GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, Montana – Hiking to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook in Glacier National Park is a strenuous but highly worthwhile experience rewarding visitors with a commanding view atop the narrow crest of the Garden Wall. Standing on the Continental Divide, hikers can enjoy spectacular views of Grinnell Glacier, Upper Grinnell Lake and Mount Gould.
It is a truly amazing destination but given the absolute lack of vegetation on this alpine section of the trail, running into a grizzly bear would leave one feeling quite exposed with few options to give the bear room to pass safely by. The following video documents a hiker’s experience encountering a grizzly bear at the top of Grinnell Pass.
He and the other hikers on the ridge followed the correct protocols of making noise to deter the approaching grizzly while prepared to deploy bear spray. Thankfully the bear chose to take a steep incline into the glacial pools and everyone came away unscathed with an incredible story to tell when they got back to the trailhead.
Learn more about grizzly bear safety while hiking in Glacier National Park below:
Here is a longer version of events same encounter which takes following the Garden Wall Trail to Grinnell Glacier Overlook:
Glacier National Park Safety Guidelines To Hiking in Bear Country:
Make Noise
Bears usually move out of the way if they hear people approaching. Bear bells are not adequate or effective. Calling out and clapping at regular intervals are better ways to make your presence known. Do your best never to surprise a bear.
Hike in Groups
Hiking in groups significantly decreases your chances of having a negative bear encounter. There have not been any reported attacks on groups of four or more in Glacier. If you’re a solo hiker looking for company, check the Ranger-led Activity page for guided hikes.
Don’t Run on Trails
Joggers and runners risk surprising a bear on the trail. Trail running is strongly discouraged.
Carry Bear Spray
Bear spray is an inexpensive way to deter bear attacks and has been shown to be the most effective deterrent. Be sure you know how to use it and that you are carrying it in an accessible place. Check the Ranger-led Activity page for summer demonstrations.
Bear Encounters
If you encounter a bear inside the minimum recommended safe distance (100 yards; 91 m), you can decrease your risk by following these guidelines:
- If a bear or other animal is moving in your direction on a trail, get out of its way and let it pass.
- If you can move away, do so. If moving away appears to agitate the bear, stop. In general, bears show agitation by swaying their heads, huffing, and clacking their teeth. Lowered head and laid-back ears also indicate aggression. Bears may stand on their hind legs or approach to get a better view, but these actions are not necessarily signs of aggression. The bear may not have identified you as a person and may be unable to smell or hear you from a distance. Help the bear recognize you as a friendly human.
- Talk quietly.
- Do not run! Back away slowly. Stop if it seems to agitate the bear.
- Use your peripheral vision. Bears may interpret direct eye contact as threatening.
- Continue to move away as the situation allows.
- If a bear appears intent on approaching you, your group, or your campsite in a non-defensive manner (not showing signs of agitation), gather your group together, make noise, and try to discourage the bear from further approaching. Prepare to deploy your bear spray. If you are preparing or consuming food, secure it. DO NOT LET THE BEAR GET YOUR FOOD!
- If a bear approaches in a defensive manner (appears agitated and/or charges), stop. Do not run. Talk quietly to the bear. Prepare to deploy your bear spray. If contact appears imminent and you do not have bear spray, protect your chest and abdomen by falling to the ground on your stomach, clasp your hands around the back of your neck, and leave your pack on for protection. If the bear attempts to roll you over, try to stay on your stomach. If the attack is defensive, the bear will leave once it recognizes you are not a threat. If the attack is prolonged, FIGHT BACK!