Steep, short and satisfying – that’s the Hermit Trail in a nutshell. In just two hours, you can hike from the highway parking lot to an alpine bowl filled with wildflower filled meadows and rock ridges, framed by towering mountain peaks.
Sure, it’ll take some work to get there but the rewards are truly glorious. And it’s a special thing to still have plenty of the day left to enjoy after the hike.
Glacier National Park’s Hermit Trail had been on my list for years before we finally hiked it this past summer. We drive past the trailhead at least three or four times a season and I’ve always wondered how steep the trail could truly be and whether the meadows at the top would be worth the climb.
After an airline strike delayed our planned travel, we took the opportunity to finally check out the Hermit Trail. Even better, I managed to snag a campground reservation so we could spend the night. In the end, the wait paid off.
From trail details to permits and campground info, this post has everything you need to hike the Hermit Trail in Glacier National Park, Canada.
Hermit Trail
Location: Glacier National Park, British Columbia
Distance: 6.4km return
Elevation gain: 820m elevation gain
Hike type: Out and back
Time: 4 to 5 hours for main trail (add extra time if camping)
Difficulty: Challenging
Camping: Yes
Fees: National park pass ($11/adult)
When to go: Early/mid July to September
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Backcountry necessities
- Always bring the 10 Essentials
- Know how to stay safe in the backcountry
- Remember to Leave No Trace to help keep the wilderness wild
- Understand how to avoid negative bear encounters
- Trying out backpacking for the first time? Read Backpacking 101
- Check out our packing guide with gear recommendations
- Sign up to our newsletter for a free backpacking checklist
The Hermit Trail, Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is located between Revelstoke and Golden, British Columbia, on the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, Sinixt and Syilx people.
In a park known for steep trails, the Hermit Trail is one of the steepest. The one way distance from the parking area to the official end of the trail is 3.2km with 820m elevation gain. It’s uphill all the way, with some short sections exceeding a 35% grade. Downhill, it’s a real knee burner.
Though this climb is a physical challenge, the pay-off is worth it. Views of the surrounding Selkirk Mountains appear quickly, with extraordinary panoramas waiting from the 1.8km point.
At the top, a beautiful meadow at the base of an alpine bowl, backdropped by the rugged Hermit Range. It faces even more snow capped mountains and glaciers.
Being able to look down on the Trans Canada Highway, the same road you drove to the trailhead on a few hours ago, highlights just how far you’ve climbed.
A small backcountry campground, Hermit Meadows, lies at the end of the trail, providing the opportunity to stay and explore. It’s a particularly popular base camping destination for rock climbers.
While Hermit Meadows feels relatively remote once you’re up there, this isn’t necessarily the hike for alpine purists. The highway noise is audible for at least half the hike, the road can still be seen from the top and phone signal is ever present.
Nonetheless, I love this trail for the quick taste of the alpine it provides. Time it right in the summer and you’ll see a glorious display of wildflowers. The most lucky will see some of the local residents – wonderfully fluffy, pristine white mountain goats.
Quick Hermit Trail facts:
- Usually snow-free from early/mid July to late September, longer season dependent on weather and snowfall. In late June 2025, for example, there was snow in the campground but not on the trail
- Parks Canada National Park pass required, no reservation or specific trail pass needed
- Glacier National Park is on Pacific Time – 1 hour behind Mountain Time
- Takes around four hours to hike the return trail, with a short break at the top. I’d recommend exploring the meadows area at the top – add another hour at least
- Dogs are allowed on leash but please keep in mind the steep incline and local wildlife
Hermit Trail hike experience
This may be my shortest trail breakdown ever! The Hermit Trail is only 3.2km from start to finish (6.4km return), though you can extend the hike by exploring the alpine meadows at the top.
From the trailhead, the path heads into the dense subalpine forest right away.
The first 350 metres is the easiest section of the entire hike and even this has a slight incline. The trail passes a creek and shortly afterwards, the real climb begins.
The trail is rocky and full of roots, with a mix of short and long switchbacks. In some places, large rocks and roots act like a staircase.
Around the 800m mark, views of mountain peaks start to appear through the trees. This is also the when shade starts to disappear. And the trail just continues to climb.
There is a great view at the 1.3km point, an ideal place to stop for a snack (about 45 minutes to an hour in).
First viewpoint to Hermit Meadows campground
About 500m after this, the trees are really starting to get sparse and there are a couple of small stream crossings. Look behind you for excellent mountain views.
Above the treeline, the elevation gain is slightly less extreme but still steady. There are some nicely built rock steps and a couple of particularly steep bits, such as a rock slab scramble with rope assistance.
The best part about this section is that the views provide such a good incentive to keep going. It also helps that you can see the trail unfolding ahead of you.
The final approach is lined with alpine meadows, featuring plenty of colourful wildflowers in August.
A metal bridge heralds your arrival at the Hermit Meadows Campground. Explore this area or continue a little east to the signed end of the trail.
Beyond this, there are established but unofficial routes further into the alpine meadows and to nearby summits.
Hermit Trail hiking guide
Keep reading to learn everything you need to plan your hike on the Hermit Trail, including camping information, safety tips and recommendations for places to stay nearby.
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Location and trailhead
The Hermit Trail is situated in Glacier National Park in British Columbia, Canada. Keep in mind that the U.S. also has a national park with this name!
Glacier National Park surrounds a long stretch of the Trans Canada Highway (1) between the towns of Revelstoke and Golden.
The trailhead for the Hermit Trail is right on the highway, at around 1330m elevation. It is 1.6km northeast of the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre and about 70km from Revelstoke (1 hour). There is a turning lane in either direction.
The parking area has space for around 25-28 vehicles. At busy times, vehicles are also parked on the very edge of the highway, by the parking entrance. There is an information kiosk and two outhouses.
Although this parking lot isn’t known for break-ins, it’s still best to leave valuables at home if possible and keep anything you do bring out of sight.
Fees and permits
While there is no specific fee to hike the Hermit Trail itself, there is a requirement to have a valid Park Pass for Glacier National Park. Fees were $11/day for adults in 2025, TBC for 2026.
Park passes for the national parks in and around the Canadian Rockies are interchangeable – a Park Pass for Banff is also valid in Glacier. If you’re travelling the Canadian Rockies parks for more than seven days, it may be worthwhile to buy an annual Discovery Pass.
Park passes can be purchased at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre and Welcome Center by the Illecillewaet Campground.
No fees will be charged for access to Glacier National Park from 19th June to 7th September 2026 as part of the Canada Strong program.
A backcountry permit is required to camp at the Hermit Trail campground. All of the sites are reservable from mid July to mid September. Glacier National Park reservations usually open in January each year – the date will be listed on this Parks Canada reservation page.
Backcountry permits cost $11.50 per person, per night. Reservation fees are $11.50 online, $13.50 by phone.
Cancellations are relatively common for this campground – that’s how I secured a reservation in the middle of August. I used CampNab to automatically check for cancellations for my preferred dates.
Trail difficulty and navigation
Though the Hermit Trail is short, it’s a consistently steep hiking path with significant elevation gain (820m in just 3.2km).
Most people will find hiking the Hermit Trail physically tiring and/or difficult. This is particularly true if you’re carrying camping equipment to stay at the Hermit Meadows campground.
Plan to spend at least two hours hiking to the top (add extra time when carrying an overnight backpack). If hiking uphill for two straight hours doesn’t sound fun, consider skipping this trail. Hikers with knee issues may also want to avoid it.
While almost the whole path is pretty steep, some sections are even steeper (35% grade or more). There is one rock slab section with a rope.
Most of the trail surfaces are uneven, with rocks and tree roots. Some areas have small loose rocks and can be slippery. I found using a hiking pole to be helpful (the lightweight Carbon Z are my favourite).
Though the trail was completely dry on our August hike, I can see that some areas may get a little muddy after rain or early in the season.
Navigating the Hermit Trail is relatively easy during the snow-free season. The path is well established and there are some directional signs.
A few of the upper sections have unofficial viewpoints, which is where there is some trail braiding. The trail routing is featured on our favourite navigation app, Organic Maps.
Safety
While located close to Highway 1, the Hermit Trail is still surrounded by relatively remote mountainous terrain.
- There is phone signal along this trail but it’s still good practice to tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return, just in case.
- Weather conditions can vary and change quickly. Bring extra clothing in case of cold or wet weather. There may be snow patches on the main trail until late July.
- There are some small water sources along the trail. Bring enough to drink (at least 2l of water per person for day hiking) and carry a water filter/purification device to safely drink more.
- While lower sections of the trail are shaded by trees, the upper sections are not. Bring sun protection and extra water in warm weather.
Wildlife
Glacier National Park is home to a variety of mammals including black bears, grizzly bears and mountain goats as well as many species of birds.
We saw two mountain goats hanging around the Hermit Trail campground. They ventured pretty close to the tent pads and throne toilet.
For this reason, be very careful to keep all food items in the caches when not in use. Day hikers should be careful to bring all food and trash home. Dogs should be kept under close control.
Mountain goats are attracted to salt and have been known to lick hiking boots, clothing and urine patches (yes, seriously!) in the hopes of finding it. When camping, keep all items in the tent (or cache) and be sure to use the throne toilet for all bathroom needs.
Though we had no issues on our mid August hike, I’ve heard that mosquitoes and flies can be annoying on this trail in July.
To avoid negative wildlife encounters:
- Make noise while hiking. This alerts wildlife to your presence and gives them a chance to avoid you. As a general rule, animals don’t want to be close to humans
- Leave No Trace. After eating, make sure you haven’t left any food or wrappers at your location (read more Leave No Trace tips)
- Give wildlife space. If you do see any animals, keep your distance – ideally 100m or more. This offers them an escape route
- Bring bear spray, store it in an accessible place and know what to do if a bear approaches you. Always remain calm. Depending on the behaviour of the bear, different techniques are required (read our bear safety post for more info)
Hermit Meadows campground
The Hermit Meadows campground is situated at the end of the Hermit Trail in an alpine bowl surrounded by mountains. It’s popular with overnight hikers as well as those using it as a base camp for mountaineering.
The campground usually operates from early July to early October. Depending on the year, snow may delay the opening.
There are eight tent sites, each with a wooden platform. There is a green throne (open-sided) toilet on a rocky ridge above the tent pads.
Individual metal caches provide storage for food and smelly items overnight and when not in use.
A circle of wooden planks provides a seating area just south of the caches, next to a fast running creek. A lot of hikers prefer to walk further to the rocks overlooking Highway 1 to eat food (the views are better).
Most of the tent sites sit in a cluster close to caches. About half are located on the side of a slope covered in large talus rocks. It does mean that each tent pad has a good view, though getting to them isn’t the easiest.
The most private tent pad is located on a ridge to the eastern side of the campground. This site has incredible uninterrupted views but is a much longer walk to the throne toilet.
All eight of the backcountry campsites at Hermit Meadows are reservable in advance. It’s a popular place to stay, especially on the weekend, so be prepared to make a reservation in January or check often for cancellations (or use CampNab to check for you).
Where to stay pre/post hike
The nearest vehicle accessible campground is Illecillewaet Campground. Set into a narrow valley, this frontcountry campground is on the compact side and has space for tents and smaller RVs only (less than 10m / 33 foot). Sites are $24/night.
With Illecillewaet Campground operating on a first-come, first-serve system, it is usually possible to arrive during the early afternoon and secure one of the 60 sites. There are flush toilets, campfires, kitchen shelters, potable water and food lockers in this campground but no showers.
Loop Brook Campground is Glacier National Park’s other frontcountry campground and there are 20 reservable sites. Loop Brook has similar facilities to Illecillewaet Campground. Again, the sites are on the smaller side and there are no showers. The nightly fee is $23.
One of the closest non-camping options is Heather Mountain Lodge. This beautiful property is located just beyond Glacier National Park’s eastern border.
Almost the same distance in the other direction is Canyon Hot Springs Resort. As well as the two large mineral pools, there is a full-service RV park and tent campground plus rustic cabins and lodges.
Revelstoke is the closest full-service town to the Glacier Crest Trail (65km). There is a good choice of accommodation here, from hotels and motels to B&Bs and vacation rentals. My top pick is the Regent Hotel on 1st Street, a super central family owned and operated hotel with complimentary breakfast.
Other posts you may find helpful
The Glacier Crest Trail, Glacier National Park
17+ of the Best Day Hikes in British Columbia, Canada
Where to Find Golden Larches in British Columbia, Canada
Canadian Rockies Road Trip Loop: Detailed 9 to 12 Day Itineraries
Berg Lake Trail: Complete Hiking Guide
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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Consider buying us a coffee if you have find any of our guides helpful!