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Boulder Pass
Includes Kintla Lake, Upper Kintla Lake, Boulder Pass, Boulder Pass Overlook
This is the classic view of Thunderbird Mountain from the east side of Boulder Pass (facing south). Directly below you beyond the edge of the cliff you're standing on (in the foreground), is the Hole In The Wall Area of Glacier National Park.
Boulder Pass is located in Glacier's remote Northern Wilderness, and is one the the premier overnight hikes in Glacier National Park. Each step presents breathtaking beauty and majestic peaks that surround you in all directions. You will get a rare glimpse into some of the most wild and remote areas found anywhere in the lower 48 states, and we can assure you that you'll remember this incredible Glacier Park hike for the rest of your life!
The Boulder Pass Trail is one of our personal favorites, and on this page we will attempt to show you some of the highlights of the spectacular hike to Boulder Pass. However, to truly appreciate the vastness, the remoteness and the astounding beauty, you really need to grab your overnight pack and experience the Boulder Pass Trail first hand. You'll then understand why we are so passionate about this amazing Glacier Park hike.
The trailhead for Boulder Pass is located at the Kintla Lake Campground at the foot of Kintla Lake. This section of Glacier National Park is known as the Polebridge- North Fork Area. Located along the west side of Glacier National Park, the North Fork Area is the gateway to the great Northern Wilderness.
For detailed Information on the North Fork - Polebridge Area, click here.
The Boulder Pass Trail takes you along the north shores of Kintla Lake and Upper Kintla Lake, and you will then begin the steep ascent up many switchbacks to the west side of Boulder Pass. You'll then hike past the Boulder Pass Backcountry Campground on your way to the east side of Boulder Pass and the Boulder Pass Overlook. Both Boulder Pass and the Boulder Pass Overlook are directly above the famous Hole In The Wall of Glacier National Park. (See detailed map at bottom of page.)
The two most popular overnight hikes involving Boulder Pass that originate from the Boulder Pass Trail trailhead at Kintla Lake is either the hike to Goat Haunt, which is a total of 31.4 miles, or the hike to Bowman Lake Campground via Brown Pass, which is 36.6 miles.
To get to Goat Haunt Ranger Station from Kintla Lake, you will first hike to Boulder Pass along the Boulder Pass Trail, then to Hole In The Wall, then Brown Pass, then down the Olson Creek Valley past Lake Francis and Lake Janet, then finally to Goat Haunt. Again, this hike along the Boulder Pass Trail is 31.4 miles in length.
To get to Bowman Lake Campground from Kintla Lake, you will first hike to Boulder Pass, then through Hole In The Wall, then Brown Pass, then take the Bowman Lake Trail down to the foot of Bowman Lake where the Bowman Lake Campground is located. This hike is 36.6 miles.
Both are superb Glacier Park hikes that take you through incredibly remote country that is breathtakingly beautiful. Again, the overnight backpacking hike to Boulder Pass and beyond is not only one of the top hikes in Glacier Park, but is one of the best hikes in North America, and once you experience this amazing area, you'll understand why.
Two Popular Overnight Hikes involving Boulder Pass
The Hike To Boulder Pass.....
Trailhead: Kintla Lake Campground, Boulder Pass Trail
Distance: 19.2 Miles (To East Side of Boulder Pass)
Elevation Gain: 3,472 vertical feet
Note: The entire length of the Boulder Pass Trail from Kintla Lake to Goat Haunt is 31.3 miles. CLICK HERE to visit our mileage page for the Boulder Pass Trail.
Kintla Lake (Mile 0.0)
Your hike will begin at the Kintla Lake Campground in Glacier National Park. There is a parking area for overnight backpackers just before you reach the campground. We suggest that you first drive to the campground to get a great view of the incredible Kintla Lake, and to fill your water bottles before you head out. Once you've done this, drive back to the overnight backpacker's parking area, and begin your hike along the Boulder Pass Trail.
Kintla Lake is a gorgeous lake that extends 6.3 miles into the northern wilderness of Glacier National Park. This is a view from the Kintla Lake Campground at the foot of the long, narrow lake.
The Boulder Pass Trail follows the north shore of Kintla Lake all the way to the Kintla Lake Campground (Head) in 6.3 miles. The trail has a few hills to attempt to tire you out, but for the most part the trail is fairly level. As you get closer to the campground, you will begin to see the monstrous Kinnerly Peak emerge to the southeast, across the lake. This giant matterhorn is a icon of the remote Northern Wilderness of Glacier National Park, and you'll get to see this great peak for nearly the entire hike to the east side of Boulder Pass.
This is a view of Kintla Lake from the Boulder Pass Trail in Glacier National Park. The trail follows the north shore of Kintla Lake all the way to the head of the lake, which is about 6.3 miles.
Kintla Lake Backcountry Campground (Mile 6.3)
This wonderful campground is located right along the shore of Kintla Lake, and is a very popular spot because not only is it where any hiker coming from Goat Haunt or Bowman Lake must stop for the night, but there are also kayakers and canoers who paddle up the lake and stay for the night and then paddle back to the foot of Kintla Lake the next day. We can guarantee you that you won't be alone. (If you're in good shape and you'd like to cover more ground, then you can reserve a campsite at the Upper Kintla Lake Campground instead, which is 11.6 miles from the trailhead.)
This is a look at the Kintla Lake Campground (Head) along the Boulder Pass Trail in Glacier National Park.
This is a view from the shore of Kintla Lake at Kintla Lake Campground (Head) in Glacier Park. Notice the tall matterhorn in the distance- that is the famous Kinnerly Peak. You will camp directly underneath this great mountain at Upper Kintla Lake Campground the next night!
Once you leave the Kintla Lake Backcountry Campground, the trail then covers 2.7 miles of ground between Kintla and Upper Kintla Lakes...
This is a photo of the section of the Boulder Pass Trail in Glacier National Park that's between Kintla Lake and Upper Kintla Lake. Kinnerly Peak(left) and Kintla Peak (right) dominate the skyline to the southwest. This part of the trail has several large open meadows that provide very nice views. This stretch between the two lakes is about 3 miles long.
Foot of Upper Kintla Lake (Mile 9.0)
This is Shannon hiking along the foot of Upper Kintla Lake along the Boulder Pass Trail in Glacier National Park
Once you reach Upper Kintla Lake, the Boulder Pass Trail will follow the north shore all the way to the head of the lake, and this is where the Upper Kintla Lake Campground is located. The magnificent Kinnerly Peak rises straight up from the south shore of the lake, and is truly a breathtaking sight!
Here's a view of Upper Kintla Lake from the foot of the lake. At the head of this lake, far in the distance, is the Upper Kintla Lake Campground. The mountain in the far distance is known as Gardner Point, and the huge matterhorn to the right is Kinnerly Peak. You will be sleeping near the base of this huge mountain later on that night.
Another view of Upper Kintla Lake and Kintla Glacier on our way to the Upper Kintla Lake Campground on the Boulder Pass Trail in Glacier National Park.
This is Kinnerly Peak as viewed from just west of the Upper Kintla Lake Campground on the Boulder Pass Trail in Glacier National Park.
Upper Kintla Lake Campground (Mile 11.6)
If you stayed overnight at the Kintla Lake Campground (Head), then the next morning you'll head along the Boulder Pass Trail towards Upper Kintla Lake and the Upper Kintla Lake Campground. The two lakes are separated by about 3 miles of partially forested, partially open country. The trail crosses some large open meadows, and there you will begin to really get a great view of Kinnerly Peak, as well as begin to get a good look at the mammoth Kintla Peak. Kintla Peak is the symbol of the great Northern Wilderness of Glacier National Park, and is one of the tallest peaks in Glacier. The view of Kintla Peak from here doesn't do it justice. You'll really get to see Kintla Peak in all of its glory on the following day.
Upper Kintla Lake Campground
Upper Kintla Lake Campground, Glacier National Park.
This is a view of Kinnerly Peak from the shore at Upper Kintla Lake Campground in Glacier National Park.
Another view of Upper Kintla Lake from the shore of Upper Kintla Lake Campground along the Boulder Pass Trail in Glacier National Park.
Boulder Pass - West Side (Mile 17.2)
The next morning you'll begin your steep ascent to the west side of Boulder Pass. You'll first cross Kintla Creek, and then begin the tiring trek up the west slope of Gardner Point through a series of switchbacks. You will climb about 3,000 feet in a little over 3.3 miles, but the great thing about this section of your Boulder Pass Trail hike is that you'll be so enthralled with the views of Kinnerly Peak and Kintla Peak to the west that you'll probably forget how tired you are.
The steep hike up the west slope of Gardner Point...
This is an early morning shot of Kinnerly Peak (right) and Kintla Peak (behind Kinnerly to the left) just as the morning sun touched the summits of these great mountains. The reddish color is known as "alpenglow". We had just begun our hike up the steep west slope of Gardner Point on our way to Boulder Pass in Glacier Park.
The morning sun continued to blanket Kintla Peak (left) and Kinnerly Peak (right) as we continued our steep hike up to Boulder Pass in Glacier Park. In this photo you can begin to see the great Agassiz Glacier below Kintla Peak to the left.
As you continue to climb in elevation, the view of Kintla Peak and Kinnerly Peak- the giant icons of the Northern Wilderness of Glacier National Park, become more and more impressive, and eventually you will get a perfect view of the famous Agassiz Glacier resting underneath the great Kintla Peak. You are witnessing some of the most remote and rugged peaks in North America that few people ever get to see. (We strongly suggest that you bring plenty of memory cards and batteries for your camera, because this is when the photo-taking really goes into high gear!)
This is a good shot of the famous Agassiz Glacier resting below Kintla Peak. Kintla Peak is one of the most remote mountains in the Northern Wilderness of Glacier National Park, and is also one of the tallest mountains in Glacier Park. Very few people ever get to see this famous icon of the Glacier Park's remote northern wilderness. As we took this photo we were just about to reach Boulder Pass
When you reach the West Side of Boulder Pass, you'll get a breathtaking view of Kintla Peak, Kinnerly Peak and Agassiz Glacier to the west. Boulder Peak is directly above you to the south, and to the north is Gardner Point. The west side of Boulder Pass is truly a magical spot!
Boulder Pass - West Side
This is the classic view from Boulder Pass to the west. Kintla Peak (left) and Kinnerly Peak (right) dominate the view. The hike to Boulder Pass is definitely one of the premier hikes in Glacier National Park.
Boulder Pass quite often has snow on it during the early to mid-summer season. This photo was taken on August 19th.
Boulder Pass Campground
You will immediately see the sign for the Boulder Pass Campground, which is only a few hundred yards off the trail to the north, nestled underneath the huge cliffs of Gardner Point.
The Boulder Pass Campground rests below the tall cliffs of Gardner Point, and is just a few hundred yards northeast of the west side of Boulder Pass in Glacier National Park.
Overnight backpackers setting up camp at the Boulder Pass Campground in Glacier National Park.
A view of the Boulder Pass Trail facing northeast. Gardner Point dominates the landscape.
Boulder Peak
If you'd like an easy hike to a major mountain summit, then Boulder Peak in Glacier National Park is perfect for you! Boulder Peak's long, gradual ridge that runs northwest to southeast begins right at the west side of Boulder Pass. If you have overnight packs, it's best if you leave this heavy stuff hanging at the Boulder Pass Campground so your hike to Boulder Peak is far more enjoyable. (Please ask the rangers when you pick up your permit if it's OK to do this). If you're staying at the Boulder Pass Campground, then of course it's OK to hang all your heavy gear there.
You will get this rare look at Pocket Lake as you hike to the summit of Boulder Peak. Notice there is still ice on the lake, and it was August 19th when we took this photo! The towering peaks behind Pocket Lake are Mount Peabody (left), Kintla Peak (middle) and Kinnerly Peak (right). These is some of the most remote country in the lower 48, and is an iconic symbol of the northern wilderness of Glacier National Park.
This is the classic view from the summit of Boulder Peak facing west. Kintla Peak (center), Kinnerly Peak (right), Agassiz Glacier (below Kintla Peak) and Mount Peabody (left) dominate the landscape to the west. These peaks are in some of the most remote country in the lower 48 states.
The views from Boulder Peak are nothing less than spectacular in all directions. The ridge to the summit is only about a mile and a half long, and very gradual, and all we can say is that you are going to be astounded with the sights you'll see from up there! For detailed views from the summit of Boulder Peak, click here.
Boulder Pass is about 2.0 miles long...
Boulder Pass is actually about 2.0 miles long, and it runs east to west. The Boulder Pass West Side gives you the spectacular views of the iconic Kintla Peak - Kinnerly Peak Area, and the Boulder Pass East Side gives you remarkable views of the famous Hole In The Wall Area and beyond. Between these two points is a wonderful section of the Boulder Pass Trail that gradually works its way around the looming Boulder Peak and Boulder Glacier. You can't help but notice the evidence of very recent glaciation that occurred on this trail less than a hundred years ago from the receding Boulder Glacier. The rocks are freshly polished from the glacial ice sliding across them, and there are fresh piles of gravel, called moraines beside the trail. The hike between the west side and east side of Boulder Pass is a fascinating and enjoyable hike. About midway between the west and east sides of Boulder Pass is the highest point on the pass, which is about 7,478 feet.
This is a view of Gardner Point looking back as we headed for the east end of Boulder Pass in Glacier National Park.
This is a view to the west as Shannon works her way across the 2 mile long Boulder Pass in the northern wilderness of Glacier National Park. Note Gardner Point behind her.
Boulder Pass Overlook (Mile 19.5)
About halfway between the west and east ends of Boulder Pass (near the highest point on Boulder Pass), you will see a fork in the trail. The more heavily used trail (trail to the right) is the main Boulder Pass Trail that continues on to the east end of Boulder Pass, and then down to Hole In the Wall and beyond. The less traveled trail to the left takes you up the terminal moraine of Boulder Glacier, which is basically a long, narrow gravel pile. This trail takes you far above the main trail and parallels it for about a mile- all the way to the east end of Boulder Pass which is where the Boulder Pass Overlook is located.
Shannon is heading to the highest point on Boulder Pass (7,478 feet), which is about midway between the West End and the East End of Boulder Pass. Near this high point is where the trail to the Boulder Pass Overlook is located. This trail follows the crest of the Boulder Glacier Terminal Moraine, which looks like a long, narrow gravel pile. This is one of the premier hikes in Glacier National Park.
Shannon is now on the Boulder Glacier Terminal Moraine, heading for the Boulder Pass Overlook. This is one of our favorite hikes in Glacier Park.
Shannon hiking on the Boulder Glacier Terminal Moraine in Glacier Park on her way to the Boulder Pass Overlook.
This is a good view to the west as Shannon hikes along the top of the Boulder Glacier Terminal Moraine toward the Boulder Pass Overlook in Glacier National Park. Note the Boulder Pass Trail below her as it heads toward the east end of Boulder Pass.
Hikers below us on the main Boulder Pass Trail heading for the Boulder Pass Campground located on the West Side of Boulder Pass. We took this photo from the crest of the moraine as we hiked toward the Boulder Pass Overlook. The Boulder Pass Trail is one of the top overnight Glacier National Park hikes.
Another view of the trail along the Boulder Glacier Terminal Moraine heading to the Boulder Pass Overlook in Glacier Park.
Shannon getting closer to the Boulder Pass Overlook in Glacier Park. Note Boulder Glacier and Boulder Peak behind her.
You'll get a great view of the famous Boulder Glacier while you're at the Boulder Pass Overlook in Glacier National Park.
This is a good view of Thunderbird Mountain and the famous Hole In The Wall as we hiked closer to the Boulder Pass Overlook in Glacier National Park. Note the glacial tarns (lakes) far below you along the Boulder Pass Trail.
This is the classic view of Thunderbird Mountain from the Boulder Pass Overlook. Thunderbird Mountain is an iconic image of the remote northern wilderness of Glacier National Park. Boulder Pass is about 650 feet directly below Shannon.
Standing about 650 feet above Boulder Pass, the views from the Boulder Pass Overlook are absolutely astonishing. Thunderbird Mountain dominates the view to the south, and is one of the most recognized images of the great Northern Wilderness of Glacier National Park. To the east, you will see the monstrous Mount Cleveland, which is the tallest peak in Glacier Park. Also to the east is a great view of Brown Pass, as well as the towering dome-shaped mass of Mount Chapman just to the north of Brown Pass. To the southwest you will enjoy a great view of Boulder Peak and Boulder Glacier.
This is a view to the west from the Boulder Pass Overlook in Glacier Park. Mount Cleveland dominates the landscape, and is the tallest peak in Glacier Park. Note Brown Pass in the center of the photo and Boulder Pass directly below you.
Directly below you as you stand on the Boulder Pass Overlook is the east side of Boulder Pass and the Hole In The Wall. You can see the main trail far below you, where the hikers look like ants, and along that trail you will notice the smooth, polished grey colored rocks and the many glacial tarns (small lakes) created by recent glaciation.
Here's one more classic image of Thunderbird Mountain from the Boulder Pass Overlook. Directly below us in this photo is the west side of Boulder Pass, and beyond the edge of these grey rocks is the famous Hole In The Wall. As we have mentioned many times before, this is one of our favorite overnight hikes in Glacier Park.
Shannon hiking back to the Boulder Pass Trail after enjoying the incredible view from the Boulder Pass Overlook. The trail to the overlook works its way through lush green meadows.
Once you've enjoyed this spectacular experience on the Boulder Pass Overlook in Glacier National Park (and probably used a ton of memory cards!), you then must hike back one mile along the same trail you came from until you reach the main trail again, then take a left and begin hiking towards the east end of Boulder Pass. Yes the Boulder Pass Overlook is about a 2 mile "out of your way" side trip, but we feel is well worth the effort.
Boulder Pass - East Side (Mile 19.5)
The views from the east side of Boulder Pass are marvelous, especially of the gigantic Thunderbird Mountain directly to the south. You'll also get a great view of the massive Mount Cleveland, which is the tallest peak in Glacier National Park, as well as the large dome-shaped Mount Chapman to the northwest. Below Chapman is Brown Pass, and is where you might be heading the following day. You will notice the extremely smooth, polished grey-colored rock at the pass, as well as many small glacial tarns (small lakes). This is all created by very recent glaciation and is fascinating to see. Directly above you is the Boulder Pass Overlook, and directly below you is the Hole In The Wall.
Shannon heading back to the main Boulder Pass Trail to resume the hike to the east side of Boulder Pass in Glacier National Park. Note the dome-shaped mass of Mount Chapman to the left and Mount Cleveland in the distance.
Shannon is now back on the main Boulder Pass Trail and hiking straight west toward the west side of Boulder Pass. Note Mount Chapman to the left, Mount Cleveland in the middle, and Thunderbird Mountain to the right.
Boulder Pass Overlook is located directly above the east side of Boulder Pass in Glacier National Park.
Thunderbird Mountain seems almost "eye level" while you hike toward Boulder Pass along the Boulder Pass Trail in Glacier National Park. Between you and Thunderbird Mountain is the Hole In The Wall Area, which is hidden below your line of sight.
The final stretch to the East Side of Boulder Pass is extremely scenic and very enjoyable. As we've said several times before, the Boulder Pass Trail is one of our favorite overnight hikes in Glacier National Park.
You will hike by many glacial tarns (lakes) as you hike closer and closer to the east side of Boulder Pass. These tarns are from recent glaciation by Boulder Glacier.
You can't help but notice the polished grey rock on the east side of Boulder Pass. These rocks were "recently" polished by the glacial activity of Boulder Glacier. Note Thunderbird Mountain dominating the view to the south.
Shannon us just a few steps away from the East Side of Boulder Pass. Hole In The Wall lies directly below Boulder Pass. The trail dives off the ledge and works its way down this headwall to eventually reach the Hole In The Wall cirque (see photo) toward the Hole In The Wall Campground.
Boulder Pass
Shannon standing on the East Side of Boulder Pass with Thunderbird Mountain rising to the south. Directly beyond the ledge she is standing on is Hole In The Wall. The Boulder Pass Trail continues down this steep wall to get you to Hole In The Wall Campground and Brown Pass.
While standing on the East Side of Boulder Pass, directly below you is the famous Hole In The Wall, which includes the popular Hole In The Wall Campground. From this point on Boulder Pass, the Boulder Pass Trail works its way down the massive headwall and then wraps around the large, vegetated cirque (basin) that leads to the spur trail which takes you to the Hole In The Wall campground.
Beyond Boulder Pass...
The Boulder Pass Trail continues past Hole In The Wall and travels onward to Brown Pass and eventually through the Olson Creek Valley, which is home to Thunderbird Pond, Lake Francis and Lake Janet. Beyond the Olson Creek Valley is Goat Haunt, which marks the end of your Boulder Pass Trail hiking adventure.
Here's another look at Boulder Glacier and Boulder Peak to the southwest as Shannon gets closer to the east end of Boulder Pass in Glacier National Park.
This is the view to the east from the East Side of Boulder Pass. Mount Cleveland, the tallest peak in Glacier National Park, looms in the distance. Brown Pass can be seen far below you to the east.
Boulder Peak Summit View
This is a photo of the Boulder Pass Trail from the summit of Boulder Peak as it works its way across the 2 mile long Boulder Pass. Note where the trail to the Boulder Pass Overlook leaves the main trail and heads up the Boulder Glacier terminal moraine.
Boulder Peak Summit View
Here's another view from the summit of Boulder Peak of the Boulder Pass Area. Note that the trail to the Boulder Pass Overlook parallels the Boulder Pass Trail, but is about 650 feet above it, giving you an incredible vantage point.
Boulder Peak Summit View
Another view of the Boulder Pass / Hole In The Wall Area from the summit of Boulder Peak in Glacier National Park.
View of the Boulder Pass Area from the summit of Mount Chapman.
For detailed information on Goat Haunt, click here.
For Boulder Pass Trail Summary: Mileage and Trail Map from Kintla Lake to Goat Haunt, click here.
The hike along the Boulder Pass Trail is one of the premier overnight backpacking hikes in not only Glacier National Park, but in all of North America, and is definitely one of our favorites. While on this incredible Glacier Park hike, you will find yourself in the middle of some of the most remote country in the lower 48 states, and you will enjoy amazing scenery that is rarely seen by humans. If you're in good shape and you like overnight backpacking, we highly recommend that you plan a hike to Boulder Pass. And whether you end up at Goat Haunt or Bowman Lake, you can't go wrong. You'll enjoy every step of the way!
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