Gem Glacier

Gem Glacier is a hanging glacier located on the north face of the Continental Divide within Glacier National Park. It sits above Grinnell Glacier along the Garden Wall cliff formation, creating a visible white mass against the rock face.

The glacier has been scientifically monitored since the 1960s, showing the same changes observed in other regional glaciers. Decades of measurements confirm it has steadily diminished in size over time.

Researchers at the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center monitor Gem Glacier to understand environmental changes affecting the Lewis Range glacial system.

Visitors can observe this glacier from several marked viewing areas along the park's hiking trails during the warmer months. The clearest views typically come early in the day when sunlight illuminates the ice from the proper angle.

This ice mass is one of the smallest named glaciers within the entire park and often goes unnoticed by visitors. Its diminutive size makes it an important indicator of how rapidly the climate is changing in this mountain region.

Location: Montana

GPS coordinates: 48.74667,-113.72778

Latest update: December 12, 2025 08:00