Stoney Indian Pass Trail

Stoney Indian Pass Trail is a long-distance, multi-day backpacking route in Glacier National Park’s remote northern backcountry, run through the Belly River drainage and the pass-and-lake country around Stoney Indian Pass (6,908 ft). It’s strenuous and is typically done as a 2–3 day trip, with the main climbing concentrated after the first stretch north of the pass approach.

Most hikers run the route from Chief Mountain Customs Trailhead to Goat Haunt, using Goat Haunt as the pickup point for a shuttle. The trail totals about 26.6 miles one way, trending generally downstream/upstream as it moves from valley floor travel toward the pass and then back down into Waterton Valley.

In the Belly River Valley, the hike is comparatively gradual for roughly the first 14 miles as you move along the Mokowanis River corridor toward Glenns Lake. After Glenns Lake the character changes: the route begins a steeper climb with switchbacks up through the headwalls toward Stoney Indian Pass.

From the top, the descent leads to Stoney Indian Lake and continues toward the Waterton Valley. The route then drops the final miles into the Waterton side of the park to end at Goat Haunt Ranger Station.

Along the way, the trail passes through backcountry camping terrain including areas near Cosley Lake and Glenns Lake, and it provides access to campsites around Stoney Indian Lake and the wider Mokowanis River and Waterton Valley corridor.

Overnight travel requires reservable backcountry camping/permit arrangements for Glacier National Park. Plan for overnight permit requirements and campsite reservations before you go, since camping is tied to specific designated sites along the route.

More information: Booking, Goat Haunt to Chief Mountain - experience glacier national park, Glacier National Park Multi-Day Hikes - Enjoy Your Parks