Grinnell Point

Cliff Prominent Glacier National Park peak and scenic landmark

Grinnell Point rises above Swiftcurrent Lake in Glacier National Park; photographers and hikers use Many Glacier trails for close frontal views and alpine reflections.

Main image

Grinnell Point is a prominent, sharply contoured peak on the east side of Glacier National Park in Montana, located adjacent to Swiftcurrent Lake and the Many Glacier area.

It is frequently photographed because of its steep profile rising directly from the lake shore and its proximity to popular trails and viewpoints in the Many Glacier zone. Hikers and photographers commonly view it from the Swiftcurrent Lake shoreline, the Many Glacier Hotel area, and nearby trailheads rather than by direct ascent.

The peak and nearby features take their name from George Bird Grinnell, an early explorer and conservationist associated with the park. Geologically it is part of the Lewis Range within Glacier National Park.

Grinnell Point sits on the eastern side of Glacier National Park, near the Many Glacier visitor facilities and Swiftcurrent Lake, in the northwest of Montana within the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park region.

  • Best views: Most famous viewpoints are from the Many Glacier area on the east side of Glacier National Park, especially the Swiftcurrent Lake shoreline.
Grinnell Point
Glacier National Park, MT, USA
48.7875, -113.6829

How to Get to Grinnell Point #

Grinnell Point views are reached from the Many Glacier area in Glacier National Park, Montana. The nearest service town is St. Mary; park roads (Many Glacier Road) lead to parking and trailheads near Swiftcurrent Lake. In summer, park reservation systems and shuttle services may affect access-check the National Park Service website for current information.

Tips for Visiting Grinnell Point #

  • Best views of Grinnell Point are from the Swiftcurrent Lake/Many Glacier area-arrive early to beat the crowd.
  • The trail to the base of Mount Grinnell is steep; for photographers, consider the short lakeside walks across Swiftcurrent Lake for classic reflections.
  • Park entry to Glacier National Park may require a reservation in peak season-check the National Park Service website.

Best Time to Visit Grinnell Point #

Mid-summer offers the most reliable access to trailheads and scenic viewpoints; check park alerts for road and trail conditions.

Summer
July-September · 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Best for hiking and lake views; wildflowers peak in July.
Late spring
May-June · 0-10°C (32-50°F)
Snow may linger on high trails; some roads and services open later in the season.
Autumn
September-October · -5-10°C (23-50°F)
Fewer visitors and crisp air; early snow possible.

Weather & Climate near Grinnell Point #

Climate

Grinnell Point's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (735 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
-13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-13° -4°

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-11° -2°

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 96 mm of rain.

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-12° -4°

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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