Iceberg Lake (05/06/2026)
Breathtaking hike on a perfect early-season day at GNP. Much of the trail is still covered in snow (starting ~1 mile prior to reaching the Iceberg Lake-Ptarmigan Tunnel trail fork) - still traversable by an experienced hiker armed with fresh legs, microspikes, and the luxury of time, but definitely not recommended for beginners/families. A couple bear sightings along the way - goes without saying but bear spray is obviously a must. For the last ~0.5 miles, instead of veering due south and crossing the creek immediately, best to continue southwest and pass the pond on its western side before turning southeast to approach the lake. The lake itself is unsurprisingly frozen at this time of year but still starkly beautiful.
Photo descriptions (reverse chronological order):
- Iceberg Lake
- Iceberg Creek
- Approaching Iceberg Creek
- Looking out toward the basin (~1.5 miles from Iceberg Lake)
- Representative snow conditions throughout the second half of the trail
- Nice view from a dry stretch of the upper trail
- One of the first views of the cirque through the trees
- Another view of the cirque
- Ptarmigan Falls
- Bridge crossing Ptarmigan Creek
11-13. Views from the first half of the trail