! Hidden Lake Overlook trailhead is right there.

The trail takes you on a boardwalk (to protect the alpine fauna), gaining 540 feet in elevation to an overlook of—what else—Hidden Lake. And, of course, many gorgeous mountains.

You’ll likely see mountain goats and/or sheep up here, especially if you go early in the day.

This trail is at an elevation of 7,152 feet. If you notice you’re more short of breath than usual, this will be why. You’ll enjoy it more if you’re in shape!

Click for more on the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail.

Highline Loop Trail

Highline is across the road from the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Jeff Doran, of HikinginGlacier.com, calls this “one of the most scenic hiking trails in America…a hike you’ll remember for the rest of your life.”

The entire loop is almost 12 miles, so it’s not short. But don’t let that deter you from hiking at least part of it and coming back. You’ll be treated to spectacular views of Glacier’s West side all along the way.

Near the beginning you’ll arrive at a ledge section you’ll have to hike. If you’re afraid of heights, it’ll be a challenge! But, there’s a hand cable for extra stability if you need it, and the trail is 6-8 feet wide, so if you’re cautious you’ll be fine.

If you’re like me you’ll be hugging the cliff side, but wow—the views!

West Glacier

West Glacier is lower in elevation than the east side. Summer’s are hotter and often rainier. Renee’s top suggestion on this side of Glacier is…

Avalanche Lake Trail

The hike to Avalanche Lake offers you the magnificent mountain views you’ve come to expect, a crystal-clear alpine lake, lush forest and a river gorge with thundering rapids.

This 4.5-mile round-trip trail has a 730-foot elevation gain, making it moderately difficult, but still very doable for families. When you reach the lake, take time to soak in the beauty at the large beach area before heading back.

Click for more details on the Avalanche Lake Trail.

You won’t regret taking 5 minutes to enjoy Renee’s re-cap video of a summer in Glacier (turn the sound on and watch to the end!):

And a big thanks to Renee for allowing me the use of her photos and video!

A North American Marvel

Glacier has to be one of the most gorgeous natural areas of North America—and according to the Bible, all this beauty is the handiwork of our Creator.

Its mountains are what the park is most famous for. Their beauty and majesty are stunning.

Isaiah 55:12 says, “For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace. The mountains and the hills will break out before you into singing; and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands.”

(World English Bible, public domain)

When you’re in Glacier looking over all those mountains, you can almost hear them breaking out in song! They’re a majestic testimony of God’s enduring strength and beauty.

More Glacier Hiking Resources

• HikinginGlacier.com is the go-to website for details on more than 60 hikes in Glacier, and provided many of the stats for this post. Jeffrey Doran, the site’s founder and author, has several other hiking websites, too: HikingintheSmokys.com, RockyMountainHikingTrails.com and TetonHikingTrails.com. What great resources he’s put together for the rest of us—Thanks, Jeffrey!
• Official Glacier website of the National Park Service

Here’s more…

• Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park
• 9 Ways to Survive the Crowds in the Outdoor’s Most Popular Places
• What the Bible Says about Nature and Creation

The post The Best Short Hikes in Glacier National Park first appeared on Heaven and Nature.

We’ve already been to the Tetons, the Beartooth Mountains, Yellowstone, and past the Wind Rivers. Earlier in our trip we camped in the Bighorns because we had been hearing about them for years.

But we wouldn’t have known about the Snowy Range except by word-of-mouth from friends who had been there the summer before. They knew about them because of the recommendation of mutual friends in Laramie. The locals.

So we decided to check them out, and are we ever glad we did!

What We Love about the Snowies

They’re Accessible

The Snowies are a relatively small mountain range, part of Medicine Bow National Forest. Just 30 miles west of Laramie and three hours north of Denver.

Driving scenic Highway 130 brings you through the range right in the mountains. You can see them well without ever leaving your car—but I definitely recommend you leave your car.

A Great Ranger Station

Just past the little town of Centennial, heading west into the Snowies, is a Ranger Station with a little gift shop.

The two ladies we encountered there were super friendly and helpful, and even stayed open late on our way back out so we could buy our sweatshirts. They had a great variety of gifts, apparel and books. We also got a detailed hiking map there.

An Easy Day Trip

We didn’t make it all the way through the Range on our day trip, but only because we stopped twice to hike.

The second hike took us three hours, so we opted to head back to our campground instead of finishing the drive. But you could easily drive through and back in a day.

They’re So Close!

I guess this goes with being accessible, but it was glorious being right next to these 12,000-foot mountains.

Again, you don’t have to hike in to get their magnitude. If you never leave the parking lot, you still get great views.

Amazing Hike with Jaw-Dropping Views

We had just started on the Lakes Trail when we encountered a couple from Colorado coming back. They told us there were jaw-dropping views the entire way.

They weren’t kidding! This was the most scenic hike I’ve ever been on, without exaggerating.

I think it’s because, while there are plenty of trees up there, our hike was high enough that it was very open. We could see the mountains all the way out and all the way back.

And even though we were on the same trail both ways, the views were different because we were facing a different direction.

No Grizzly Bears

We all agreed that after being in the Tetons, Yellowstone and the south end of the Wind Rivers, it was a relief to not have to think about encountering a grizzly bear!

The Coolest Rocks

I think I can say this is the only hike I’ve done where I kept stopping to take pictures of rocks! The higher we got, the cooler they were. I’m not talking pebbles here, but boulders 3-4 feet across.

The photo below is a sampling from around 11,000 feet:

A Friendly Marmot

We had seen a few of these large rodents throughout our Wyoming trip, but this one was the first that didn’t scurry away as soon as he saw us.

We don’t have marmots in Minnesota, so it was fun for us to see this curious guy!

No Crowds

There were a handful of people there, but on many sections of our hike we didn’t see anyone else outside our family. The parking lots had only 2-3 other cars, if any.

Of course it was early in the season for this road—there was still a lot of snow, and the main campground near the pass wasn’t even open yet.

But after spending five days in the Tetons and Yellowstone the lack of crowds was very noticeable, and a nice change.

I highly recommend the Snowy Range Mountains, even if it’s just a day trip through. If you can take a few days and camp, that would be even better.

The Range is riddled with hiking and backpacking trails that we’re anxious to go back and explore.

Be Open to Out-of-the-Way Places

Among the super-popular spots we hit on that trip, we also intentionally looked for a handful of out-of-the-way places that weren’t as well known.

This helped make that trip extra fun, and gave us a nice variety of experiences.

The Lord wants to do that in our lives, too. It might be an unexpected door He opens. Or a person we happen to meet who seems incidental, but ends up being a life-changer.

Maybe it’s a book we pick up, or a conference we attend that impacts us more than we bargained for.

God is a specialist at orchestrating the details of our lives if we invite Him to!

Be open to out-of-the-way places He may direct you to, or out-of-the-way journeys He may take you on.

Here’s more…

• Snowshoe at Breckinridge, Colorado
• Niagara Falls: A North American Natural Wonder
• How to Plan an Epic Family Road Trip

The post The Best Wyoming Mountain Range You’ve Never Heard Of first appeared on Heaven and Nature.