Did you know that Glacier National Park has its very own mountain tunnel? The Ptarmigan Tunnel has been around since 1930, saving many a hiker a strenuous climb over very steep terrain between Many Glacier and the Belly River Valley. This means you’ll have the ability to walk right through a mountain (and it’s pretty great).
You’ll find the Ptarmigan Tunnel near Many Glacier.
Julie Naegler / alltrails.com And while you’re welcome to simply explore the tunnel, you may want to challenge yourself and try part of the intense 10-mile Ptarmigan Trail. It’s pretty exhilarating.
The path takes you through some of the park’s most stunning scenery.
Joey Dalesandro / alltrails.com The hike begins behind the cabins near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, and you’ll immediately turn right at a junction after seeing signs for the Iceberg Lake trail.
The Ptarmigan Tunnel was formed by two opposing steel jackhammers drilling from either side and a series of 10-hole rounds of dynamite.
Ann Plyley / alltrails.com Believe it or not, the entire process took less than three months.
Would you enter this tunnel door?
Bill Tompkins / alltrails.com Everything is fairly spacious inside, so if you aren’t prone to claustrophobia, you’ll be able to enjoy it.
Stepping into the tunnel truly feels like entering another world.
Bill Tompkins / alltrails.com A wide area originally meant for guide and tourist horses extends from each portal with a masonry retaining wall.
Before you know it, you’ll emerge from the other side, and there will be even more views to take in.
Zach Mariani / alltrails.com Your time inside the tunnel will be fairly brief, but it will be memorable.
The Ptarmigan Trail is not an easy hike – but it takes you to one magical destination.
Srikanth G / alltrails.com If you’d like to see it for yourself and you’re not an experienced hiker, bring along someone who is.
Had you heard of the Ptarmigan Tunnel before today?
Julie Naegler / alltrails.com
And while you’re welcome to simply explore the tunnel, you may want to challenge yourself and try part of the intense 10-mile Ptarmigan Trail. It’s pretty exhilarating.
Joey Dalesandro / alltrails.com
The hike begins behind the cabins near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, and you’ll immediately turn right at a junction after seeing signs for the Iceberg Lake trail.
Ann Plyley / alltrails.com
Believe it or not, the entire process took less than three months.
Bill Tompkins / alltrails.com
Everything is fairly spacious inside, so if you aren’t prone to claustrophobia, you’ll be able to enjoy it.
Bill Tompkins / alltrails.com
A wide area originally meant for guide and tourist horses extends from each portal with a masonry retaining wall.
Zach Mariani / alltrails.com
Your time inside the tunnel will be fairly brief, but it will be memorable.
Srikanth G / alltrails.com
If you’d like to see it for yourself and you’re not an experienced hiker, bring along someone who is.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Ptarmigan Tunnel, Montana 59928, USA
