The best hikes in Glacier National Park start in Rogers Pass, with the trailheads at Illecillewaet Campground providing access to a number of outstanding hiking trails.     One of those trails goes up Abbott Ridge to an alpine meadow and then to a rocky ridge with 360° views.    The trail is a good one, climbing through the forest on switchbacks for 3 km to Marion Lake.   A little farther along the trail is a junction with choices for a shorter and steeper route or a longer and not as steep route.    We usually go up the steeper way and may take the longer route back.    The trail emerges into the subalpine zone and the views are abundant, with the Mt. Sir Donald Range on the east.   

An open meadow is a good end point for some hikers, but the steep trail to the top of the ridge provides even better views.     The trail continues along a narrow ridge bearing south.    An end-of-trail sign is posted, but hikers can scramble farther.    At the end of the ridge is a difficult traverse toward the peak, only to be done with climbing gear.     This is a good turn-around spot.   

On the way down, the longer route makes the downhill easier on the knees and it adds extra views up the Asulkan Valley.    The entire route is 14 – 17 km, depending on how high you choose to climb and which route you choose with about 1060m of elevation.   A harder hike, but a very rewarding one, a favorite.

Shared here are some photos from one of the times we hiked Abbott Ridge.     Click a link on any photo to go to the Google Photos album (with captions) or scroll through the slideshow embedded into this post:

More information – Abbott Ridge (YouTube) and some more Rogers Pass hikes on this website including Hermit Trail, Asulkan Trail, and more to come.