Multiple Glacier National Park Trails Closed Following Hikers’ Bear Encounter — What to Know

A hiker in a group on Grinnell Trail was bit below the knee after encountering a bear.

By Michael Cappetta Michael Cappetta

Michael Cappetta is a travel writer with over 10 years of experience in journalism and television news. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on September 25, 2024

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Several hiking trails at Glacier National Park have been closed following a group's recent encounter with a bear.

According to a release shared the National Parks Service, a 35-year-old male was bitten below the knee by a bear who was startled and surprised by the hiking group, who were traversing Grinnell Overlook. In an effort to deter the bear, the hiking party deployed bear spray which was effective in moving the bear away from the group.

Park officials said that the hiking party encountered foggy conditions, which likely caused low visibility in seeing the bear, and that the party had all of the correct emergency and safety equipment such as a first aid kit and emergency communications. 

In response to the incident, park rangers have taken the added step of closing several hiking trails to keep guests safe until the bear’s whereabouts and determine that the hiking paths remain safe. 

The Garden Wall, Grinnell Glacier Overlook, Highline Hill, Highline Trail, and Sperry Glacier, Sperry Chalet are currently closed due to bear activity.

The park has also notified visitors of 16 locations which are on notice for bears frequenting, including Boulder Lake, Cracker Lake, Granite Park, Siyeh Pass, and more. 

Visitors to Glacier can visit the Trail Status Reports for the latest update, and information on whether the trails have reopened. 

“Visitors are reminded that the fall season is when bears are more likely to be active due to hyperphagia,” the National Parks service shared in the release. “As bears prepare for the long season of winter, during which they will hibernate, they need to eat as much as they can to prepare to go months without food.”

The National Park Service regularly advises hiking and outdoor enthusiasts to be on alert while visiting the parks.