The best hike in any US national park is a must-see.

A short hiking trail in Glacier National Park is considered one of the best hiking trails in the United States. The publication explains what awaits hikers on this trail. Travel & Leisure.

"On a clear day in eastern Glacier National Park, I stood at the base of a rushing cascade and watched crystal-clear water cascade over smooth, reddish rocks," writes author Kew Fleshman. "Spray rises into the air, catching the sunlight and scattering iridescent reflections across the surface of the falls. But it's not just the waterfall itself that's impressive—the surrounding alpine lakes and high mountain peaks. And one of the main attractions of this place is that you don't have to travel tens of kilometers into the wilderness to experience such unspoiled beauty."

Instead of a multi-day hike, the route to Redrock Falls is a short, round-trip hike of about four and a half miles. Glacier Park has hundreds of miles of trails, so this relatively short route can be easily missed on a map or in a guidebook.

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"But in my opinion, Redrock Falls combines the park's most spectacular views into one route and makes them accessible without much effort," Fleshman continues. "I've visited more than 30 U.S. national parks and hiked over 3000 miles of trails across the country, including the Appalachian Trail. Redrock Falls offers maximum impact with minimal effort."

The route starts at the Swiftcurrent Trailhead, a parking lot at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins in Many Glacier Valley. From here, stunning views of the jagged peaks of the Lewis Range open up, but the views become even more impressive as you continue through the dense forest canopy, along the shores of Fishercup and Redrock Lakes. It's worth stopping along the way to take photos of the lakes and mountains, but don't linger too long—the main attraction is yet to come.

A little dexterity on the rocks along the shore of Redrock Lake, and you can reach the very base of the waterfall. It's about 6 meters high. It's not the tallest or most powerful waterfall in the park, but its bright red rock terraces and rugged mountain setting make it perhaps one of the most spectacular.

If you'd like to continue, are there other routes nearby? For example, to Ptarmigan Falls or Swiftcurrent Pass."

What is important to know before going on a hike?

The trail to Redrock Falls is short and mostly on flat, soft ground, so no special equipment is required. Comfortable shoes—sneakers or hiking sandals if you plan to enter the water—sunscreen, binoculars, and a good camera are all you need. And be sure to bring bear spray, as both grizzly and black bears inhabit the park.

You're unlikely to be alone on the trail. Glacier is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. It gets crowded, especially on clear days. With a little patience and a willingness to share the trail with others, the hike will be a truly enjoyable experience.

As for food, it's best to bring a snack, such as from Nell's Restaurant at Swiftcurrent, which is open seasonally, and linger longer after having a picnic. Besides the waterfall, you can spot wildlife: mountain goats and bighorn sheep often appear on the slopes.

Best time to visit

"Personally, I prefer to visit national parks outside of peak season, so I recommend early fall or late spring," the author recommends. "The roads in the eastern and western parts of the park are already open, and there are noticeably fewer people than in the summer."

Late spring is especially good for wildlife viewing. Before the peak season begins, black bears, mountain goats, and moose are more free-ranging. I was here in May and saw far more animals than during the peak season.

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It's worth keeping in mind that much of Glacier Park is only open from June to September. The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which winds through mountain passes and along cliffs, is typically open to vehicles from late June to early October, and advance reservations are required. If this road is on your itinerary, it's best to plan your trip for the summer. To avoid the heaviest crowds, it's best to hit the trail early in the morning or on weekdays.

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